Hair stylists who want to own their own business can easily do so from the comfort of their own homes. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a successful home salon owner, you’ll need a few things to help you get started. Here are some essential tips to get you started on the right foot.
Offer a variety of services.
When starting your home hair salon, you may want to stick to the basics at first. This includes shampooing, conditioning, and cutting hair. You can also add basic color services, such as highlights and lowlights, to your repertoire. You may also want to opt for hair styling only, which has become an increasingly popular standalone service. Not only will this help you ease into your business, but it will also allow you to grow the variety of your services organically.
Once you’re ready to implement a few new services, consider ones not typically offered in your area. For example, you could implement laser hair removal as an add-on service. This requires special training and equipment, so be sure to do your research before committing to a big service addition. Laser hair removal is a quick and easy way for clients to remove unwanted body hair. The service also requires multiple visits, so you’ll rest assured you’re getting repeat clients by adding this service. You may also consider wedding hair styling, makeup artistry, and eyebrow waxing.
Price your services competitively.
When pricing your services, it’s important to remember that your time is valuable. You want to profit from each service you provide, but you don’t want to charge so much that clients are unwilling to return. To find the right price point, consider how much time the service will take and how much money you need to make per hour. If you’re starting out, it may be helpful to offer introductory rates until you get a feel for what people are willing to pay. When setting prices, also keep in mind what your competitors are charging. Clients may go elsewhere if your services are too pricey; if your services are inexpensive, they may question why. Finding a balance that allows you to make a fair wage while still providing good value for your clients is essential.
Create an environment similar to a salon experience.
Part of the haircut experience is the spa-like service many full-service salons offer. This includes hair washing, ambient music, and plenty of natural lighting. However, this experience can be hard to duplicate at home. To ensure the best experience for your clients, consider remodeling a room in your home or look into a custom home building. A reputable renovator can help you build the home salon of your dreams, or you could renovate your home yourself. This process may involve some serious construction, depending on your needs. It can also involve a light renovation that provides the same aesthetic as a regular salon. For example, you may want to install big windows for adequate natural lighting and choose a certain style of furniture. However, if you create a new salon space, ensure it reflects your interior design tastes.
Market your home salon effectively.
The home salon business is booming. It’s a great way to make money in your spare time and doesn’t require much overhead. But before you start marketing your home salon, you need to make sure that you market your home salon effectively. Start by creating a professional-looking website or social media page for your salon. Include photos of yourself and your workstation so people can get an idea of what they’re getting into. You may also consider advertising online or distributing flyers in local businesses nearby. Many salon management platforms allow your future clients to reserve time with you online, so you may want to add this software if you’re worried about handling a high volume of phone calls.
Starting a home salon is best done in small increments. Following these tips can help you create a foundation for a successful home salon business.