How To Start a Mobile Hairdressing Business

 

Do you work in a salon but feel you’d love to unleash your curl power?! Or have you retired but miss the daily hairdressing salon chatter and gossip? Starting a Mobile Hairdressing Business is easy to set up and is a low cost way to give you the joy and freedom of working for yourself.

1: Pros and Cons
2: Qualifications
3. How much can I earn? And startup costs
4: Choose your business structure and registering your business
5: Create your business plan
6: Research
7. Marketing and Branding
8. Red tape
10. Conclusion

In 2023, the Hairdressing & Beauty Treatment industry market size, measured by revenue, was a whooping £4.4bn. Employing 148,000 people in 37,530 businesses. 

In the UK, 60% of hairdressers are self-employed. As a self-employed hairdresser you can set up a salon in your home or at a business premise. You can also work as a mobile hairdresser, visiting clients in their own home, their place of work, or maybe a retirement home or at fashion shows and weddings. You can even rent a chair or room at a local salon owned by someone else. 

These alternatives provide you the freedom and independence to work to your own schedule and balance your life’s other responsibilities. As a hairdresser or barber, with your scissors and your comb in your bag, you can basically work anywhere in the world!

 

 

• Potential Annual Revenue: £20-35,000
• Startup Cost: £500-£1,000
• Time To Revenue: 2-3+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:  %
• Best for: Hard working, trustworthy entrepreneurs with great communication skills!
  

 

 

Hairdressing is one of the most sociable jobs in the world. 

You’ll spend all day making clients feel amazing and when it comes to socialising within the industry, there’s no shortage of events either.

Mobile hairdressing is a scalable business too, which means it’s possible to reinvest and expand over time into other related areas of the beauty industry. For example a you could add mobile spray tanning or nails to your business. 

 

Before you plug in that hairdryer, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

7 Great Reasons to Start a Mobile Hairdressing Business

• Recession proof – One of the takeaways from the Covid19 pandemic was that DIY hairdressing can be hilarious! How we missed the pros. 😀
• Flexibility –  Choose when and where you work, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Low overheads – Compared to renting  business premises. You won’t have to worry about monthly rent, utility bills and other expenses associated with a traditional salon.
• Building personal relationships – You can develop a loyal client base, meeting people in their homes and building rapport is easier than in a busy salon.
• You probably already have many tools of the trade, scissors, brushes, combs, hairdryer, towels etc plus a reliable vehicle and many marketing materials are free to get started.
• Choose your target market and niche – busy professionals, hassled Mums, bridal styling, long hair, afro hair, specialist hair colouring…the list goes on.
• Expansion in men’s grooming –  There’s a whole other largely untapped gender to consider. Men’s grooming services are in currently in demand. Increasingly image conscious blokes, are visiting salons and barbers shops more than ever! 

5 Common Challenges when Starting a Mobile Hairdressing Business

• Driving and time management– You’ll spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Planning your weekly client route is essential to avoid those extra miles. Organisation and punctuality are crucial to keep a great reputation.
• Variable workload – Long tiring days at busy periods, ie Christmas, summer holidays followed by quieter periods 
• Lack of amenities: Unlike a traditional salon, you may lack certain amenities like a reception area or a designated washing station. Finding solutions to provide a comfortable and professional experience for clients is important.
• Client acquisition and marketing: Building a client base can be difficult, especially in the early stages. Developing a strong marketing strategy, using social media and word-of-mouth referrals are essential to attract clients to your mobile hairdressing services.
• Lack of routine: Working as a mobile hairdresser or barber can lack the routine of a traditional salon. Late nights and weekend jobs can be challenging.

 

From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your creative, entrepreneurial skills into a successful and busy mobile business.

 

 

Qualifications

Hairdressing and barbering is the 5th most common start-up in the UK with the number of businesses continuing to grow year on year, showing higher survival rates after five years than many other sectors.

Obviously previous qualifications are necessary, we can’t have you just picking up a bottle of shampoo and a pair of scissors! If you haven’t any experience there are 2 main routes into a career in hairdressing or barbering.

• By studying for an NVQ at a college of Further Education. 

You will need at least a Level 3 NVQ, as it provides you with technical and supervisory skills to become a professional hairdresser. 

