Drybar
Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data
Researching Drybar franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.
- Franchising since
- 2011 Source: franchise.org
- Headquarters
- Denver, CO United States Source: franchise.org
Drybar franchise specializes in professional blowouts and hair styling services, building a loyal following with its signature salon experience focused exclusiv
Headline figures
Drybar quick facts
- Is Drybar a franchise?
- Yes. Drybar offers franchises through a Franchise Disclosure Document. At the end of 2025, it reported 198 franchised and 0 company-owned outlets (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 73).
- How much does it cost to open a Drybar franchise?
- The Drybar Franchise Disclosure Document reports an estimated initial investment of $409,979–$1,029,249 (2025 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 25). This is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
- What is the Drybar initial franchise fee?
- The disclosed initial franchise fee for a standard single unit is $50,000 (2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 13). Other fee options (for example multi-unit or conversion) are listed separately in the report. Details
- What ongoing fees does Drybar charge?
- The disclosed ongoing royalty is 7% (2025 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 15). The brand or advertising fund contribution is 4% (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 18). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
- Does Drybar disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- Yes. The Drybar FDD includes an Item 19 financial performance representation (2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 71). Figures apply only to the locations and period each one covers. Details
- How many Drybar locations are there?
- The FDD reports 198 outlets at the end of 2025 (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 73). Existing locations do not indicate territory availability. Details
- Is Drybar a good franchise to buy?
- Franopolis does not rate or recommend franchises. From the reviewed FDD: Item 19 includes financial performance figures; check which locations and period they cover; Item 20 lists outlet openings, closures and transfers; Item 6 includes a brand or advertising fund contribution on top of royalty; Item 20 also lists current and former franchisees you can contact. Review the full FDD with a franchise attorney and accountant before deciding.
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
What the disclosures show
- 1Item 19 covers 8 separate groups: other measures for 10 Franchised locations; other measures for 47 Franchised locations; other measures for 167 Franchised locations; other measures for 110 Franchised locations; other measures for 57 Franchised locations; other measures for 47 Franchised locations; other measures for 10 Franchised locations; other measures for 141 Franchised locations. They are not combined.
- 2Outlets grew by 22 in 2025, to 198 (United States, as labeled in the FDD, Item 20).
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
Drybar head-to-head
Closest peers in the same subcategory, side by side from reviewed FDD figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.
Costs · Items 5–7
What does it cost to open?
Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.
Startup Investment — Item 7
Standard single-unit franchise fee
2026 FDD · Item 5 · PDF p. 13
Discounted and multi-unit options are separate; see all fees.
Ongoing Fees — Item 6
Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.
- Monthly royalty gross receiptsMain ongoing fee
76 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.
Financial Performance — Item 19
What results are disclosed—and for which locations?
8 separate populations, shown apart. Revenue is not owner income.
10 locations
Other measures · 10 locations
- Who is counted
- Top 10
- Period
- Shop count
- Excluded
- Exclude27opened2025,1presale2024butserved2025,3resort/department-store no street access,5closed2025(oneunder12months). Same-shop growth excludes shops not operating entire2024; stated group samples not recomputed.
- Method
- Required monthly franchisee reports/predecessor data, unaudited/unverified. Gross revenue all service/merchandise/membership/gift-card/business-interruption revenue less remitted taxes, refunds notchargebacks, employee tips. Visits include members/nonmembers; conversion=new clients joining membership; ending members paidDecember2025. Revenue before operating expenses.
These groups are never combined.
Outlet Changes — Item 20
How has the outlet count changed?
United States, as labeled in the FDD · counts as of 2025 of each year.
2026 FDD · Item 20 · PDF p. 73
Net +49 outlets, 2022–2025
Year-end counts reported in Item 20. The scale starts at zero; the labels between the dots show each year's change. Openings and closures for 2025 haven't been pulled from the Item 20 tables yet, so no turnover or churn is shown.
Questions to investigate
Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.
For the franchisor
Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?
Which locations are included in the Item 19 figures, and which were excluded?
Reported units went from 176 to 198 in 2025. How many new units opened, closed or changed hands?
Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?
For current and former owners
How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?
How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?
How do your results compare with the Item 19 figures, and what explains the difference?
What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?
For your advisors
Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.
Sources & vintage history
Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.
Citations (2026 FDD)
- [1]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 13
- [2]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Top 10 · PDF p. 71
- [3]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Bottom third · PDF p. 71
- [4]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — All shops · PDF p. 71
- [5]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Open more than three years before2025 · PDF p. 71
- [6]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Open less than three years before2025 · PDF p. 71
- [7]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Top third · PDF p. 71
- [8]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Bottom 10 · PDF p. 71
- [9]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Open more than one year before2025 · PDF p. 71
- [10]Outlet counts — Item 20, Table 1 · PDF p. 73
"PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: FDD
Territory & operations
227 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.
These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.
Legal & agreement
Franchisor financial statements
| Fiscal year | Measure | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | deferred gift card revenues - net | $94,577 |
| 2025 | deferred revenues - franchise-related | $1,066,218 |
| 2025 | cash | $5,919,804 |
| 2025 | accounts receivable - net | $2,396,415 |
| 2025 | notes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $35,714 |
| 2025 | prepaid and otherMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $722,187 |
| 2025 | total current assets | $10,595,846 |
| 2025 | property and equipment - net | $2,616,156 |
| 2025 | goodwill - net | $10,864,978 |
| 2025 | other noncurrent assets deferred franchise costs, less current portion | $1,174,612 |
| 2025 | total other noncurrent assets | $2,781,125 |
| 2025 | total assets | $32,390,883 |
These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.
What changed from 2025 to 2026
- Franchise fee: $1,500 → $30,000
- System size: 352 → 198 units
SBA-backed loans to franchisees
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Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.
