Most barbershops focus entirely on service revenue.

The problem? When the chair is empty, revenue stops.

The most profitable barbershops have discovered a simple way to increase income without adding more appointments:

Selling their own branded beard care products.

A single bottle of beard oil can generate more profit than many business owners realize, especially when sold under their own brand instead of someone else's.

At First Element, we've been helping businesses create their own beard care and tattoo aftercare brands since 2013 with low minimum order quantities and premium Canadian-made products.

Why Retail Products Matter More Than Ever

A haircut is a one-time transaction. A grooming product creates recurring revenue.

Consider this:

• Client gets haircut every 3–6 weeks
• Client uses beard oil every day
• Client returns for replacement products
• Client recommends products to friends

That means one customer can generate revenue multiple times between appointments.

Business Impact

Retail products transform clients from service-only customers into recurring customers who purchase year-round.

Key Takeaway

Every client leaving without a product is a missed revenue opportunity.

The Math Behind a $500 Per Month Side Revenue Stream

Using a private label beard oil program, many barbershops can purchase beard oil for approximately $5.09 CAD per unit at 25 units.

A common retail price is approximately $21.99 CAD.

Example

Cost per bottle:
$5.29 CAD (including starter label)

Retail Price:
$21.99 CAD

Profit:
$16.70 CAD per bottle

Sell just:

• 1 bottle per day
• 30 days per month

Monthly Profit:

$501 CAD per month

That's from one product alone.

Business Impact

Most shops already have the traffic needed to generate this revenue.

Key Takeaway

You don't need more customers. You need to increase customer value.

Why White Label & Private Label Outperforms Traditional Retail

When you stock another company's products:

• You're building their brand.
• You're competing against Amazon.
• You're earning smaller margins.

When you sell your own brand:

• You control pricing.
• You build loyalty.
• Customers associate results with your business.

Private label products create authority.

Clients start seeing your shop as a brand rather than just a service provider.

Business Impact

Brand ownership creates long-term business equity.

Key Takeaway

Every bottle sold strengthens your brand, not someone else's.

What Products Sell Best in a Barbershop?

Based on industry demand and First Element's product lineup, the strongest performers typically include:

Beard Oil

The easiest product to introduce during a service.

Beard Balm

Great for styling and conditioning.

Beard Butter

Ideal for hydration and overnight care.

Beard Wash

Creates recurring monthly purchases.

Solid Cologne

High perceived value and strong impulse purchase potential.

Business Impact

A complete grooming system increases average transaction value.

Key Takeaway

Don't sell one product. Sell a grooming routine.

How to Launch Your Own Brand in Under 30 Days

Step 1: Test Products

Sample products to identify the scents and formulas that best fit your clientele.

Step 2: Build Your Branding

Create labels and packaging that reflect your shop's identity. First Element offers design support and labeling options for startups.

Step 3: Place Your First Order

Low minimum order quantities allow businesses to start small and scale confidently.

Step 4: Use Products During Services

The easiest sale is the one clients experience firsthand.

Apply beard oil during beard trims. Let customers smell the products. Show immediate results.

Business Impact

Sampling during services dramatically improves conversion rates.

Key Takeaway

Experience sells better than explanation.

Why More Canadian Barbershops Are Launching Their Own Product Lines

Consumers increasingly want:

• Local products
• Authentic brands
• Premium ingredients
• Businesses they trust

First Element products are handcrafted in Canada using premium ingredients and can be customized to fit your brand vision.

For many shop owners, launching a private label line becomes the first step toward building an independent grooming brand.

Business Impact

A product line creates revenue that isn't tied directly to appointment availability.

Key Takeaway

Products continue working even when you're not behind the chair.

Ready to Launch Your Own Beard Care Brand?

If you're a barbershop owner, entrepreneur, or grooming business looking to add new revenue streams, First Element makes it easy to start.

✔ Low minimum order quantities

✔ Canadian-made premium formulations

✔ Custom labels and branding support

✔ Multiple scent options

✔ Fast turnaround times

✔ Private label manufacturing since 2013

Request a sample pack today and discover how your shop can start building a profitable product brand of its own.