Category: Business

09:42:42 GMT • 14 January 2025

Hairdressing Regulations You Need to Know

3 October 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

When running a hair salon there are lots of factors to consider but most important is health and safety for both your clients and your employees. Here is a guide to the areas that you need to focus on for health and safety legislation in hairdressing.

What are the hairdressing regulations that you need to comply with?

There are key regulations that everyone who runs a hairdressing business should comply with. These are:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – UK legislation detailing the duties of employers regarding health and safety in the workplace. Employers have a duty to protect health, safety and welfare in the workplace.

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 – this is the UK law that requires all employers to ensure that they are sufficiently controlling harmful substances in the workplace.

• Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004 – this covers any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (including hair)

What do you need to put in place to comply with the regulations?

Risk Assessment

Carry out a risk assessment together with your employees, identifying the areas of risk within your business and then demonstrate that you have put in place measures to protect clients and staff. It is a good idea to have the risk assessment recorded as a document that all staff members can have access to, a typical format for this might look like this:

Hazard	Who might be harmed and how	What Precautions are currently in place?	Any further action required?	By Who	When	Date completed
Hair dye solution	Clients or staff could have a reaction to the ingredients within the solution	Allergy (patch) testing takes place 48 hours before a client’s treatment	Continue to regularly conduct patch testing	All Hairdressing staff	Every 3 months	Ongoing

Staff Training

All employees must receive regular Health & Safety at work training. This covers several key areas including:
· COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
· Fire Safety
· Manual Handling
· Electrical Safety

Health & Safety Policy

A Health & Safety Policy is a written statement that sets out how you, as an employer ensures that the workplace is a safe environment to work in. It is a legal requirement that you have this policy displayed in your hairdressing salon.

First Aider

HSE states that employers must have appropriate first aid provision for their workplace. It is good practice for a hairdressing salon to have a nominated person who, in the event of an accident, will be able to administer first aid. They would need to gain a qualification in first aid at work by attending a first aid training course to be renewed every 3 years.

Allergy Testing

You should have as a standard practice the regular patch testing of products on clients skin 48 hours before exposure to assess if they might react to a product.

As a salon owner, you have ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of your staff in the workplace.

To do this you should put in place the procedures for managing hazardous substances, take precautions to avoid trips and falls, keep your salon clean and well ventilated, have a clear fire safety procedure and ensure that all appliances are well maintained and regularly checked.

Taking these precautions should help to avoid any incidents and make your salon a safe place for you and your employees to work in.

Protectivity is a specialist provider of Hairdressing Insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK each year.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:42:56 GMT • 14 January 2025

10 Traditional Reiki Hand Positions

1 October 2019

•

3 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Get therapist insurance from Protectivity

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation which also promotes healing. The belief behind this treatment is that a life energy is flowing through our bodies and if this energy is low then we are more vulnerable to illness and stress.

Reiki treatments increase this life energy by placing hands on, or just above the body, creating beneficial emotional and physical effects, healing pain, reducing stress and anxiety.

A typical Reiki session

During a Reiki Treatment, a client will lie on a massage table, or a chair if they prefer. There is no significant pressure applied during a Reiki session, instead a practitioner will gently place their hands on a client.

There are a series of key hand positions which, when done in the correct way, will generate the effects needed. Here is a guide to some of the most popular hand positions.

1. Place the palms of your hands gently on your client’s forehead and cover the eyes. Take care not to cover the nose and restrict your client’s breathing.

2. Place hands gently around the temples.

3. Cradle the head by rocking the head very gently from one open palm and then to the other eventually achieving a balanced hold. Your own hands can rest on the table underneath your clients head.

4. Hands are gently placed over your client’s throat. If they don’t feel comfortable with this then your hands can be placed under the throat instead.

5. Hands are placed over the heart and the heart chakra (located between the breasts). They are then placed gently over the upper abdomen.

6. Hands are placed gently over your mid abdomen (solar plexus).

7. At this point, you, as a Reiki Practitioner might continue treatment to include your client’s legs.

Both hands are placed gently on the leg. Repeat for the other leg.

8. Put one hand on the bottom of each foot.

9. The next step would be to ask your client to roll over to their front and for you to apply pressure to your client’s shoulder blades and middle back and then the lower back.

10. At the end of a treatment you may move your hands all over your client’s body to cleanse and remove any leftover debris, transforming any negative energies into positive ones.

