How hairstylists are going mobile and using Homesalon to do it!

Mobile hairstylist, A growing industry trend

According to research, South African women of colour, may spend an average of R2000 and 11 hours per month on their hair. This is just the average, which means that some people are spending almost double to that of the average given. So, where was the most money and time spent? At the salon, of course!

But with the world affected by the COVID 19 pandemic, many people have thought of new and old ways to better spend their time and money. Hairstylists have also done the same, by looking at the ways they can make the most amount of money, and by owning their own time.

This has seen the sudden increase of mobile stylist and barbers entering the market and the birth of Homesalon.

Hairstylists are becoming their own bosses

How many salons have you seen popping up in your neighbourhood in the last year? A lot, right? Salons are everywhere, which means the demand for salons services are very high and that there is a lot of money to be made in this space.

When it comes to salons, most of the money goes to the actual running of the salon (overheads) upkeep, advertising and house keeping. As hairstylists start looking for better ways to make more money,  they’re taking their business on the road and are becoming mobile hairstylists.

Being a mobile hairstylist is not a new concept, in fact, having your hair done at home is almost a culture in some parts of society.  If you have ever had your hair braided in the 90’s then you know exactly what I am talking about. Usually a hairstylist would come on a Friday after school (and possibly stay the night, if she were braiding a whole family) or come in on Saturday morning and leave when she is done.

So being a mobile hairstylist is definitely not new. However times have changed, processes are better and sometimes faster, and even though this is not new, many people still don’t know where to start.

If you’re a hairstylist who is employed by a salon, or are renting a chair at a salon and you want to go mobile, here are our (Homesalon) helpful tips to get you started.

How to get started as a mobile hairstylist on Homesalon?

Equipment

If you’re a hairstylist already, you probably have your own shears, clippers, blow dryers, combs, brushes, and styling products. However sometimes if you have been working at a salon these tools might be available to you for use. So if you dont already have the right equipment, go and get it. Invest in towels, shampoo and conditioner, treatment products and tools.

Remember, being a mobile hairstylist means that you can use the products you like, rather than the ones the salon requires you to use.

Register on the Homesalon Website

This part is simple, but very important. Go to the Homesalon website and complete the stylist registration form. You will need to create a username with you email address to be able to log in. You will need pictures of your work, a contact number, an email address and a profile picture of yourself.

Create a Price list

Now that you are working for yourself, you cannot sell your self short. Always calculate your transport costs when setting your prices. If you are working in an area that you live in, then there is no need, but if not make sure you either have a flat rate or a call out fee. Using your previous place of employment for a pricing guide is a good idea, but your prices should work out to be lower.

Your prices may take a little tweaking here and there as you learn more about being a mobile hairstylist. Make sure you go over all your expenses before cementing prices. The last thing you want is to lose clients because the cost of one of your services went from R200 to R450 in a matter of months.

Remember that you can also add your prices to your Homesalon profile.

Customers

Some salons have closed books and you aren’t allowed to contact clients. But if you rent a chair or space at a salon, chances are, you brought your clients over from your last location.

If you’re not allowed to contact the clientele, you can advertise on social media. We recommend placing your Homesalon link in your social media bio. This way, you will reach more people when people look for a mobile hairstylist.

It’s also good to offer people a first time discount, this way they are more likely to use your services and if they like you, they will come back. Remember sometimes family and friends are your best advertising tools, so ask them to spread the word, but make sure you show your appreciation, by offering a referral discount on their next service.

Marketing

Homesalon is one of the best ways to market and grow yourself as a mobile stylist, so we always encourage stylists wanting to join the platform, to have an active social media account. Using social media is always a good idea. Having accounts on multiple social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest will help you find out the best ways to market your brand and how to target your audience.

You will also need a logo. Don’t use a generic on from a free design tool, because many people have done the same and are currently using that design. There is nothing worse that having a logo that is being used by someone else. So turn to a friend, or someone you know and have them design something that is uniquely you.

A successful Homesalon mobile stylist provides a service that women and men need but don’t have time for. They sell convenience and can come to you. So you have to let people know that you are open for business.

Good luck Homie!