DRYBAR
Drybar franchises upscale shops that offer blow-dry hairstyling services in spa-like settings and at off-site locations such as residences, offices, hotels, and event venues, without providing haircuts or coloring. The business model grants franchisees a license to use the Drybar service marks, system standards, operating procedures, and training programs to operate shops typically with 8-12 chairs in upper-middle class retail centers. It targets women seeking high-end, reasonably priced pampering blowout experiences in a relaxing environment.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
7% royalty + 2% brand marketing fund + $2,000/mo local advertising fee + $775/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 146 franchised shops open as of January 1, 2024, and operated throughout 2024.
* Average gross revenue and median gross revenue were extracted directly from the 'All Studios' column in Table 1, which represents 146 franchised shops. Revenue top quartile was taken from the 'Top 10' studios average revenue, and revenue bottom quartile was taken from the 'Bottom 10' studios average revenue, as these represent the highest and lowest performing segments explicitly provided within the broader 'All Studios' category.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How DRYBAR Compares to Other Personal Care Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Personal Care Services
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Personal Care Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DRYBAR Current | $410K - $1.0M | $50K | 7.0% | 176 |
| COST CUTTERS | $184K - $336K | $40K | 5.0% | 911 |
| COMFORT KEEPERS | $120K - $191K | $55K | 5.0% | 619 |
| PALM BEACH TAN | $639K - $1.0M | $30K | 6.0% | 398 |
| HOUSE OF COLOUR | $33K - $52K | $30K | 4.0% | 312 |
| WAXING THE CITY | $311K - $646K | $43K | 6.0% | 166 |
Personal Care Services Average 20 franchises | $416K - $816K | $43K | 5.9% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 20 Personal Care Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+25 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for DRYBAR franchisees (2015 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Breach of franchise agreements, tort claims, equitable claims, and consumer protection claims by franchisees related to system acquisition and handling of Brand and System Development Fund monies.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a DRYBAR franchise?
The total initial investment to open a DRYBAR franchise ranges from $409,979 to $1,029,249. This includes a franchise fee of $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 7.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a DRYBAR franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a DRYBAR franchise is $855,793. The median revenue is $779,778.
How many DRYBAR franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, DRYBAR has 176 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2012.
Can you get an SBA loan for a DRYBAR franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for DRYBAR franchises. Historical data shows 31 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for DRYBAR franchisees, with an average loan amount of $530,513. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is DRYBAR a good franchise to buy?
DRYBAR shows several positive indicators: established brand with 176+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in DRYBAR?
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