How to become a successful Mobile Stylist
How to become a successful Mobile Stylist
Look for opportunity and you will find it
If you were a hairstylist working in a traditional hair salon up until March 27th 2020, you know that by now things have drastically changed. Corona virus has upset the normal order of things and has made everyone think about themselves more as the business rather than working for a business.
Mobile hairdressing is that very business, where you become your own boss, schedule your own appointment and work whenever and where ever you see fit. Essentially as a mobile hairdresser, whatever you put into your business you will get out.
So if you have been reflecting and thinking about what you can change in a post corona world, why not change how you spending your time, make your own money and take back control of your life. A good way to do this is by starting up your own mobile hairdressing business.
A mobile hairstylist basically goes to their clients’ locations. Whether that be their homes, hotels, offices and other private locations, to cut, dye or style their hair there. Appointments can range from routine cutting and styling, or special occasions like weddings, matric dances, year-end functions and other events, where a client couldn’t go to a salon. All of this without having to pay standard overheads like rent, stock, product etc.
First things first…You need to have the right equipment
The first thing you will need to set up on your own as a mobile hairdresser is of course, the right tools. If you want to deliver the same quality of service as you did/would, at a professional salon, you need salon quality equipment. This initial investment might not be easy, but you will make the money back as soon as you start working.
Depending on what you specialise in, make sure you have: a range of scissors and combs, professional quality hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons, and bleach resistant salon towels.
Trust me when I say, you won’t be able to do your best work using your clients’ own things, so bite the bullet and invest in the tools you need.
If you want to offer things like dying, bleaching and permanent waves, you’ll also need to find a good supplier for these kinds of chemicals.
You can keep stock of the most commonly used ones, but also need to be able to find a brand you are comfortable mixing, using and are able to buy fast, when a client has requested an unusual tone or effect.
Of course, as well as having all of the tools, you will need a professional looking case to bring them to your clients’ locations in. It may be possible to operate as a mobile hairdresser without a car, but it’s very difficult without a good tool box. Not only does it look professional, but it makes traveling and setting up much easier.
Finding clients
When you first start out, you’ll need to get some initial clients to get the ball rolling. Put the word out to your friends and family, as quite often a hairdresser’s first few clients will come from people they already know, and word of mouth recommendations.
Use Social Media
Social media marketing will also be a strong ally, so be sure to have a Twitter account and a Facebook page where you can post about hair and any special offers you are doing, and post photos of your clients before and after their work (with their permission of course!). Get your clients to follow you and share these posts to help spread the word through their social networks about your service.
Get business cards printed, and give a few to any friends you have who may be willing to pass them on to other people they know.
Be seen
It is important that new clients are able to find you and view your work easily, so you NEED to set up a profile on Homesalon. There you will be able to manage your calendar using an HS app, so you can easily take bookings when people call or WhatsApp you.
Work out your price list, so you can respond to any inquiries quickly and professionally. Also remember to either include callout fee or exclude it. Nobody likes an ever changing price list. Be clear on how far you are willing to travel.
Starting up as a mobile hairdresser can be a great way to start your own business relatively inexpensively if you already have the skills!
Good luck and get cracking…