At Protectivity, we provide a wide range of what we believe are cost-effective insurance solutions for therapy professionals including Reiki Insurance, Counselling Insurance, Massage Insurance and many more. To see if your speciality can be covered, just visit our Therapy Insurance page and input your technique into the quote box. If we can cover the activity, we will provide you with an instant price.

Get Therapist Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:41:26 GMT • 14 January 2025

Talking Wages: How Much Does a Barber Earn?

11 September 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Get barber insurance from Protectivity

There are several ways to work as a barber and therefore several ways that you can earn money. Here are some of the structures available and gives an indication on how much a barber can make.

About us: Protectivity is a specialist provider of Barber Insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK each year.

Employed at a barbers salon

You might be employed at a salon and paid an hourly rate. Your salary will then be paid to you on either a weekly or monthly basis.

A barber’s salary will depend on experience and can range from £8 to £12 per hour. This is something that you will agree with the Salon owner at the start of your employment.

Self employed (Freelance)

A lot of barbers salons will hire you as a self-employed barber. This simply means that you will work on a freelance basis and would need to manage your own financial records and pay your own taxes.

This is done by registering for self-assessment, on the Government website.

Rent a chair

A common way for barbers to work is to rent a chair in a Salon. You will pay a fixed (usually weekly) fee to rent a chair. After you have paid this rent, you then keep the rest of the money that you earn. This works well if the salon is a busy one.

The amount that you can charge for a haircut will depend on several factors eg. Salon location and reputation, competitor charges etc. but you could expect to earn £100 – £200 per day. You then need to deduct the cost of renting the chair from this amount.

This structure works best once you have built up a good client base, so you know that you are going to have paying clients to cover the cost of renting the chair.

Split & commission

This is a common structure amongst barbers and enables you to share the revenue from the salon that you work in. For each haircut you complete, you would keep a percentage and the remainder you would pass to the salon.

The potential to earn very much depends on how many haircuts you do in a day, but this method can work well for a barber who is prepared to work hard and contribute to the success of the salon, attracting and retaining clients.

Own your own salon

There is obviously a greater potential to earn if you own your own salon once you have developed your experience and client base. However, you also need to consider that you also have the overhead costs of running the salon, staff wages etc.

Are there any opportunities to boost how much a barber can make?

You can boost your salary as a barber either through earning commission on the sale of hair products which you can offer your clients at their appointment. You can demonstrate which products would suit their needs best and then if they purchase it to take home you can earn between £2 and £3 on each purchase. If you can sell these products across your client base then this can become a great additional income.

Tips are also a great way to boost your earnings. Tips are entirely at the discretion of your clients but if you provide a great service and a great haircut leaving your client happy, they might choose to leave you a tip. The amount is again at the discretion of the client but averages between 5 and 10%.

So, there are plenty of options available and it is worth exploring each one in more detail to find the best structure for you. The London School of Barbering also has a great interview about the earning potential for barbers.

Get Barber Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:41:13 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Become a Barber: Training and Courses

4 September 2019

•

3 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Get barber insurance from Protectivity

If you have made the decision to become a barber, then there are a number of ways to achieve your goal! There are different routes depending on your age, working status and financial situation.

The majority of barbering courses will offer a mix of classroom-based learning where you will learn about styles and techniques, and practical learning where you can put what you have learnt into practice and will cut hair on live models.

About us: Protectivity is a specialist provider of Barber Insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK each year.

College course

There are lots of college courses available nationwide providing both classroom-based learning as well as some experience cutting hair on live models.

Duration: 1 – 3 years
Content: A combination of theory and practical learning but offers the least amount of practical cutting experience.
Cost: Approximately £2000 (There is funding available for some students. Your local college should be able to provide more information.)
Outcome: Most will result in an NVQ qualification at the end of the course.
Benefits: Courses are easily accessible at colleges throughout the UK and training can be quite flexible to fit your needs.

Apprenticeship

Typically a route for school leavers, an apprenticeship involves in salon training where you can get lots of experience.

Duration: Approximately 3 years
Content: Usually an apprentice would start work doing the very basic tasks eg. Shampooing hair and sweeping up hair whilst watching and learning from the barbers in the salon.
Cost: £0
Outcome: At the end of an apprenticeship you would be awarded an NVQ.
Benefits: An experience-based way of training to become a barber and there is no cost.

