What is the history of the largest salon chain?

I’m researching the history of the largest salon chain globally—specifically, I want to understand its origins, key growth phases, and how it established itself as an industry leader. Could you detail its founding story, including the original concept and the founding entrepreneurs? I’m particularly interested in the strategic decisions that fueled its rapid expansion, such as franchising models, acquisitions, or market-entry tactics. Additionally, please cover significant milestones like breaking into international markets, technological innovations in salon management, and adaptations during economic downturns or industry disruptions. I’d also appreciate insights into controversies, rebranding efforts, or competitive challenges it has navigated over time. Finally, how does its history reflect broader trends in consumer beauty services and retail entrepreneurship?

The largest salon chain globally, currently operating under the Sola Salon Studios brand, traces its lineage through a significant merger of two major industry players: Regis Corporation and Sola Salon Studios.

1. Regis Corporation (1922 – 2021):

   • Founding & Early Growth: Founded in 1922 by Steve Mattiusi in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a single barbershop under the name "Barber’s College." It expanded slowly over decades. The critical shift began in 1965 under new ownership (Harland Sanders, KFC founder) and management rebranding to Regis Corporation in 1974, moving towards upscale hair salons.
   • Key Acquisition (1988): Regis acquired Supercuts, a rapidly growing chain emphasizing affordable, no-appointment-needed haircuts. This acquisition catapulted Regis into the mass-market segment and became its most recognizable and largest brand.
   • Rapid Expansion & Public Offering: Going public in 1993 (NASDAQ: RGS) fueled aggressive expansion. Regis acquired numerous chains including MasterCuts (1994), Cost Cutters (1995), Toni&Guy (North America, 2007), and Sassoon Salons (2004). At its peak (circa 2005-2012), Regis operated over 13,500 salons across the globe (including brands like Supercuts, MasterCuts, Cost Cutters, Regis Salons, and Sassoon) with over 30,000 stylists.
   • Industry Dominance & Challenges: For decades, Regis Corporation was the undisputed leader in the hair salon industry globally. Its dominance was built on scale, brand recognition (especially Supercuts), real estate footprint, and economies of scale. However, it faced significant challenges:
     • High debt load from acquisitions.
     • Shifting consumer preferences towards independent stylists and boutique salons.
     • Increased competition from value chains and new salon concepts.
     • Difficulty integrating diverse brands and adapting to changing retail dynamics.
   • Bankruptcy & Acquisition (2020-2021): Weakened by debt and industry shifts, Regis Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020. As part of its restructuring, it sold the vast majority of its company-owned company-operated salons to Sola Salon Studios in June 2021. Regis Corporation retained its salon management segment (franchised salons) and focused on salon brands like Sassoon Salon and Supercuts franchisees. The iconic Regis Salons brand name was largely retired.
2. Sola Salon Studios (2004 – Present):
   • Founding & Concept: Founded in 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Marcus Collett, Sola pioneered the "salon within a salon" or "studio suite rental" concept. Instead of being employees, independent licensed professionals rent individual, fully-equipped salon suites within a centrally managed facility. Sola provided the building, reception, laundry, booking systems, and business support, while stylists ran their own businesses.
   • Growth & Franchising: Sola grew rapidly through franchising, attracting entrepreneurs and stylists seeking independence without the overhead and risk of opening a standalone salon. Its model resonated well in the industry.
   • Regis Acquisition (2021): Sola acquired the company-owned assets (salons and real estate) of Regis Corporation in June 2021. This deal included hundreds of Supercuts, MasterCuts, Cost Cutters, and other Regis-owned company-operated salons, primarily converting them to the Sola model or other brands. This immediately massively expanded Sola’s physical footprint and stylist base.
   • Rebranding & Leadership Position: Post-merger, the combined entity rebranded all its locations and operations under the Sola Salon Studios name. This combined entity became the largest salon chain in the world by the number of locations, operating over 1,200 studio suites and salons across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK (as of late 2023/early 2024). It represents the largest network of independent beauty professionals globally.

Summary of the Largest Salon Chain’s History: The largest salon chain today, Sola Salon Studios, achieved its position primarily through the strategic acquisition of the immense physical assets and legacy of the former industry leader, Regis Corporation (1922-2021), which peaked with over 13,500 salons. Sola (founded 2004) revolutionized the industry with its studio rental model. The 2021 merger combined Sola’s innovative, supportive infrastructure for independents with Regis’s vast real estate portfolio and established customer base, creating the current largest salon network operating under the Sola Salon Studios brand.