scissors
People often ask me, Why are you so busy? How come you are so booked up? Ever since I started in the hairdressing industry I have always followed my instinct and always gone with my gut feeling. I believe this is the one of the most important rules of all in business, but of course there are exceptions. Here are my top five rules on ‘how to be a successful mobile hairdresser.’ Confidence. Believe in your ability, if you don’t believe in yourself no-one else will. Confidence is by far the most important tool in hairdressing. If you are not naturally confident, learn how to be, create an image of what you would like to be and be that person. Organised. Please whatever you do GET ORGANISED. I know it’s hard but write out a business plan, no matter how small, Write One! Get yourself a good accountant,  sorry great accountant to do the end of year accounts and find a book-keeping system that you feel comfortable with, this in turn will keep you organised because I know how scatty some hairdressers can be. If you haven’t got a paper diary or if your confident with your I.T. Skills get an electronic diary (just make sure you back it up!) A paper diary is a good idea to start with as you can’t lose the appointments from the page; you can from a computer I assure you. Be the Best. Be Special. Because you are to every single person that you see and meet, they have chosen you to be their hairdresser and they have put their trust in you to cut their hair. It’s a big thing for someone and never under estimate that. Each and every time you see your client you need to be the best. I little trick for this is just before you arrive at your clients house or home say to yourself  ’Wow they trust me because I’m great at what I do.’ You may feel silly but trust me it works.  Honest. You have to be honest, lying will only get you caught out, remember how small the world is. Everybody knows everybody especially your clients. Be honest with your ability; don’t try to do something you don’t feel comfortable with. Be honest with your clients; if you really don’t think that a fringe will suit them tell them, they will respect you more for it. Professional. This I think is the most important rule of all and it goes without saying. Dress smartly everyday (no matter how rough or tired you feel.) this not only gives you a great image but also says a thousand words to your clients, if you are properly dressed and looking the part, they will automatically know their getting a great service. Your prices also should reflect how you carry yourself. Use clean brushes, gowns, and scissors. but the one thing I  noticed when I first started was none of my competitors took with them a mirror, from day one I used a mirror which transforms their home instantly into a salon, amazing but true, many of my clients were surprised when I turned up with a mirror, simple but very effective. Another part of being professional for me was to banish the word ‘MOBILE’ it for me conjured up all sorts of horror story’s I had heard from clients, so I marketed myself as a ‘Personal Stylist’ instantly people don’t put you in that bracket, it worked. If you would like to know more or would like a step by step guide about starting your own ‘Personal Hairstyling’ Business please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

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13 comments

  1. Mary Lora

    Hi. Congratulations you looks like very very successul hairstylist.

    I want to know what I need to open a movil salon (the township license) and permits. It's not to hard to go the people hauses?

    thanks so much for your tips.

    Mary

  2. Gavin

    Hi Thanks for your reply. Can I just ask, are you a qualified hairdresser and do you have your NVQ level 2 in Hairdressing?

  3. Evan

    I have been a qualified hairdresser since 2002. I have a little over 5 years experience in the salon environment. I have been out of hairdressing for 3 years doing a degree in graphic design as this was an opportunity for me and I took it as a change from only knowing hairdressing as a career and being defined only as a hairdresser. I love hairdressing always have and always will, I enjoy hair up the most and this is a specialty of mine as well as a passion for all aspects of hair styling and designing. It is my aim to get back into hairdressing and I have a few interviews at some salons, but it has been my aim since i qualified to either set up my own salon or to be freelance/ personal hairstylist. What advice would you give me in starting out? if I was to be mobile how can I give a relaxing service in their home without a back wash sink? how can I give a reasonable price to my services while working in the clients house? I dont have my own transport so will possibly be relying on public transport for long distances how can I get round this?

    Your article was great glad I found it. Sorry to be the bearer of a thousand questions. Look forward to hearing back from you.

    many thanks

  4. Gavin Taylor

    Hi Evan,

    Thanks for your comment, its great to hear your thinking of going back into hairdressing. Firstly I wouldn't worry to much about shampooing anyones hair at home, people really don't mind washing their own hair. Plus I have tried to wash people hair over the bath before. Bad mistake. To make it relaxing you could provide an indian head massage before you started your service, a mirror also relaxes people as they can see exactly what you are doing.

    Regarding price, I trained at Toni & Guy and also worked for an independent and they were both quite high end, now they are charging £80 for a cut and blowdry. So what I did when I left was to market myself at a slightly lower price than my salon worth. This made sense to my clients as I had been trained to that level.

    The transport would worry me slightly as I travel many miles in a day unless you can attract all of your clients from one area, but you still will be carrying heavy equipment and a mirror. The best thing to do would be for clients to come to you.

    If were you what I would be tempted to do would be to get one of those jobs in the salon and build up a very loyal client/fan base, this will make it easier to go it alone trust me. If your serious about starting your own personal hairstyling business then driving is a must really. Alternatively you could simply set up your own salon, but you really need a client/fan base for this.

    You sound like your very passionate about hairdressing so don't let some of these comments put you off.

    Thanks Gav

  5. Aimee

    Hi

    I qualifyed last june (NVQ 2) and am currently studying NVQ 3 due to qualify may/june time. I am working part time in a salon around college and my family, i've not been there too long and i know it takes time – but i am not sure i can see it happening there! I'm not very busy at all, and not many of the stylists that have been there 5 years approx either…. so i am really considering mobile hairdressing!!! hense my finding ur site! This has really helped me, and i am loving the "personal stylist" i shall take that with me. I like Evan was also concerned about the shampooing etc at home. Do clients really not mind washing there own hair?? do u ask them to wash it before u get there etc? and what about removing perming/colouring products assuming we can't expect clients to remove these too lol??? i did think about the mirror – but i only brought a small back mirror to show the back of the clients head. shall i take with me a fall length mirror???

