Complete guide updated with new rules and opportunities
To start a small beauty salon in Brazil in 2025, you need $1,000 to $3,000 initial investment, MEI registration (free), 215-430 sq ft space (can be at home), basic equipment and online booking system like Converso.pro (free plan available).
The beauty market in Brazil moves $24 billion/year and grows 5% annually. With proper planning, you can earn $1,000 to $3,000/month working alone, or $4,000+ with a small team. The secret is starting small, focusing on profitable services (like coloring and eyebrow design) and using technology to automate bookings and payments.
It's free and 100% online through Portal do Empreendedor. Use CNAE 9602-5/01 (Hairdressers, manicure and pedicure). Revenue limit: R$81,000/year ($16,200/year). Fixed tax: about $14/month. You'll have tax ID, can issue invoices and accept cards with better rates.
Options: 1) At home (save $300-600/month in rent), 2) Small commercial space (215-430 sq ft), 3) Beauty coworking (pay only when you use). To start at home, check if your condo allows it. Prefer locations with easy parking and good visibility.
Basic list: hydraulic chair ($160-300), portable wash basin ($120-240), large mirror ($40), auxiliary cart ($30), professional hair dryer ($40-80), flat iron and curling iron ($60), manicure kit ($40). Total: $500-800. Buy used on classified ads to save 50%.
Required: sanitary permit from city hall ($20-60), online biosafety course ($10-20), sterilization kit (autoclave or dry heat sterilizer - $80-160). Some cities have simplified rules for MEI. Check with local health surveillance.
Use Converso.pro: create your professional website in 5 minutes, accept 24/7 bookings, send automatic WhatsApp reminders, receive online payments. Free plan allows 10 bookings/month, ideal to start. This eliminates phone calls and reduces no-shows by 40%.
Research 5 nearby salons. Start with prices 20% below to attract clients. Most profitable services: coloring (300% margin), eyebrow design (500% margin), eyelash extensions (400% margin). Create combos: blowout + treatment with 15% discount.
Free strategies: 1) Offer 50% discount to first 10 clients in exchange for photos and testimonials, 2) Create professional Instagram with before/after, 3) Join local Facebook groups, 4) Partner with local influencers (exchange for services), 5) Referral program: who brings friend gets 20% discount.
| Item | New | Used/Economic | Essential? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documentation (MEI + Permit) | $60 | $60 | ✓ Required |
| Hydraulic Chair | $300 | $160 | ✓ Essential |
| Wash Basin | $240 | $120 | ✓ Essential |
| Tool Kit (dryer, iron, etc) | $160 | $80 | ✓ Essential |
| Furniture (mirror, cart, cabinet) | $200 | $100 | ✓ Essential |
| Initial Products | $300 | $160 | ✓ Essential |
| Initial Marketing | $100 | $0 | Recommended |
| Decoration and Ambiance | $160 | $60 | Important |
| TOTAL | $1,520 | $740 | - |
Start with the minimum and reinvest profits. Many successful professionals started serving at home with $400 investment. The important thing is to start!
Cost: $6-10 | Charge: $30-60 | Profit: 200-500% | Duration: 2-3h
Cost: $1 | Charge: $8-12 | Profit: 700%+ | Duration: 30min
Cost: $6 | Charge: $30-40 | Profit: 400%+ | Duration: 1h30
Cost: $2 | Charge: $10-16 | Profit: 400%+ | Duration: 1h
Cost: $4 | Charge: $20-30 | Profit: 400%+ | Duration: 1h
Cost: $6 | Charge: $24-40 | Profit: 300%+ | Duration: 1h30
Post 3x/week: before and after (Tuesday), beauty tip (Thursday), behind the scenes (Saturday). Use local hashtags: #beautysalon[yourcity], #hairdresser[neighborhood]. Daily stories showing work. Reels with transformations go viral.
Set up service catalog with photos and prices. Auto-replies for business hours. Booking link in bio. Daily status with day's work. Broadcast list for promotions (maximum 1x/week).
Free registration and appears on Google Maps. Ask all satisfied clients for reviews (goal: 50 reviews in 6 months). Reply to all comments. Post photos weekly. Add all services with prices.
Gyms: discount for members. Clothing stores: discount voucher in bags. Photographers: bride package (makeup + hair). Local influencers: exchange for posts. Companies: beauty day for employees.
Yes! Many successful salons started at home. Check your condo rules and have a separate space for service. Health surveillance is usually more flexible with residential MEI. Save on rent and invest in quality.
With 5-6 services/day at $16 each, you earn $1,760-2,112/month. Deducting costs (40%), you keep $1,056-1,267. $1,000 investment pays itself in 1-2 months. Well-managed salons recover investment in 30-60 days.
No! Start alone to understand the business and build your clientele. When you have full schedule (30+ clients/week), consider an assistant or partner manicurist. Many profitable salons operate with just 1-2 professionals.
Required: biosafety course (online, $10-20). Recommended: colorimetry, eyebrow design, eyelash extensions. Many online courses cost $40-100. Technical schools offer in-person courses with recognized certificates.
Your differential: personalized service, flexible hours (work Saturday night, Sunday), fair price, cozy atmosphere. Clients value proximity and exclusive attention. 73% prefer small salons for personalized experience.
Punctuality is respect. Client waiting = lost client. Use Converso for automatic reminders.
Before/after photo of ALL work. It's your living portfolio and protection against complaints.
Every 5 services, 6th has 50% discount. Loyalty card increases return by 40%.
Coffee, water, magazine, WiFi. Small treats cost little and build loyalty.
1 new course every 3 months. Trends change fast. YouTube has excellent free content.
Write EVERYTHING: income, expenses, products. Use spreadsheet or app. Separate personal from professional.
Meet other professionals. Recommend complementary services. Unity strengthens everyone.
15min interval between clients. Time for cleaning and breathing. Avoids cascade delays.
Better to be expert in something (coloring, brides, etc) than average in everything. Specialization pays more.
Passion shows in work. Client feels when you love transforming and boosting self-esteem.
Create your professional website and booking system in 5 minutes