Pigtails & Crewcuts Signs 3-Unit Deal in Chicago, Builds on Strong Q3 Growth

The kids' salon franchise expands its Midwest presence with new commitments, strong systemwide sales and continued momentum heading into year-end.

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pigtails & Crewcuts, the national children's hair salon franchise, has signed a three-unit agreement in Chicago, a long-targeted market for the brand. The deal with new franchisee Hillery Simmons marks a key step in the company's growth strategy and builds on the system's positive third-quarter results.

"Chicago has long been a priority market for us, and we're thrilled to have partnered with Hillery to bring Pigtails & Crewcuts to the city," said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development. "Every family needs haircuts, and parents naturally want the very best for their children — that's exactly what our brand delivers."

Holliman said Simmons was drawn to the business even without children of her own, pointing to her close family ties and understanding of the city's needs. "Hillery quickly recognized, like most of our franchisees, that she didn't need to have children of her own to succeed with this concept," Holliman said. "With our proven systems and dedicated training and support, what matters most is her understanding of the community and the demand that clearly exists in Chicago."

Support from the existing system helped finalize the agreement. "Peer validation is one of the most powerful aspects of our system," Holliman said. "In this case, a nearby franchisee in Glenview shared their experience and insights, which gave Hillery the confidence to move forward. That kind of support from within the network is invaluable."

The new commitment underscores the strength of multi-unit growth in the system. "The fact that so many of our franchisees choose to expand into multiple units demonstrates the strength and scalability of our business model," Holliman said. "Multi-unit ownership provides clear advantages, including larger protected territories and reduced initial fees, which make long-term growth even more appealing."

The agreement comes on the heels of a strong third quarter for the brand. "We are up by 6 percent year over year. Any positive increase is fantastic," Holliman said. "Our systemwide sales were up 6% year-over-year in Q3, which is a strong reflection of the dedication and hard work of our franchisees," Holliman said. "While our business isn't strictly seasonal, back-to-school always brings an increase in demand, and our consistent year-over-year growth highlights the strength of our overall recognition."

In addition to financial performance, Holliman emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to supporting its franchisees. "Our CEO, Wade Brannon, often reminds us that while we're in the children's salon business, we're equally in the franchise support business," Holliman said. "From the first phone call through due diligence, site selection, opening, and ongoing operations, our role is to provide the tools and guidance that help franchisees reach their goals."

Pigtails & Crewcuts'  strong support and reputation are bolstered by its SBA registry status, a tool many franchisees have used to secure financing. "Being on the SBA registry gives both franchisees and lenders confidence in our brand," Holliman said. "Many of our owners have successfully leveraged SBA financing to launch their first location, repay loans, and then secure additional funding to expand. That track record demonstrates the credibility of our system."

Looking ahead, Holliman said the brand is poised for significant expansion in 2026. "With locations in 25 states, there's still tremendous opportunity for expansion," Holliman said. "We're actively targeting markets such as Indianapolis, Omaha, Florida, and St. Louis, and with the strength of our team and systems, we're confident that 2026 will be a year of significant growth."

As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, franchisees will gather in October for the national convention to reflect on past achievements and chart the future. "As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it's rewarding to reflect on how far we've come as a brand," Holliman said. "We've weathered challenges like the 2007 recession and the 2020 pandemic, and each experience has only made us stronger. The continued demand for our services makes us excited about the next 20 years of growth."

About Pigtails & Crewcuts:

Pigtails & Crewcuts is a kids' hair salon franchise designed with family in mind. Franchising since 2005, it has become a premier destination for children's hairstyling and a stress-free experience for parents. Pigtails & Crewcuts provides a range of hair care services for boys and girls aged zero to 12, and offers a custom line of child-friendly hair products, hair accessories, toys, and gifts. Each salon is a fun, engaging space where children can feel comfortable and enjoy their haircuts, complete with activities, event areas and a family-friendly atmosphere. With over 80 locations across more than 20 states, Pigtails & Crewcuts is continuously expanding and establishing itself as a leading franchise in the growing niche market of children's hair care. To learn more about Pigtails & Crewcuts or to find a salon near you, please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pigtails & Crewcuts, please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chad Cohen
Mainland
786-417-5769
[email protected]

SOURCE Pigtails & Crewcuts