.Com TLD greatclips.com

greatclips.com

November 25, 2025

What is GreatClips.com

Great Clips is a chain of hair-salon franchises operating across the U.S. and Canada. (Great Clips)
Key points:

  • Over 4,400 salon locations in the U.S. and Canada. (Great Clips)

  • 100% franchised business model: all salons are owned by franchisees. (Great Clips)

  • They focus on convenient walk-in services, extended hours (evenings/weekends) and no-appointment required model. (Great Clips)

  • They also provide an app and online check-in service so you can join the wait list remotely. (Wikipedia)

History and Growth

Here are some major milestones:

Business Model & Key Features

Here’s how they position themselves and differentiate:

  • Because they’re franchised, individual salon owners run the locations, while the brand provides support, standards & systems.

  • They emphasise value (“great haircut at a great price”) by keeping their format relatively no-frills and efficient. (Great Clips)

  • Convenience is a major selling point: walk-in service, extended hours, online wait listing.

  • They also have a system called “Clip Notes” (introduced in 2014) which tracks customer haircut preferences so you get consistent results. (Wikipedia)

  • From the franchise side, they’ve built out support and brand strength: being ranked highly in franchise industry lists signals that. (Great Clips)

Strengths

  • Large footprint: With thousands of salons, there’s a high likelihood there’s one near you (in North America).

  • Convenience: The online check-in system helps reduce wait time and offers flexibility.

  • Recognised brand: For franchisees especially, the brand ranking and stability make it a more predictable model.

  • Value positioning: Because the salons are leaner in design, they may offer competitive pricing.

  • Consistency: Clip Notes system and standard model mean customer experience is more consistent than many independent salons.

Considerations / Weaknesses

  • While value is good, it may come at expense of premium amenities. If you’re seeking luxe treatment or high-end specialty services, an independent upscale salon might offer more.

  • Being a large chain means less boutique customization; stylist you see might change, and while preferences can be recorded, there’s less intimate personal relationship than a sole-owner salon might build.

  • Franchise models mean variability: individual franchisee quality, local salon management, stylist skill can vary despite brand standards.

  • If you’re outside U.S./Canada the presence may be limited (since the brand is largely North American).

For Customers: What to Know

If you’re thinking of using Great Clips, here are practical tips:

  • Use the app or online check-in to cut down on waiting time.

  • Make use of the “Clip Notes” or ask the stylist to record your preferences if you visit regularly.

  • If you have a specific stylist you like, try to book the same one (check if your local salon allows selecting a stylist).

  • Check what services are included/excluded (some specialized services may cost extra).

  • Look for local franchise reviews to gauge that particular salon’s quality and consistency.

  • If you want a more premium experience (e.g., detailed coloring, texturizing, keratin treatments), ask whether local salon offers those, as some may focus mostly on basic cuts.

For Prospective Franchisees

If you’re exploring owning a Great Clips salon:

  • Recognise that the model is built for volume and efficiency, not boutique luxury.

  • Verify initial investment, franchise fees, ongoing costs, territory availability.

  • Support and brand recognition appear strong (based on their recognition in franchise rankings). (Great Clips)

  • Because it’s a 100% franchised system, there’s a structure and network already in place — could reduce some risk compared to standalone startup.

  • Local execution still matters a lot: the success of your salon will depend on local marketing, how you run it, hire stylists, manage customer experience.

Recent Developments & Strategic Focus

  • They continue to invest in digital convenience: app downloads have surpassed 20 million. (Great Clips)

  • They emphasize being open evenings and weekends, acknowledging modern schedules. (Great Clips)

  • They maintain community and philanthropic efforts (e.g., “Great Deeds” program) which help brand reputation. (Great Clips)

  • They’re focused on growth and maintaining franchise strength — being top in the franchise ranking category repeatedly shows they care about brand strength. (Great Clips)

Summary / Key Takeaways

  • Great Clips is a major player in the hair-salon chain arena with a large footprint and a franchised model.

  • Its core value is convenience, accessibility, consistent service, and value for money.

  • For everyday hair-cuts, it is a strong option. For high-end or bespoke services, you may want to compare alternatives.

  • For potential franchisees, the established model and brand strength are advantages — though local management and execution are still critical.

  • Digital tools (app, online check-in) and convenience are strong differentiators.

FAQ

Q: Do I need an appointment at Great Clips?
A: Typically no — they are designed for walk-in service. You can use their online check-in to reserve a spot in the waiting list, which helps reduce wait time. (Great Clips)

Q: Can I get advanced hair services (coloring, special treatments) at Great Clips?
A: While many locations provide basic haircut and styling services for men, women, kids, you’ll want to verify with the local salon if they offer advanced services (color, highlights, elaborate treatments). Their core model emphasises efficient cuts.

Q: How consistent is the experience across salons?
A: The brand provides systems like Clip Notes and has standard expectations, but since each salon is franchised, local execution can vary. If consistency matters a lot to you, pick a salon with strong reviews and ask about stylist continuity.

Q: Why has Great Clips grown so much?
A: Several reasons: a business model pre-designed for scalability (franchise), streamlined service offering (cuts rather than high-luxury treatments), convenience (locations, hours, online wait lists), and value pricing. Historically they’ve grown steadily even through downturns.

Q: What should I check when visiting for a haircut?
A: Check waiting time (and whether you can join via app), stylist availability, whether they record your haircut preferences, how much extras cost, cleanliness and professionalism of salon, and if the particular location has good reviews.