What makes a beauty supply store different than buying makeup and personal care products from a salon or pharmacy?

The business model for a beauty supply store is a lot like an auto parts store or kitchen supply store: The main business caters to professionals who have a standing account with the store, but they may also do sales to the public to have cash flow between billing periods. Stock is determined by what the local pros use, which means what they sell works.

Like all things, information once limited to professionals is now reaching the general public through the Internet. In particular, specialty companies are realizing they can reach a new market online at a relatively low cost. Ben Nye theater makeup and Chi ceramic irons, once known only to professionals, have gained a major following among the public.

Is there any difference between beauty supplies at one of these stores and what is found at retail outlets?

Since these products are targeted at professionals, they aren’t as easy to use and come in bulk sizes. For example, instead of selling a hair dye kit, the store will sell separate dyes and developer. Bought alone, this is more expensive and complicated than a single kit, but because a bottle of developer can last several uses it can be much cheaper in the long run for someone who regularly colors their hair.

The beauty supplies carried will be salon brands which some salons purchase and then sell at their location with a mark-up. While there has been much debate over whether or not salon shampoos and conditioners are really better than consumer products, there are many specialty tools and chemicals that aren’t available in consumer-oriented stores.

Are there beauty supplies that can’t be bought by the public?

Depending on the state, some beauty supply chemicals aren’t available to the general public, or are only available in limited quantities due to safety issues. Two in particular stand out:

Many hair straightening products are dangerous because they work by breaking down chemical bonds in hair proteins, and will just as easily break down skin and mucus membranes. Brazilian hair straightening solution contains large amounts of formaldehyde and may soon be banned from purchase by amateurs and professionals.

Nail care involves paint and the associated solvents. While chemicals like acetone are readily available, long-term exposure can be a problem for professionals. Like hair straighteners, purchasing restrictions vary from state to state.

Who sells beauty products?

There are four companies that dominate the industry:

• Sally: The largest beauty product supplier in the world, Sally has stores across the U.S, U.K, and Mexico.
• Ulta: Unlike other suppliers, this company sells both consumer and professional products, giving the widest selection of any retailer.
• Folica: This massive online retailer focuses entirely on hair and spa products.
• State: Although they are the dominant chain in the South and Mid-West, this store chain is notable mostly for selling only to professionals, even online.