Commission or Chair Rental? Hairstylists, Read This First
Commission-Based Salon vs. Chair Rental—Pros, Cons & What to Know
It’s one of the biggest career decisions a stylist can make: Stick with commission or go independent. And while the freedom of booth rental can look tempting, the reality is a lot more layered.
We asked industry pros Kristen Colòn (@kristenmcolon) and Mick Lewis (@hairbymickk)—salon owners who offer both rental and commission models—to break down what stylists really need to know before making the switch. Think: realistic insights, smart questions to ask yourself and what to expect.
Ahead we break down the financial responsibility for both chair renters and commissioned stylists.
Let’s Talk Money—Beyond the Paycheck
Do booth renters really make more money?
It’s easy to assume rental means more money—but without a plan, that’s rarely the case.
“The assumption is that you make double the money as a renter… which could not be further from reality,” Mick says. “A successful renter makes around 60 percent of their total service revenue.”
Want to Earn More? Stylists Are Hitting 6 Figures With One Simple Schedule Change.
What expenses do renters need to cover?
As a renter, you’re the business owner. That means you pay for:
- Rent (weekly/monthly)
- Color, backbar and retail
- Booking software and payment fees
- Taxes (no more W-2!)
- Education and insurance
- Marketing and branding
“You get daily income, but don’t spend it fast—expenses add up,” Kristen advises.
What’s the financial upside of commission?
Commission stylists often have:
- Consistent paychecks
- Taxes withheld
- Inventory and education often covered
- Fewer financial responsibilities
Already Independent? Don’t Miss These Tax Deductions
Below, SalonCentric It Takes a Pro Team artist Stew Vann (@stew.stylez) explains why he closed his salon suite to join a commission salon:
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What Being Independent Really Looks Like
Stew said it best: Independence offers freedom—but also full responsibility.
If you rent a chair or suite, you’re now the boss of everything including:
- Booking and scheduling
- Inventory
- Customer service
- Marketing and branding
- Cleaning and upkeep
- Financial management
Mick says the most important business skill to have before renting is marketing. “You should feel like branding comes naturally—because outsourcing it is expensive.” Even the greatest artists can go unnoticed without a proper marketing and branding strategy.
Salon owner Leah Marie (@hairbyleahmarie_) says going independent was a major adjustment. “It was very overwhelming at first, but once I got my routine down and found my rhythm, it became easy.”
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to do hair and run a business?
- Am I self-motivated and organized?
- Can I set boundaries?
- How will I handle inconsistent income and more expenses?
Avoid the “Grass Is Greener” Trap
It’s easy to think the other side has it better—more freedom, more money, less stress. But both commission and rental come with trade-offs.
Mick says commission stylists often enjoy a better work-life balance because they have support. “A successful renter has to sacrifice some of their own time to focus on their business.”
Before making a move, ask yourself:
- Do I have a fully booked, loyal clientele?
- Am I ready to run the business side, not just the creative?
- Am I looking for growth—or just reacting to burnout?
Kristen recommends really thinking through your work day and how much support you want or need. “Commission stylists get to go to work and leave after their shift. Renters have more business-related tasks to do, however, your gain is more independence.”
Her pro tip? If you have the option, talk to your salon owner about your goals—and ask if there’s room to return to commission if rental doesn’t work out.
Transitioning Clients Smoothly
Your clients are loyal to you—but the little details matter when you move.
“Clients want things to be easy and familiar,” says Mick. “We’ve had clients return [from other salons] just because parking was hard or the vibe was off.”
A successful transition isn’t just about where you work—it’s about how you communicate. “Make sure you are comfortable with customer service; that is key to our success. Know how to communicate as our clients are our paychecks and walking billboards,” Kristen says.
If you’re considering a move, think about:
- Will the location be just as convenient and welcoming?
- Can you maintain (or elevate) the level of service they expect?
- How will you clearly communicate any changes?
- How will you handle issues if they arise—like service concerns, pricing confusion or scheduling mix-ups?
It’s Not About One Being Better—It’s About Fit
Both commission and rental can lead to a thriving career—it just depends on what you need to grow.
“Neither business model makes someone more or less successful,” says Mick. “You can be massively successful in either structure.”
Kristen puts it simply: Preparation is everything. “To be a good fit for a transition you need a plan,” she says. “Even a small business plan can set yourself up for greatness and longevity in your independent career.”