Although Level 3 will be enough to become a mobile hairdresser, a Level 4 qualification is preferable if you plan to expand your business as it’s aimed at management roles. 

• By beginning an ‘apprenticeship’ in a salon, which will include day release to a FE College or a Private Training Provider

For more information take a look at guidance from the Hair Council 

 

How much can a mobile hairdresser earn?

As a mobile hairdresser in the United Kingdom you can earn £15,000 to £40,000 or more per year. This can vary greatly depending on hours worked, experience and location. You can set your own prices for each service you provide. Your rates should be based upon where you live and what similar businesses are charging. Do your research in your local area! 

Start up costs are relatively low. Good quality hair tools are a must, if  you´ve salon experience you´ve probably built up a collection over the years but make sure they are in perfect condition. Clients will notice old, shoddy equipment. 

You will need transport and public transport just won´t be reliable enough. A small, economical car that´s well maintained and has room for your kit is perfect. And remember you can claim for your business mileage. However, if you work in a salon, travel from home to the salon can´t cannot be claimed, as this is seen to be normal commuting. 

Don’t forget your monthly running costs. Buying and maintaining equipment and supplies, transport to the salon or to clients’ homes, insurance and advertising your services.

 

How I’d set this business up.

Choice of business structure

This is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company. 

 I’d also strongly consider a hybrid start up structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.

This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.

Consider the long-term goals and vision for your business when making this decision. 

 Search through a large database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names using our FREE Company Name Checker Tool Here you can find your memorable company name! You can also see what other domain names are available.

 

If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice, we can walk you through this in a clear and concise way you will understand. 

 

 

Do I need a Business plan?

Start by formulating a business plan. We highly recommend you do as it can be immensely beneficial.

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, helping you clarify your business idea, set both long and short goals and plan for the future. It also helps to focus on delivering a clear message to your potential customers. 

There are many different types of business plan available on the internet from everyone from accountants, insurance companies to banks. But you can use my no nonsense 1 page business plan here.

It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you maintain a strong work ethic and remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up your hairdressing business.

 

 

Do your research. What can you add to your services? 

When starting any business, it’s important to research the other businesses in your local area and the services they offer. This will help you identify any gaps in the market and determine what extra services you can offer to stand out from the competition. 

Can you provide extra services such as wedding hair and make-up, hair extensions, beard trimming, head massage, specialist hair treatments? Even nails and waxing!  Customers can have a full head to toe experience from you! 

Eco-friendly products are the way of the future. if you’re not offering eco-friendly products, you need to be right away. With vegetarian and vegan communities growing rapidly, using only vegan, sustainable products can be an excellent way of promoting and differentiating your business from the local competition . 
The call for organic, natural products is getting stronger and for those with scalp and skin allergies they are a must.  

Is anyone in your local area offering a mobile men’s grooming service? The men’s beauty market is growing year on year, and is a fantastic opportunity for a new mobile business. Fellas are no longer content with a number 2 all over or a touch of gel. They want beard and eyebrow shaping, facial massages, nose hair removal and body waxing! Take evening classes if you need to refine your male grooming skills!

Do you travel to customers or have them come to your house or both? One of the most vital aspects when working as a mobile hairdresser involves managing your time effectively and setting reasonable limits for your own availability. 

The choice is yours. Many clients still prefer to go out as they enjoy the salon type of experience even if it is only in your home! 

Find your niche.

It could be families with young children, having a hairdresser visit their home is a no brainer! The time and energy saved in commuting, along with the comfort of children receiving services in familiar surroundings, is priceless to busy parents! 

To senior citizens and people with mobility issues, you can become an essential service. Often a good, professional haircut or treatment can brighten up someone’s day, taking away the inconvenience and risks involved with travel. Also enquire at your nearest hospital, care homes and day centres.

Go high-end and cater for time constrained professionals. Those with high stress, well paid jobs and minimal free time will be willing to pay for a service when THEY want it! The value of making salon quality services available at any preferred location and time is immense. But be prepared to work most evenings and weekends. 

 

How to successfully market a mobile hairdressing business. 

Here are some tips to help you market your business effectively.

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most potential clients are going to find a hairdresser using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but many will look on Google.

Google knows that when someone is looking for a mobile hairdresser, they will see results close to where they are located. 

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.

 

If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a professional, reliable hairdresser.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google, you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

 

So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is snipping away and you’re missing out!

