Lemon Tree Hair Salons Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Lemon Tree Hair Salons is a full-service, value-priced hair salon franchise that has been serving families across the United States for over five decades. Established in 1974 on Long Island, New York, Lemon Tree has grown to become the oldest and largest hair salon franchise in the region. The company’s headquarters are located in Parsippany, New Jersey.
The franchise began its expansion in 1976, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to join a brand committed to providing high-quality salon services at affordable prices.
Lemon Tree salons cater to the entire family, offering a comprehensive range of services, including haircuts, styling, coloring, curling, smoothing, conditioning, and clarifying treatments. This full-service approach distinguishes Lemon Tree from many competitors that may focus solely on haircuts.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Lemon Tree franchise? It costs on average between $185,000 - $278,000 to start a Lemon Tree franchised facility.
This includes costs for salon build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and early operational expenses. The exact amount varies based on several factors, including the size of the salon, its location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property and equipment.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Your Training Expenses | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Premises Deposits | $4,500 to $9,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements, Construction and/or Remodeling | $63,100 to $120,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $27,000 to $32,000 |
| Exterior & Interior Signage | $7,000 to $10,000 |
| Business Licenses and Permits | $800 to $2,295 |
| Computer Systems | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| E-mail Address | $144 |
| Initial Inventory to Begin Operating | $4,000 to $5,000 |
| Security and Surveillance System | $750 to $1,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Operating Expenses / Additional Funds – 4 Months | $30,000 to $40,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $184,794 to $277,939 |
Lemon Tree Hair Salons Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Lemon Tree franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Lemon Tree’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Lemon Tree franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Lemon Tree Hair Salons?
Lemon Tree Hair Salons is owned by Jonathan Shaw, who acquired the franchise in 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded significantly, becoming the largest salon franchise on Long Island and extending its reach across the United States.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Research Lemon Tree franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Lemon Tree FDD Review.
