Strategic Marketing Partnerships Keep Great Clips Front and Center with Consumers

Great Clips earned the #40 spot on Entrepreneur‘s 2026 Franchise 500, once again securing the #1 position within the hair care category for the ninth year in a row. For one of the largest and most established brands in the industry, the ranking is a result of the strength of a system designed to perform consistently over time.

Last year marked Great Clips’ return to growth—and that matters. It shows a model that can adjust, hold steady, and move forward again without losing its footing. The Franchise 500 scores tell a similar story: top 10% for size and growth, top 2% for brand strength, and top 25% for financial strength and stability. Those aren’t short-term wins. They’re indicators of a business that continues to perform well year after year.

Brand visibility remains a priority, and Great Clips has leaned into moments that resonate with a wide audience. Over the past year, the brand launched a March Madness campaign featuring Saturday Night Live cast member Mikey Day and continued its presence with College Football Playoffs, the NHL, and the NCAA. These partnerships keep Great Clips front and center during major cultural moments, while collective promotions help translate that visibility into salon traffic for franchisees.

Keeping its edge for customers and franchisees

Technology continues to play a practical role in supporting both customers and owners. Updates to the Great Clips app now include Live Activities for iOS, giving customers real-time insight into their place in line and helping them better plan their visit. On the franchisee side, a new candidate delivery system has streamlined how owners manage stylist recruiting, making it easier to track and move candidates through the hiring process in a competitive labor environment.

Consistency is still a defining strength. Great Clips continues to invest in stylist education and certification, helping ensure quality stays high across thousands of locations. Clip Notes remain central to the experience, allowing stylists to reference detailed customer preferences so guests can count on the same haircut whether they’re visiting their usual salon or stopping somewhere new.

Community involvement also remains an important part of the brand’s identity. Programs like Clips of Kindness, Wigs for Kids, Children’s Miracle Network, and Thank a Veteran give franchisees meaningful ways to stay connected to the communities they serve.

With 41 consecutive years on the Franchise 500, Great Clips continues to show that a clear focus and steady growth can keep a brand relevant, no matter how long it’s been around.

Click here to learn more about Great Clips and their exciting franchise opportunities.