It has been widely reported over the years that hairdressers are among the happiest in their work. In addition to this the industry is filled with individuals who are either self-employed or have set up shop on their own. With this in mind we investigate the top 5 things you’ll need to start your own hairdressing business.
- A Business Plan
No matter what type of hairdressing business you are looking to start, the first thing you’ll need is a business plan. Working out where you will operate, how much work you’ll need to do to cover expenses and to pay salaries is of paramount importance. Other factors to consider include whether, or not, you’ll need a business loan to start up and the type of customer you’ll target – gentlemen’s barber shops have enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance over the last few years, for example.
- Business Premises
Unless you decide to become a mobile hairdresser, who visits people in their homes, then one of the first considerations will be a shop – your business premises. Finding and securing a shop is key to the success of the concern and some of the main things to look out for are:
- Somewhere that will attract lots of passing trade – on a busy high street for instance
- Parking for customers who arrive in their cars
- Gaps in the market, so places where there isn’t a proliferation of other hairdressers
- A premises of a size that will suit your business
- Costs, a place that isn’t going to eat up too much of your profits
Having secured a business premises, you will, of course, also need to fit out the shop, decorating it and installing items such as mirrors and chairs, basins and of course inviting business signage.
- Tools of the Trade
There are a number of tools that are required in order to do the job effectively and finding them at the right price will help keep your start-up costs down. Contact industry specialists such as Capital Hair and Beauty to get the professional equipment and products you need at the best price.
- Salon Staff
Choosing the right staff to cut and style your customers hair is all important and so don’t rush into anything and don’t over-recruit. Look out for like-minded people who you feel you can work closely with over long periods of time. A salon with a clam, warm and friendly feel and with staff who are outstanding at what they do, should be the goal.
- Advertising and Marketing
This all starts with choosing an appropriate name for the business. Once that has been achieved, setting up a website where potential customers can see what you do and access other important information such as your contact details should follow.
Social media channels like Instagram and Facebook are other low cost ways to effectively spread the word about the new business and showcase the work.
With a considered and logical approach setting up as a hairdresser is not particularly difficult and may lead to you being among the happiest workers in the land.
