1 - Get the right Equipment
* Scissors - You cant cut hair without them!An investment in a good quality pair of Hairdressing Scissors is the best decision you can make. You wont need a £200+ pair but spend as much as you can afford on this essential kit.
* Hair dryers - A cheap Hairdryer seems like a good option, but spend wisely. Buy one with as many features as possible, attachments and multiple heat settings are good. You want to ensure your clients are comfortable, and blasting them on full power because you cant turn it down will not get you repeat business
.* Straighteners - GHD Straightenerss have gained a good reputation for home use, as have Remington straighteners, again go with the best you can afford, read the reviews online and avoid the cheap options. Your clients are your bread and butter, and they need to feel safe in your hands, seeing good quality equipment will give them piece of mind, and will ensure happy clients.
* Hair Clippers - Depending on the type of hairdessing you want to do - you may decide you don't need a pair of hair clippers, however for the cheap prices a set can be picked up for, it's worth having some in your kit bag. You may not be intending to cut male hair, but a quick trim can be performed quickly and easily for your clients husbands or boyfriends, and that means more money in your pocket! (You could even offer a 'couples discount'!)
* Hair Products - There are thousands of hair products on the market, shampoo, wax, hairspray, styling mousse etc. Having something for everyone is virtually impossible, and everyone has their own favourite brand so your best bet is to go for some well known branded products. Don't break the bank here. Give your clients the option of using their own products. If you are styling a clients hair in their home you can use their own products, but take the opportunity to sell your own recommended brands. (You can buy in bulk, and resell at a profit!)
2 - Know your Market
You have a choice of two main types of hairdressing, you must pick the one that suits your needs the best.Choice 1 is the more modern salon style of hairdressing, this style follows fashions and styles directly.Choice 2 is the more traditional hairdressers, this choice usually requires less training, as the work is less about styling hair and concentrates more on the basic cutting of hair.Find out what would give you the best return in your area, if you are providing mobile hairdressing services then the simpler cutting style will benefit you best, it requires less equipment and less of your valuable time!
3 - Advertising
Local advertising is the best way to sell your services. Word of mouth will only get you so far, so if you want to be a success, then you need to get your details into the marketplace where others can find you!You can get a free listing right here in our Leeds Hairdressers Directory, or a paid listing to get a featured advert.
Try putting an ad on Gumtree or Craiglist - make sure you select the right section for your local area.Buying an ad in local papers, is usually a good investment, as well as ads in shop windows.If you have a car, get yourself a sticker made with your name and number on (include your website if you have one) and you are getting free advertising everywhere you drive!
4 - Price yourself into the Market
Hairdressers generally charge a set price for the work or style that is carried out, find out what others are charging in your area and undercut them if you think you can afford it. Be realistic though and don't undersell yourself, if you develop a reputation for quality you may be able to increase your prices in the future.
Print up a price list and leave it with your clients, leave a couple extra and ask them to pass them on to friends (remember to include your details so they can contact you!)
5 - Qualifications and Skills
A qualification in hairdressing (such as an NVQ) is an excellent selling point and can be obtained relatively easily through night school courses or colleges.Trainee positions at salons are often highly competed, but don't be afraid to learn your trade in a salon then branch off on your own, if you are ruthless you can take some of your clients with you too!
6 - It doesn't hurt to Read!
Below are a couple of recommended books that can be picked up from any good high street bookstore, or online shop:
Haircutting for Dummies (ISBN: 076455428X) - I'm not calling you a Dummy, but most people have to start somewhere!
How to Simply Cut Hair (ISBN: 0929883063) - A Step by Step Guide to the Six Basic Haircuts That Can Be Combined or Altered to Create Just About Any Hairstyle
7 - Set up a Salon
If you are great at what you do, and build up a good client base then you may consider setting up your own Salon, this is a competitive business, and is not something you should do lightly. Make sure you have already got clients that would be willing to come to your salon, so you have a guaranteed customer base and income stream.
