Start by calculating your true cost per service using this tool — chair rent, product cost, time, and target income. If your current prices are below your break-even, raise them gradually (10-15% increments) with advance notice to clients. Most clients who leave over a price increase were already marginal clients. You'll typically retain 85-90% while earning more per service.

Product cost is one of the most commonly skipped inputs. For color services, product cost can run $15-40 per application. For keratin treatments, even more. A standard rule is to price product at 10-15% of the total service price. The calculator builds this in so your price reflects actual costs, not just time.

An independent stylist working 5 days per week might perform 6-8 services per day when fully booked. But factor in cancellations (10-15% cancellation rate is typical), slow build-up for new booth renters, and slower days mid-week. New booth renters should plan on 60-70% booking rate until they're established, higher once they have a solid repeat book.

Booth renters typically charge more than their commission counterparts at the same skill level because they have higher overhead (chair rent is a fixed cost) and no business expenses covered by a salon. Your pricing needs to cover chair rent, all product costs, and your income goal. The calculator shows exactly what you need to charge per service to hit your monthly number.