Beauty franchises: five options from US$31,000

Argentina’s beauty and personal care franchise sector offers a wide range of investment levels and operating models. Umara, d-uñas, Tiendas de Belleza, Depi4ever and Definit report new outlets over the past year and entry costs ranging from US$31,000 to US$230,000, according to a survey published by Ámbito on 9 November 2026.

Nail care: two networks with new openings

Umara was founded in Argentina in 2008 and began franchising in 2010. It has 28 franchises in the country, 12 abroad and four company-owned outlets. Also present in Chile and the United States, it added two franchises in Argentina and one overseas over the past year.

The reported investment starts at US$31,000. The package lists an initial franchise fee starting at approximately US$10,000, depending on salon size, and initial stock of US$4,000 plus VAT. It charges fixed royalties and advertising contributions, although the amounts were not specified in the publication.

Each outlet employs an average of seven people. Contracts run for five years, and the company estimates a payback period of approximately 18 months.

Meanwhile, Spanish brand d-uñas has 22 franchises and three company-owned outlets in Argentina, alongside 268 franchised outlets abroad. Over the past year, it opened four outlets in Argentina and 30 overseas.

Its reported total investment is US$36,000, including initial stock. However, its franchise information sheet also lists that amount plus VAT as the initial franchise fee: the breakdown needs to be confirmed with the company before comparing costs.

The brand offers turnkey premises, financing and 14 days of initial training, delivered in person and online. Royalties are 7.5%, with an advertising contribution of 1.5%. Contracts run for five years. The company reports average annual turnover of ARS144 million per outlet and an estimated payback period of 12–18 months.

Professional products: a retail alternative

Tiendas de Belleza offers a different model from salons: it sells professional products for hair, nails, eyelashes, make-up and other treatments, alongside customer advice.

The Argentine chain was founded in 2015 and began franchising in 2021. It has six franchises and two company-owned outlets, and recorded three new openings over the past year.

Investment starts at US$43,900, excluding building works. The breakdown includes an initial franchise fee of US$2,000, set-up costs excluding stock from US$12,000, and initial stock of at least US$29,900.

The company offers interest-free financing for that initial stock and payment terms for replenishment orders. It reports average annual turnover of US$300,000 per outlet and estimates a payback period of 12–18 months.

Hair removal: differences in scale and equipment

Depi4ever combines permanent hair removal with non-invasive aesthetic medicine treatments. Founded in Argentina in 2008, it began franchising in 2015 and has eight company-owned outlets and 14 franchises in the country. It added two franchised outlets over the past year.

Its reported total investment is US$35,000: an US$8,000 franchise fee, US$25,000 in initial investment excluding stock, and US$2,000 in stock. It targets cities with at least 200,000 residents and offers four-year contracts. The company reports average annual turnover of US$100,000 per outlet and an estimated payback period of 18 months.

Definit has the highest investment requirement in this group: between US$170,000 and US$230,000, with an initial franchise fee of US$20,000. It specialises in laser hair removal, using dedicated equipment for its treatments.

The company began franchising in Argentina in 2021 and has 20 company-owned centres and 10 franchises in the country. It added two Argentine franchises over the past year. Royalties are 9%, with an advertising contribution of 2%. It reports average annual turnover of ARS550 million per outlet and estimates a payback period of 36 months.

What to check before choosing

These figures illustrate the variety of formats available in the franchise sector, but they are not like-for-like cost estimates. Some packages include stock, others exclude building works, and one information sheet needs clarification on the franchise fee. Turnover figures are also quoted in different currencies.

Payback periods are company estimates, not guaranteed results: they may vary depending on location, sales and operating costs.

The practical takeaway: request an up-to-date, itemised quote, confirm exclusions and recurring charges, and assess how the outlet would operate before making a decision.