#United States #Omaha #Hair Extensions #Franchise FastLane #Dakota London

Dakota London Partners with Franchise FastLane

Dakota London, founded by Scott and Katy Cotten, is on a mission to bring their premium hair extension services to a nationwide audience. After 13 years of pioneering a unique and quality-centric concept in the hair extension market, they are embarking on an exciting new chapter by partnering with Franchise FastLane. This collaboration, officially announced in January 2026, aims to significantly scale their operations across the United States through franchising.

A Unique Franchise Opportunity

Established as the first hair extension-only salon brand to offer franchising opportunities, Dakota London launched its franchise program in 2025. This move opens doors for entrepreneurs looking to enter the beauty industry with a business model that emphasizes specialized training and a focus on quality service. With the brand's commitment to a people-first culture, franchisees are not just business owners but also part of a supportive network dedicated to mutual success.

Katy Cotten recognized a gap in the market for high-quality hair extensions paired with an inclusive and welcoming salon atmosphere. After training at the Long Island Beauty School and previously running salons, she identified a clear need for a service that combined premium products and a positive client experience. Her vision culminated in the creation of Dakota London, a proprietary brand offering exclusive hair sourcing and specialized client services.

Expansion Plans

Currently, Dakota London operates three corporate locations in the bustling areas of Chandler, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, Arizona. The goal is to leverage franchising to extend this lavish salon experience to new markets nationwide. With a commitment to high employee retention, exclusive proprietary products, and a focus on high-quality hair extensions, Dakota London stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Scott Cotten, who handles the operational side of the brand, emphasized the importance of a structured approach to franchising. “Franchising wasn’t something we wanted to rush into. We took the time to lock in sourcing, pricing, training, and systems so franchisees could step into a business that's truly plug-and-play,” he said. Their partnership with Franchise FastLane allows Dakota London to concentrate on its robust operational model while benefiting from the specialized expertise provided by Franchise FastLane.

The Role of Franchise FastLane

Franchise FastLane is known for its meticulous approach when selecting brands to partner with. They assess various factors including the brand’s value proposition, competitive differentiation, and marketplace viability, ensuring that their franchisees are set up for success. This partnership is designed to support Dakota London’s distinctive niche and operational readiness to meet the growing demand for specialized hair extension services.

Tim Koch, President and COO of Franchise FastLane, praised the Cotten couple's dedication to their brand. “From our initial conversations, it was clear how much intention and care Scott and Katy have poured into Dakota London. This is a concept that truly doesn’t look like anything else in franchising,” he noted. The synergy between Dakota London and Franchise FastLane is evident, and together they plan to introduce this innovative salon model across the nation.

A Supportive Ecosystem

Through its comprehensive services, Franchise FastLane provides Dakota London with support across franchise development stages, including marketing, lead registration, and operational assistance. Their MasterMind program offers partners opportunities to connect with other franchise owners, share insights, and foster leadership development, ensuring a continuous exchange of ideas that promote growth and success.

As Dakota London embarks on this exciting journey of expansion, they remain committed to delivering exceptional hair extension services while building a strong franchise community. It’s a transformative time for this husband-and-wife team, and they are eager to share their passion and expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.

With the backing of Franchise FastLane, Dakota London is poised for growth, ready to become a household name in high-end hair extensions.