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If you are currently working and are considering going it alone as a hair extension technician, working on a mobile basis can be a fantastic way to go about it. No matter how bad the economy gets, people will always need haircuts and, given the lower overheads involved in visiting people at home, mobile hair extension technicians can generally offer a more affordable service. Traveling to a location that suits your customers also gives you a far larger client base than you would have if you limited yourself to working from a single salon. Sounds good so far? Here’s how to get started.

article by Diane Shawe

What to do next if you have just qualified: the nuts and bolts

What do insurance company’s cover?

Insurance companies insure the following

1. Businesses
2. Public Liability
3. Equipment
4. Professional indemnity (need 5 years experience to qualify for this)

They do not cover specific certificates, however they will want to know if you are qualified or experienced in your chosen field.  But primarily they are going to cover a business and the services you provide.  Ringing up an insurance company without a business name etc as specified above will not get you very far.

Think about ways to make yourself even more attractive to potential clients:

• If you’ve specialised in styling hair, could you take a more advanced colourist course?
• Could mastering intricate hairstyles and up-dos open a whole new market of wedding and special event clients?

There are also various other aspects of being self-employed to consider; it won’t only be about cutting, styling and colouring hair. You will need to learn about self-assessment tax returns, salon management and how to set your prices at a level which is affordable to your clients, attractive enough to have them switch from their current hairdresser and enough to cover your expenses and salary.

Of course, there are some further education courses you could take to help make your self-employment dream a reality – a diploma or even a BA in Salon Management could be perfect. Browse the websites and prospectuses of local colleges and universities to see what you could get yourself enrolled in.

From the beginning of your new venture

We cannot emphasise enough how important organisation is to the self-employed, no matter what industry you are working in.

As soon as you start working as a self-employed hairdresser, make sure to notify HMRC about your self-employed status. Keep an accurate record of every penny that comes in or goes out of your business; you’ll need it when it comes to completing your self-assessment at the end of the tax year, and also when reviewing your finances to make sure your prices and wages are set at an appropriate level.

Don’t forget to record your mileage!

This freelancer take-home pay calculator may also come in handy.

Always, ALWAYS, remember to keep back-ups of all of your records (including your appointments and client details). Don’t rely on any one type of recording – paper can get damaged and computer files or devices can be wiped or destroyed.

Drumming up new business

At first, you will probably find it easiest and most cost effective to promote your new found services on facebook to your friends for a special offer.

There are also quite a few other routes to explore:

• Bridal/special occasion packages
• School prom or university ball specials
• Contacting local wedding or ball venues to inquire about becoming one of their preferred suppliers
• Advertising on bridal or local message boards or forums
• Delivering leaflets in your local area or advertising in shops, community centres and clubs
• Working as a advisor with other specialist hairdressers

Remember that, the more you can offer your clients, the more attractive you will be to them. Would it be an option for you to train in nails, spray-tanning or eyebrow threading? This could open up a whole new market to you, particularly when it comes to bridal packages, pamper days and even pampering birthday parties girls Hen Parties.

You could also consider renting a chair in a salon for a day or two a week to give you some guaranteed business and income.

Going forward

The world is your oyster – all you need is a little imagination and a lot of hard work. Good luck in your new venture! Once it is up and running, it’s time to start working on your five year plan…

Online insurances to check out:

Direct Line for Mobile Hairdressers

Simply Business for Hairdressers

Association of Beauty Therapist

Salon Savers (need to be qualified hairdresser)

We are not affiliated to any of the above company’s this is just a guideline to get you going.

Visit our website for more information on our 1, 2 or 3 day hair extensions courses.