 

 

So how do you dominate Google search results for this business?

You have to optimise for the Google maps listing.
How do you do that?

10 great steps to marketing your business:

• Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
• Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.

• Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Plus a mobile number.

• Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real clients on your site. 

• Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to book an appointment NOW! They show the client what they want to see.

• Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.

• Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from your clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.

• AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.

• PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.

• MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 

Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing  strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

The Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your potential pupils a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your business effectively:

Promoting your mobile hairdressing business is crucial to attract new clients and grow your business. Here are some tips to get your business marketing underway: 

• Do your research

This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.

• Create a great company and domain name for your website 

Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domain and trade mark registration.

Choose a name that is related to you and your mobile service and is memorable for your potential clients. 
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other hairdressers or salons. 

Our Company Name Search tool can help you out. Try it now!

 

 

We can quickly and easily get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers. So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

 

You will then have to register a domain name for your website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs  which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running. 

Try our easy to use Domain Checker and let´s get you LIVE!! 

 

Not thought of a name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas

 

 

• Create an attractive, eye-catching website

We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today!

But can you design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and encourages them to pick up the phone and find out more about your creative side? 

We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Give lots more information about your business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Introduce yourself and give your work experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. Don´t be camera shy! Add a photo. Many clients will want to see who you are before contacting or meeting you. 

Prices must be easy to find. Make sure they are easy visible on your homepage or on a ‘prices’ tab on your website’s main menu.

Photos and videos are great. We all love before and after photos, but remember to get your clients permissions first! “How to….” videos are addictive, do a few simple styling ones for all types of hair. 

Write blogs about topics that you are passionate about, imparting your knowledge to your clients. Also, find out from your customers what they would like more info about.

We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.

Always ask for References and Reviews on your website. 

Potential clients WILL look for what previous clients have said about your business. 

Also give special offers, ask your clients to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount on their next appointment! 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy and newly styled customer will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

 

 

• Word of mouth

is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated!

The foundation of successful word of mouth marketing is providing exceptional service. When your clients have positive, visible experiences, they are more likely to share them with others.

Establishing a personal connection with your clients is incredibly important. Your social skills really must be top notch. This can lead to a deeper level of trust and a higher likelihood that they will recommend your services to others. 

Always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! A satisfied, happy customer is the golden ticket to your success. 🙂

 

• Design an eye-catching logo

Your logo is often the first visual element that potential clients encounter. A super eye-catching logo creates a positive and memorable first impression, setting the tone for the overall perception of your hairdressing business.

The logo should represent you and your business and can be used on magnetic car signs, car stickers, business cards, your work overalls, leaflets etc.

If you become a member of an association or organisation, make sure this is shown on all your marketing materials as well as your website. 

QR codes are perfect for business cards, giving website links and tips on styling unruly hair!  They are also an easy way to get that all-important customer feedback and can be added to invoices and receipts that go directly to your review page.

Go back to basics! 

Print flyers and distribute them around your local area. All ages need sprucing up occasionally, distribute them in schools, colleges, supermarkets, bars, libraries, cafes…… Maybe add in an offer for early summer holiday or Christmas bookings!! Create a sense of urgency! 

 

• Use social media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be incredibly powerful marketing tools for your creative business. Celebrity hairdressers have perfected the art. As you probably follow many of them already, choose who stands out for you and why.

As a new kid on the block, you´ll need to shout out loud what makes you and your business unique! Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there. Make it loud. Funny. Make it beautiful but DO use social media. The hairdressing and beauty business was made to be shown off. 

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your mobile business and connect with potential clients. 

Clients want to receive treatments and have hairstyles they see on social media so keep yourself well informed on the latest trends.

And make sure you have some male models to show off your male grooming skills! 

Remember, plenty of photos, videos, reviews, polls, updates and promotions will keep you in full sight of your target audience. And we all love to scroll through BEFORE and AFTER photos or videos!!! 

Advertise that monthly blog for your website on your social media. This will help to boost your website’s visibility in Google. Hair health info, styling tips and tricks, product and tools of the trade reviews and what’s new in the industry are all important to your clients.

You can also build relationships with unrelated local businesses who may refer customers to you. If you don’t offer these additional services, join with nail and beauty salons. You could use their premises once a week, picking up new clients. Speak to local wedding businesses, photography studios or a local boutique clothes shop?  They can provide excellent opportunities for cross-promotion.