    I do drive so it's not a problem, although my sense of dirrection is a nightmare so i'm thinking a sat nav may be a good idea!!! ha ha…where i live there are many salons and not too many people lol, so i was thinking of advertising further afield- but obviously not too far for petrol etc! I was thinking i need a plan, i need to sort out price list etc- so that it will be cheaper than my salon prices etc, i was also thinking flyers business cards etc??? i would be greatfull for any insite/ advise basically anything you can tell me that may help..many thanks in advance!!

    p/s i totally agree, u need to be confident and believe in ur self/ ability – although sometimes i must admit i feel awkward asking for money and find myself saying is that okay (the price) why do it do it??? lol

    oh and totally agree with the looking the part bit, we all know we wouldnt want our hair cut by someone looking a smelly mess! this has been most helpful

  6. Karen du PLessis

    HI Evan,

    What a find to stumble on your website! Its wonderful to be able to connect with people who are in/ thinking of a similar line of work. I have been hairdressing for a number of years. I qualified from Vidal Sassoon in Bond St hence my absolute passion for cutting ( not too big on colour!). I am just starting to set myself up doing mobile hair and would concentrate on cutting(as that is what I am good at). Here in New Zealand to specialise is not normal as a hairdresser has to be an all rounder, so hoping to be able to generate enough interest to build up a successful enterprise. Any tips???

  7. Karen du PLessis

    Sorry Gavin, just called you Evan!!!

  8. Gavin

    Hi Karen

    Its great to hear from people also passionate about hairdressing especially cutting (which is my absolute favourite).

    I'm not sure how people perceive mobile hairdressing in New Zealand but I think the best way is to market yourself as a Personal Hairstylist. Having worked in Vidal Sassoon you are no ordinary hairdresser. You will be providing the most convenient service but with exceptional quality. Also price yourself just under what top class salons charge. This way you won't under value your talent and skill. Don't forget there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance but sell yourself and talk to everyone, local shops, get the word out there. You could even ring local newspapers or radio stations to let them know how you intend to change the way in which people have their hair cut…..

    Don't be afraid to talk about yourself.

    Just out of interest where are you working at the moment?

  9. siobhan

    Hi Gavin, great website to find :0)

    Hoping you might be able to advise me…I have not worked in a salon in 12 years. Before this, I trained in Peter Mark (Ireland) progressed to top stylist and then opened up my own salon which was very successful for a number of years. I have about 15 years salon experience altogether. I gave up work to raise my family.

    I need to get back to work and having looked at my options I have decided that I would be very interested in visiting clients in their homes.

    Now I have a a handful of clients, no up to date training as of yet but intend to do a course with T&G in the new year. I have business cards but am afraid to give them out because the confidence needs a boost first and also I'm a bit concerned about visiting complete strangers houses. Do you ever get any suspect calls or have you in the past and how would you handle them?

    I totally love the idea of being a personal stylist rather than a mobile hairdresser-different ring to it altogether :0)

    Oh and while I am waffling away here…what mirror do you use? (hope you don't mind me asking) I'm having trouble finding a nice plain modern fold up one that is large enough.

    Thanks in advance x

  10. Julie lakin

    hello gavin

    I was wondering if you could advise I have very fine hair and I have been taking silica gel tablets only to see minimal results what are your thoughts on such a product.

    I was also told they sell Silica shampoo and conditioner at £54.00 per bottle, do you sell such an item and again what are your thoughts.

    I have also thought about acupuncture and went into the Herb shop and was sold a lethal implement with spikes on to hit my head 3 times a week and then rub in a tonic all very scary and very sharp…

    I would like some advice on how I can thicken my hair I am aware that diet pays a major part but any advise would be great, oh Jane says hello.

  11. Gav

    Hi Julie

    Hope your well,

    There are many so called thickening products on the Market but like you say all produce very minimum effect, I would of suggested silica tablets as I Have a few clients who use them.

    There is no mIracle product but what I would suggest is a high quality thickening cream or styling spray, these will swell the hair shaft on contact with heat, giving fuller thicker hair after styling.

    We sell a camomile & lemon shampoo for fine or oily hair that balances out the sebum (oil) levels in your scalp which cause fine hair to look lank and oily. This will give you more body and shine to create fuller hair. Greasy hair always looks finer. This followed by our frankincense & sage conditioner that gives enough moisture to provide you with supple strong hair but without the weight of most conditioners. TIP: Only condition your roots for the first 2 weeks after colour, mid-lengths thereafter. You don't need to conditioner new hair.

    Eat as much good fats and proteins as possible such as oily fish, seeds and whole foods. Diet plays a massive part in what your skin produces.

    Massage is another key part of healthy hair growth, each time you condition massage your scalp, this creates blood flow in the scalp which in turn helps the hair to grow better.

    You could also try heated rollers, not sure if you have before but these are very kind to the hair unlike straighteners. Smooths and gives volume.

    Like I say there is no miracle cure but following these simple steps should give you best results from your hair.

    Thanks Gav

  12. Joanne

    Hi Gavin,

    I wanted to contact you to ask more about your organic products….

    I have dyed redish/brown dark hair and always find it difficult to find a good shampoo and conditioner that retains the colour in my hair.

    Would any of your new shampoo & conditioner range help me? If not could I be cheeky and ask you to recommend any?

    Thanks a million, your websites great by the way!

    Jo

  13. Gavin

    Hi Jo,

    We have developed an Orange and Rosewood shampoo and conditioner that both retain colour and provide moisture for dry hair. There are no harsh chemicals to strip colour and with our products you will notice your hair will become easier to manage and with the aromatherapy benefits you will feel better too!

    Thanks Gavin

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