Going freelance is something that many hairstylists dream of. It gives you the freedom to scale up your business. It helps you build a client list and bring your career to the next level. New York is the perfect place to be a freelance hairstylist, whether you want to become a celebrity stylist or deal with bridal clients or anyone. Understanding how to become a freelance hairstylist can be confusing. Different states have their own regulations, so it’s worth checking the requirements for your local area.

If you’re thinking of becoming a freelance hairstylist, the time is now. We’re taking an in-depth look at how you can become a freelance hairstylist in NYC or your local area.

Why should I become a freelance hairstylist?

You might think you are destined to spend the rest of your life in a salon. Becoming freelance gives you more flexibility and can help you bring home more than you would earn in a traditional salon. If you’ve always dreamt of being your own boss, going freelance can be the change you need in your life.

As a freelance hairstylist, you can set your own hours and decide how far you’re willing to travel for your clients. You might decide to become a bridal hairstylist and travel around the world with your clients. In somewhere like New York, you might decide to travel all over the city.

When you go freelance, you don’t have to worry about rent and utilities eating into your profit margin. Your clients will pay the same price – if not more – than they would in a salon, while you can convert more of it into profit. Clients are usually willing to pay a top-dollar price for the one-on-one experience of using a freelance hairstylist who can come to them.

You’re more likely to establish and maintain a better relationship with your client as a freelance hairstylist than if you work in a salon. Trying to establish your own client list in a salon can be difficult. Your clients might find themselves going between different stylists. As a freelance hairstylist, you can give your clients a more one-on-one treatment and establish a more personal relationship with them.

Learn more on the benefits of going to freelancing as a traveling hairstylist.

Understand the legalities

Whether you’re launching your freelance service in NYC or another area, you want to make sure you’re aware of all the legalities. As a hairstylist, you’ll need to hold a license. Every state has its own rules, meaning that you may need to take a state-approved test to gain the license. However, some states may not require license to be a hair braider. 

When you become freelance, you’ll also be self-employed. You may need to register with your local authority for taxation purposes. Make sure that you’re maintaining accurate bookkeeping to help with your tax filing. Investing in an accountant can help you make sure that you have all the correct documentation before you start offering your services.

The best place to find information is on the official website for your local authority. Rules differ between every state, and what is the regulations for NYC might not be the same for your region.

Get your equipment and support

When you’re working freelance, you can’t rely on equipment from a salon. You’ll need to put a plan in place to get all the equipment you need. Purchasing your kit can be expensive, so you want to make sure you utilize trade discounts as much as possible to help cut down the costs. You’ll need to have all the basics – including shampoo, brushes, and towels – along with all the hot tools you’ll need.

If you’re offering a luxury service, it’s worth remembering that your clients will still expect a salon-quality standard for your equipment. You can always start out mid-tier and then upgrade to more innovative and expensive equipment as your business starts to grow.

You might also decide that you need help and support to run your freelance service. We’ve already mentioned an accountant, but you might use other services offered by fellow freelancers. You may hire someone to set up your website and someone else to master your branding so that you can market your services.

Get on social media

Every freelance hairstylist needs to be utilizing the power of social media. You want to make sure you have a presence on every social media platform and that you’re getting out the word about your service. Social media a powerful tool that will help you get your service in front of the right eyes.

Make sure you’re taking before and after photos of all your clients to post on social media. You want to establish a clear brand image and curate it online through graphics, photos, and video. Don’t forget to ask your clients (along with friends and family!) to help promote your social media platforms by sharing your content and tagging your profiles.

Build & Connect with your Clients

Your client list is what will make or break your business. Before you decide to go freelance, you want to have a few clients ready to go. These clients may be coming with you from a salon, or they may be friends or family who are planning to support your new career move.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the professionals in the beauty and grooming industry faced challenges. Now, there is hope.  Hairstylists, barbers, beauticians or nail specialists can easily connect with prospective clients. Indulge Now is an online marketplace. The platform connects service providers and customers looking for barber services and other services. Users can get haircuts, hairstyling, manicure, pedicure, massage and facials on demand.

You can sign up for free as Service Provider at Indulge Now.  Depending on the state, hairstylist or braider must have the state license and other regulatory requirements. A traveling barber or hair stylist can create profile. One can list the barbering and beauty services without paying monthly subscription fees. Once your profile is complete, indulgence seeking clients can search you. Because of the accessibility, potential customers can request an appointment.

Now is the perfect time to become a freelance hairstylist in New York City or your local area. Take the plunge. You won’t regret it!