FDD-based analysis. Item-level data. No franchisor input.
Drybar franchises upscale shops that provide blow-dry hairstyling services - without haircuts or coloring - in inviting settings and at off-site locations such as residences, hotels, and corporate offices. The concept began in 2008 with in-home styling services and opened its first shop in Brentwood, California in 2010, with franchising starting in April 2012; as of December 31, 2025 there were 198 franchised shops in the United States plus locations in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Traditional shops typically occupy 1,100 to 2,200 square feet with 8 to 12 chairs in upper-middle-class retail centers, competing with both high-end salons and budget salons as well as newer blow-dry-focused retail competitors. Drybar's affiliates also franchise Amazing Lash Studio, Elements Massage, Fitness Together, and Radiant Waxing.
Source: Entrepreneur 2026 ranking/profile data and Franchise Disclosure Document, rewritten by Zorzee
Every value here comes straight from the FDD; anything not yet source-verified stays blank rather than estimated. The Pro figures and full interpretation unlock with a Pro membership.
Every data point Zorzee tracks for this brand, in FDD Item order. Missing source data stays blank; Pro-only interpretation remains locked.
| Item | Data Point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item 3 | Litigation Actions (total) | 0 actions disclosed | FDD Item 3 |
| Item 5 | Initial Franchise Fee | The Initial Franchise Fee is $50,000 (Item 5, p.13). | FDD Item 5 |
| Item 5 | Development Fee | Initial Franchise Fee. Unless you are signing 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 | FDD Item 5 |
| Item 6 | Royalty Fee | 7% of Gross Receipts. | FDD Item 6 |
| Item 6 | National Media Fund | Pro | FDD Item 6 |
| Item 6 | Corporate Ad & Development Fund | Pro | FDD Item 6 |
| Item 6 | Total Ongoing Fee Burden | Pro | Calculated (Item 6) |
| Item 7 | Total Investment (low) | $391,229 | FDD Item 7 |
| Item 7 | Total Investment (high) | $1,096,999 | FDD Item 7 |
| Item 8 | Required Purchases (food/supplies) | Pro | FDD Item 8 |
| Item 11 | Franchisor Assistance | Pro | FDD Item 11 |
| Item 12 | Exclusive Territory | Pro | FDD Item 12 |
| Item 12 | Territory Size | Pro | FDD Item 12 |
| Item 15 | Operating Participation | Pro | FDD Item 15 |
| Item 17 | Initial Term Length | Pro | FDD Item 17(a) |
| Item 17 | Renewal Terms | Pro | FDD Item 17(b)-(c) |
| Item 17 | Required Remodel at Renewal | Pro | FDD Item 17(c) |
| Item 17 | Termination Triggers | Pro | FDD Item 17(f)-(h) |
| Item 17 | Transfer Fee | Pro | FDD Item 17(m), Item 6 |
| Item 17 | ROFR Provisions | Pro | FDD Item 17(n) |
| Item 17 | Post-Termination Non-Compete | Pro | FDD Item 17(r) |
| Item 19 | Revenue Metric Disclosed | Pro | FDD Item 19 |
| Item 20 | Total Franchised Units (2025) | 198 | FDD Item 20 |
| Item 20 | Company-Owned Units (2025) | 0 | FDD Item 20 |
| Item 20 | Total System Net Unit Growth (YoY) | +22 | FDD Item 20 |
| Item 20 | Terminations | Pro | FDD Item 20 |
| Item 20 | Agreements Signed, Not Yet Open | Pro | FDD Item 20 |
| Item 21 | Audited Financials | Pro | FDD Item 21 |
Each signal turns one part of the filing into a read a buyer can act on. Strength means the disclosed data is favorable. In Line means it is typical for the category. Deal-Specific means the term is populated but you still have to model it against your own deal. Concern means the disclosed data is a real risk. The read is free. The reasoning behind it is the Pro read.
Item 19 earnings data is disclosed for Drybar. The unit sales or revenue metric itself remains locked in Pro; the caution below stays free.
Drybar trajectory is shown only where source-backed. Missing Item 20 fields stay blank inside the locked layout instead of removing the section.
Source: FDD Item 20 where present. Total system units, franchised plus company-owned. Not financial advice.
0 actions disclosed in source-reviewed FDD Item 3.
Zorzee editorial. Independent analysis. No franchisor review or approval. Not financial advice.
The filing tells you what Drybar costs to open. Pro adds the read on whether the numbers work for you, in your market, and whether this brand is a business or a job you bought.
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