Are you considering becoming a self-employed hairdresser? Good for you! Taking this next step in your career is certainly an exciting time – but it can also be stressful as you try to work out what you need to do. Here, we explore four top tips that will help you on your way to making it as a hairdresser.
Invest in quality equipment
As you’ll be running a service-based business, you’ll need to invest in a range of high-quality hairdressing equipment. It’s wise to choose robust and reliable products from reputable brands that are going to deliver that salon-quality finish for your clients and withstand the test of time. Some of the hairdressing accessories you need may include hairdryers, straighteners, curling tongs, scissors, clips, brushes, combs, colour treatments, shampoo and conditioner.
Decide whether to work in salon or mobile
One of the big decisions you’ll need to make is whether to work in a salon or become a mobile hairdresser. There are pros and cons to each, so it’s important to do your research to figure out which will be the best option for you. For instance, if you need flexible working hours, low business costs and can travel wherever you need to be, being mobile may be a good option. On the other hand, if you want to work in a bustling salon environment and take advantage of an existing client base (which you may be able to tap into depending on the salon) renting a chair may be best.
Understand your business requirements
Before you get set up, it’s really important to understand what you need to do as a self-employed person. This includes knowing your income tax requirements and how to complete and send a tax return at the end of each financial year. You should also look into the insurance you may need, like public liability insurance and business legal protection, check you have the licenses you need to operate and that you’re following all health and safety regulations.
Put time into marketing
If you want your business to be successful, you need to attract a solid client base. This doesn’t happen overnight – so if you’re just starting out, it’s wise to put some time and energy into marketing your services. One easy way to do this is to create social media accounts and post regular photos of your work to show potential customers what you can do. It’s also worth setting up a quality website that’s well optimised for search engines and do some promotional activity in your local area.
By following these top tips, you can start making positive steps towards your dream career as a self-employed hairdresser.