Small business networking events aren´t everyone’s cup of tea but they are a great place  to meet people with similar goals and exchange ideas. Even if the events aren’t specifically for your niche, simply being among other business owners might encourage you and help you build valuable contacts. Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup are excellent resources for discovering up and coming events and activities that may be interesting to you.

What about attending hair and beauty trade shows?  Check out the competition from around the UK. Enter local competitions to help you establish a reputation.  These are usually covered by the press. Get your face seen!

 

• Use apps

There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and their treatments and receiving payment.  

Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly. 

We can easily help you decide what is relevant to you and your business

 

• SEO (Search engine optimization)

is the art of getting your business website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business. 

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

Look after yourself and your business.

Looking after yourself, both physically and mentally is crucial to running a successful business. One person will struggle to run a new business, take care of the accounts, run a smooth social media campaign and website etc. 

Often something has to give and it is often their mental health. Make sure you plan thoroughly and get the correct help when you need it.

 

As previously mentioned joining associations and organisations is high recommended so your interests are properly represented if required. The NHBF (National Hair & Beauty Federation) supports UK hair and beauty professionals by providing legal advice, business resources, training, representation and insurance services. HABIA (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority) is the government-approved standards setting body for hair, beauty, nails, spa therapy, barbering and African-Caribbean hairdressing. Its role is to maintain and improve professionalism and creates the standards that form the basis of all qualifications as well as the Codes of Practice and Industry Guidelines. Also check out the  Hair Council and the Barbers Council  Its aim is to raise standards and improve professionalism within the hairdressing and barbering industry by encouraging every hairdresser and barber to join the UK Register of Qualified Hairdressers and Barbers.  There are others. 

 

There are other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading.

Let’s talk about the boring stuff! 

Open a bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.

You will need Insurance

Accidents do happen. Fact. So one of the startup costs that you can’t avoid is insurance.

Anyone trusting their precious locks with you, will expect you to demonstrate that you have comprehensive business insurance cover.

Public Liability’ insurance, which will protect your business if your clients file for legal claims made against you in their property. Spilled hair dye on a new carpet is going to be pricey! 

The other important insurance to get is Beauty Treatment Risk Liability Insurance, this covers any incident which has direct relation to a treatment itself, such as reactions to products or hair dyes. This is, unfortunately, a risk with hairdressing. 

If you are planning running your business from your own home, make sure you contact your local council and planning office. You must comply with local regulations, licensing and have the relevant business insurance. 

Protect yourself and your finances further by taking out personal accident insurance and income protection cover. If you have an accident or become ill, theses polices will protect you when you are unable to work, which is crucial when running your own business.

Car or van insurance is a must. You will have to change your car insurance policy to business use and update the estimated annual mileage.

Business equipment insurance is also necessary. Replacing hairdryers, straighteners and professional scissors can be very expensive. Feel protected. Don’t be without it! 

There are lots of companies offering individual personal services to suit your requirements, so have a good look around and take their advice.

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your personal brand identity and grow your business.

 

Conclusion

What makes you and your business unique? Competition in the hair and beauty industry is notoriously fierce and lack of organisation will be your downfall if you aren’t  prepared. 

Hairdressing is a lifetime educational adventure, you will never stop learning or improving, since hairdressing and barbering trends vary with the seasons. Attend new courses, learn more skills and widen your knowledge. 

If you want to keep your clients happy and re-booking appointments you must cultivate an experience for them every time. This is the bedrock of what hair and beauty salons were built from in the beginning but there is no reason why you can’t bring this into a client’s home. 

Make your visit memorable by connecting with them on a personal level. Keep records of their preferences and know who they are and what they need from you as a client. Be reliable. If you´re going to be 15 minutes late, tell them asap. 

Building that strong online presence is so important for attracting new customers  and will help you retain customers you have already made. Send personal pre and post appointment messages and build up those relationships step by step.

Frequently refer back to your business plan to remind yourself of your goals and with passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence you can make this work! ✨

Bring beauty and style to your local area.  Best of luck on your exciting journey as a mobile hairpreneur!

So, before you grab those scissors and hairspray, learn more by getting in touch  Let’s get this business started!