How to Price for Profit Without Second-Guessing
How to Price for Profit Without Second-Guessing
If you’ve ever stood behind the chair wondering, “Am I even making money on this service?” you are not alone.
Most of us were taught how to transform hair, not how to transform our numbers. Pricing is one of the most important parts of building a sustainable business, yet no one covers it in cosmetology school.
So what happens? Stylists price their services based on what feels fair, what others are charging, or what they think clients will accept, instead of what their business actually needs to thrive.
That’s why so many of us stay fully booked but still feel financially stuck.
If you want pricing that truly supports you: your bills, your business, your artistry, it has to be rooted in your own numbers, dreams and goals.
Why Pricing Feels So Hard
I get it. Pricing can feel uncomfortable or straight-up stressful.
- Talking about money is awkward
- Raising prices can feel scary
- You worry about losing clients
- It’s easy to think, “If I charge more, people will leave”
Here’s the truth: fair pricing protects both you and your guests.
When you price too low, you end up:
- rushing through services
- upselling from a place of stress
- feeling resentful or burned out
When you price for real profit, you can:
- slow down and focus on quality
- maintain a sustainable schedule
- show up for clients with confidence
A Simple Pricing Framework I live by as a stylist who Retired and SOLD my salon for a profit!
Here’s how I break it down, no fluff:
- Know your numbers. Write down your fixed expenses like rent, insurance, and software, plus your variable costs like products, color and client experience.
- Decide on your dream paycheck. Be clear about what you want to bring home each month to feel steady and secure. (think BIG… vacations, take out, self care, all the things)
- Calculate your revenue-producing hours. Get honest about how many hours you want to work each month
- Add profit. Once you know your break-even rate, build in 20 to 25 percent so you have room to grow, stay protected and build something you can retire from!
What if Your Current Prices Aren’t Enough
Once you do this math (if you use LiQUiD no math involved for you), you might see your current prices don’t cover what you need. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you finally see the numbers clearly.
Instead of panicking, think about these steps:
- bundle services with high-margin add-ons
- educate clients about why your work is valuable through your client experience
- gradually adjust prices
When you know your numbers, you can stand behind them with confidence, not fear. (I know because I have been there)
Tools That Make It Easier
You can absolutely do this on paper or in a spreadsheet. But let’s be honest. Most stylists don’t want to be stuck in spreadsheets every month (or ever… 😂)
That’s where tools like LiQUiD come in. You enter your numbers, and it shows you what you need to charge to stay profitable, without the overwhelm in a few clicks..(math included 😉)
Think of it like a business assistant in your pocket, helping you protect both your creativity and your paycheck.
Final Thoughts
Pricing is a skill, just like cutting or coloring. You can learn it, practice it, and keep improving it. You don’t have to second-guess every price you set.You don’t have to feel guilty about getting paid fairly.
When you know your numbers, you stand behind them with confidence. That is how you protect your artistry, your peace of mind, and your income for the long run.
Sooo.. what next.. Try LiQUiD for Free!
💜Slay the day!
Chrystal Graves & Team LiQUiD