
There comes a point in almost every stylist’s career where they start to wonder—Am I really earning what I’m worth? It usually hits after a few years in the chair, maybe right after another long week of appointments where the commission check still doesn’t quite match the energy spent. You love what you do, but the math just doesn’t seem to love you back. That’s when the idea of renting a salon suite sneaks in.
At first, it feels a bit intimidating. More freedom, yes—but also more responsibility. No boss, no front desk, no team to rely on. Just you, your clients, and the space. But here’s the thing: if you’ve been working commission and wondering where all your hard-earned money is going, it might be time to crunch the numbers and look at the bigger picture. Because the financial benefits of renting a salon suite? They can be, frankly, game-changing.
Let’s walk through it—casually, honestly, and with a few real thoughts along the way.
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Commission-Based Salons: Predictable… But Limiting
Working in a commission-based salon is a comfortable place to start. You show up, do your work, and leave with a paycheck. Supplies? Provided. Marketing? Usually covered. Rent? Not your concern. For a lot of new stylists, this setup makes total sense.
But here’s where the catch lies: the split.
Most commission salons take anywhere from 40% to 60% of what you earn. Some take even more when factoring in product charges or booking fees. You might be charging $100 for a color service, but only seeing $40–$50 of that in your actual pay. And while that feels normal at first, over time, you start noticing the gap. You’re doing all the work, building your client base, staying late, promoting on Instagram… and yet someone else is pocketing half.

Plus, you’re on their schedule. You take the clients they give you. You work the hours they set. Want to take two weeks off? Better run it by the owner. Or brace for an awkward conversation.
In short: stable income, yes. But limited income, always.
Salon Suite Rentals: More Risk, More Reward
Renting a salon suite flips the entire model on its head. Suddenly, you’re the boss. You rent your own private suite, customize the space how you want, and run your business your way. Every client, every service, every dollar—it’s all yours (minus the cost of rent and supplies, of course).
And here’s where things get interesting. With salon suite rental income, you can scale far beyond what commission ever allowed. Let’s say you charge $70 for a haircut. Do 6 of those a day, 5 days a week—that’s $2,100 a week. Multiply that by 4, and you’re looking at $8,400 a month. Even after expenses (let’s say $2,000 for rent, products, and utilities), you’re still walking away with more than you ever did on commission.
You keep what you earn. You set your prices. You decide your promos. You take full credit for your success.
Of course, there’s a learning curve. Booking systems, taxes, inventory, branding—it’s all on you now. But many stylists find the shift empowering. And over time, the numbers start speaking for themselves.
Let’s Compare Some Real Numbers
Let’s say you’re doing $5,000 a month in services. Here’s how that might look under each model:
Commission Salon (50/50 Split):
- Gross: $5,000
- Your Take: $2,500
- No Rent, but limited control
Salon Suite Rental:
- Gross: $5,000
- Rent + Supplies: -$1,500
- Your Take: $3,500
- Full independence, long-term growth potential
That’s $1,000 more in your pocket—each month.
And that’s just breaking even on service volume. Most stylists actually earn more when they switch to suites because they start adding things: retail sales, premium add-ons, private events, even bridal bookings. All of that adds up, and it’s all salon suite rental income—directly to you.
The Freedom to Build Your Brand
When you’re in a commission salon, you’re often working under someone else’s brand. Their aesthetic. Their booking system. Their policies. Which can be fine… unless you have ideas of your own.
With a salon suite, your brand is whatever you make it.
Want a minimalist, spa-like feel? Go for it. Prefer bold colors, music, and a little edge? Do it. You get to craft the experience your clients associate with you—and that has real value. Personal branding leads to client loyalty. Loyalty leads to referrals. And all of that? Leads to more salon suite rental income over time.
It also means you can experiment—test different marketing strategies, create your own promos, tweak pricing, or offer exclusive packages. You get to grow creatively and financially, without needing approval from anyone else.
Tax Advantages Many Stylists Don’t Realize
Now, this part might seem a little dry—but it’s worth mentioning. As a salon suite renter, you’re technically self-employed. That means you can deduct a lot of business expenses from your taxes. Rent, supplies, education, marketing, even part of your phone bill—it could all qualify.
Compare that to commission-based work, where you’re treated as an employee. Less control, fewer write-offs. So while it might feel like you’re spending more in a suite, the tax season could actually tip the scale further in your favor.
Of course, it helps to talk to an accountant—someone familiar with beauty industry deductions. But the potential savings are real.
What About the Risk?
No setup is perfect. Salon suite rental income might offer more upside, but it also carries more risk.
There are slow months. Last-minute cancellations. Maintenance issues. And the emotional weight of knowing everything lands on you.
But here’s something most stylists say after they make the jump: it’s worth it.
Because even with the hard days, you’re building something of your own. You’re not just showing up to earn a paycheck—you’re building a brand, a business, and a future. And that sense of ownership? It’s powerful.

Client Experience: A Hidden Benefit
Clients love the salon suite vibe. It feels more private, more personal. There’s no waiting area full of strangers, no awkward background chatter. Just a calm space where they get your full attention.
That kind of experience keeps people coming back. And when they come back—your salon suite rental income grows consistently, without the need to constantly chase new clients.
You’ll also find that clients are often willing to pay a little more for that one-on-one, boutique feel. Especially if they know you’re running your own show. They feel like they’re supporting you, not just a salon brand.
Final Thoughts: Is It the Right Move?
Not every stylist wants to run a business. Some are happy in a commission salon, and that’s okay. But if you’ve been doing the work and watching too much of your income go elsewhere—it might be time.
Renting a salon suite isn’t just about money. It’s about control. It’s about growth. It’s about knowing that the extra effort you put in goes right back to you.
At Salon Sequence Studio, we’ve seen so many talented stylists transform their careers through suite rentals. Not overnight. Not without effort. But steadily, confidently—and profitably.
If you’re curious about what salon suite rental income could look like for you, come take a tour. Ask questions. Run your own numbers. We’re not here to pressure—we’re here to support your next step, if and when you’re ready to take it.