Sola Salons Signed 22 Franchise Agreements
The salon studio franchisor expanded its footprint across six new markets during the third quarter of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Sola Salons signed franchise agreements for 22 new locations during the third quarter of 2026. These agreements involve both new franchisees and existing operators looking to expand their presence.
Why it matters
The move scales a business model that provides studio space for more than 22,000 independent professionals. By adding capacity in new markets, the company continues to grow its platform for small-business stylists and beauty entrepreneurs.
Sola Salons signed agreements for 22 units in the third quarter of 2026, building on its total base of 759 existing locations. The company, which was founded in 2004, currently hosts more than 22,000 independent beauty professionals.
The players
Sola Salons
A salon studio franchisor that provides private workspace for more than 22,000 independent beauty professionals.
The details
The expansion strategy centers on the salon studio model, where individual independent contractors rent workspace to operate their own businesses. This growth includes new franchise agreements across six markets, including regions such as Boise, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Westchester County, and Fairfield County. The firm's operational footprint also continues to develop in established areas, such as its 145 locations in California and 21 in Michigan.
Timeline
2004: Sola Salons was founded in Denver.
Q3 2026: The company signed 22 franchise agreements and opened four locations.
2026: A total of 11 new locations were opened during the year.
Market Landscape
The company's expansion follows the broader industry trend of the shift toward the independent contractor 'booth-rental' salon model, which prioritizes flexible studio space over traditional employment. This growth pattern mirrors the movement of beauty professionals away from traditional salon payrolls toward self-employment.
Operators in the beauty sector should monitor this expansion as a signal of sustained demand for independent studio-rental models. Owners of competing salon real estate should evaluate whether their current footprint or service offerings match the flexibility required by modern independent contractors.
The takeaway
The salon studio model continues to attract investment as a primary solution for independent beauty professionals. Business owners should track whether this volume of new development impacts local rental rates or increases the competition for available stylists in their specific markets.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry shifts in our Openings & Closings section.
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