Related research
Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format, overlapping investment range, Item 20 outlet count and search interest. This is not a ranking or recommendation.
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At a glance
Business history
Not reviewed
Owner participation
Not reviewed
Territory language
Litigation disclosure
Not reviewed
Bankruptcy disclosure
Not reviewed
Agreement term
Not reviewed
Reader notes on wording
Our automated check found that these summaries may not match the FDD's exact wording. Read the FDD excerpt itself; it is the authoritative text. Core cost, fee, Item 19 and outlet figures are not affected.
Item 5 · PDF p. 13 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Six-to-nine-shop development fee per shop
“ment in which you agree to develop two Shops; (2) $35,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop three to five Shops; (3) $30,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop six to nine Shops; and (4) $25,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop 10 or more Shops. Typically, an area developer is expected to develop three to five Shops and the range of the Development Fee in that case would be $105,000 to $175,000. You will be required to enter into our then-current form of Franchise Agreement for each Shop you wish to develop under your Area Development Agreement, but you will not be required to pay an Initial Franchise Fee at the time you execute each of these ”
Note: This is a state-specific Item 20 entry. The required review scope is limited to national/systemwide Total rows, so this state entry is not verifiable under that scope.
Item 5 · PDF p. 13 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Single-shop initial franchise fee nonrefundable
“ning a Franchise Agreement under an Area Development Agreement, when you sign a Franchise Agreement to develop a single Shop, you must pay us an initial franchise fee (the “Initial Franchise Fee”) of $50,000. You must pay the Initial Franchise Fee as a lump sum by wire transfer. The Initial Franchise Fee is fully earned by us when paid by you, and is not refundable. Development Fee . If we grant you the right to develop two or more Shops under an Area Development Agreement, you must pay us a one-time development fee (the “Development Fee”) upon executing your Area Development Agreement. Your Development Fee will depend on the number of Shops we grant you the right to develop within the Development Area and is calculated as follows: (1) $100,000 if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop two Shops; (2) $35,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if yo”
Note: This is a state-specific Item 20 entry. The required review scope is limited to national/systemwide Total rows, so this state entry is not verifiable under that scope.
Item 5 · PDF p. 13 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Two-shop development fee
“upon executing your Area Development Agreement. Your Development Fee will depend on the number of Shops we grant you the right to develop within the Development Area and is calculated as follows: (1) $100,000 if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop two Shops; (2) $35,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop three to five Shops; (3) $30,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop six to nine Shops; and (4) $25,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop 10 or more Shops. Typically, an area developer is expected to develop three to five Shops and the range of the Development Fee in that case would be $105,000 to $175,000. You wi”
Note: This is a state-specific Item 20 entry. The required review scope is limited to national/systemwide Total rows, so this state entry is not verifiable under that scope.
Item 5 · PDF p. 13 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Three-to-five-shop development fee per shop
“f Shops we grant you the right to develop within the Development Area and is calculated as follows: (1) $100,000 if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop two Shops; (2) $35,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop three to five Shops; (3) $30,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop six to nine Shops; and (4) $25,000 multiplied by each Shop you agree to develop if you sign an Area Development Agreement in which you agree to develop 10 or more Shops. Typically, an area developer is expected to develop three to five Shops and the range of the Development Fee in that case would be $105,000 to $175,000. You will be required to enter into our then-current form of Franchise Agreement for each Shop you wish”
Note: This is a state-specific Item 20 entry. The required review scope is limited to national/systemwide Total rows, so this state entry is not verifiable under that scope.
Item 5 · PDF p. 14 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Architect exception request fee
“you must pay an architectural exception request fee of $2,500.”
Note: The cited quote could not be located on the cited FDD page.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2023 — Start
“2023 149 159 +10”
Note: This is an outlet-type row in Item 20 rather than the required national/systemwide Total Outlets row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2025 — End
“2025 176 198 +22”
Note: This is a Franchised outlet-type row or state-specific transfers entry, not a national/systemwide Total row, so it is outside the required Item 20 scope.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2023 — End
“2023 149 159 +10”
Note: This is an outlet-type row in Item 20 rather than the required national/systemwide Total Outlets row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2024 — Start
“2024 159 176 +17”
Note: This is an outlet-type row in Item 20 rather than the required national/systemwide Total Outlets row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2024 — End
“2024 159 176 +17”
Note: This is an outlet-type row in Item 20 rather than the required national/systemwide Total Outlets row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 73 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table 1 Franchised 2025 — Start
“2025 176 198 +22”
Note: This is a Franchised outlet-type row or state-specific transfers entry, not a national/systemwide Total row, so it is outside the required Item 20 scope.
Item 20 · PDF p. 68 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Franchised 2024: 159 → 176
“Franchised 2024 159 176 +17”
Note: The cited page does not establish the Table 1 systemwide start/end row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 68 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Franchised 2023: 149 → 159
“Franchised 2023 149 159 10”
Note: The cited page does not establish the Table 1 systemwide start/end row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 68 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Company-Owned 2024: 0 → 0
“Company Owned (2) 2024 0 0 0”
Note: The cited page does not establish the Table 1 systemwide start/end row.
Item 20 · PDF p. 68 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Company-Owned 2023: 0 → 0
“Company Owned (2) 2023 0 0 0”
Note: The cited page does not establish the Table 1 systemwide start/end row.
Item 21 · PDF p. 257 · 2025 FDD
Our summary: Franchise fees revenue for year ended December 31, 2024
“Franchise fees 1,750,910 $ 1,260,839 $ 430,895 $”
Note: The cited page excerpt does not contain the supplied quote verbatim; unable to settle from this page citation.
Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.
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