Private courses

Some organisations (eg. London School of Barbering) can provide a private course which can be a more intensive course of barber training but often costs more to complete.

Duration: Usually between 6 and 12 weeks
Content: A combination of theory and practical learning, sometimes offering additional training in specific techniques.
Cost: Approximately £4000
Outcome: An NVQ and strong experience
Benefits: Smaller classes meaning more focused tuition

So, no matter what age you are or what stage of your career you are at, there is an ideal route for you and your circumstances so that you can gain the qualification and the experience that you need to become a barber.

Once qualified, remember you will need to take out suitable hairdressing insurance before you start to cut clients’ hair.

If you are just starting your training, then there are some useful websites to support you:

The British Barbering Association (BBA) is the leading association for the barbering industry in the UK.
The Barber Council is the statutory body established by The Hairdressing Act (1964) and tasked by Government to maintain a register of hairdressers and barbers in the UK.

Get Barber Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:40:29 GMT • 14 January 2025

5 of the Best Apps for Mobile Hairdressers

4 September 2019

•

3 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

As a mobile hairdresser, you’ll want to make your job as straightforward and organised as possible, all while keeping up with the latest trends. There is a whole world of apps for those in mobile hairdressing, to help you in every part of your job, from inspiration to organisation.

Whether you are new to hairdressing or are an established stylist, there are apps available to support you and your business. Here, we cover the best hairstylist apps for mobile hairdressing:

1. Best app for inspiration Pinterest

Pinterest is great for inspiration for anything and that includes hair styles, colours and beauty, which makes it perfect for mobile hairdressers. Over time, Pinterest’s algorithm learns about its users, including what subjects they’re interested in and what images they like to see, to provide content that is tailored to your interests. So, whether you are looking for ideas for how to decorate your salon, an up-do or a creative idea for using colour, don’t overlook this popular app.

2. Best app for appointments: Salon Iris

This is a great salon app with an easy-to-use appointment booking system which is great whether you are a salon owner or a freelancer. They have different packages available to suit businesses of different sizes and can take the stress out of managing the diary – leaving you to focus on enjoying your work and doing the best job for your clients.

3. Best app for managing payments: Square

Restricting payment methods to cash only can be frustrating for some clients but now you don’t need to put this restriction in place. Square is a mobile payment processing system which uses your tablet or smartphone. Using Square means that you can accept card payments, including contactless payments, without needing to invest in expensive software or card machines.

4. Best app for colour: Hair Colour Booth

Hair Colour Booth is a fun app which you could get your clients involved in when choosing their colour and seeing what it might look like. It can be a great conversation starter and help you to get creative with your hairstyling. While not designed specifically for the hair and beauty industry, this app is a great one to help show the transformation of a new hair colour.

5. Best app for hairstyles: Hairstyle Mirror

This free hairstyler app allows your client to take a selfie and then see what they would look like with different styles. Great for talking through hair-style ideas with clients, this one is also a lot of fun to try!

Are you a mobile hairdresser? Make sure you’re covered

There really is an app to support you in all elements of running your hairdressing business – from managing appointments, to attracting new clients. To protect yourself against the unexpected, it’s important you have specialist hairdressing insurance. Our Hairdressing Insurance offers financial protection to self-employed, freelance and mobile hairdressers should an incident happen that results in a claim against you. We also offer public liability insurance for barbers if that’s your trade.

With the right cover in place, you can enjoy your job with the reassurance that if something goes wrong, you have the support. Why not get a quote today?

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:40:52 GMT • 14 January 2025

Rowing Workouts for Beginners

By Mandy Czyz

3 September 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Get personal trainer insurance from Protectivity

A rowing machine is a great piece of equipment if you are training, trying to improve your overall fitness or a personal trainer looking to build a plan for a client, as it can give you a full body workout with the right programme. The right exercises can help to build muscles, tone muscles, lose weight, provide an aerobic workout or increase stamina.

So, if you are new to rowing and are looking for a workout for beginners, there are some tips below to help you to find the exercise programme that works for you.

Getting started

As with all exercise programs it is important to receive the proper training to make sure that you are using equipment correctly. This is to ensure that you are using it safely so that you don’t do any damage to your body but also that you are using it effectively and getting the most from your workout. If you are using a rowing machine in a gym, then the staff there should be happy to help you. There are also lots of great videos on You Tube, demonstrating the correct posture and technique when using a rowing machine.

The other important tip when starting a new exercise is to build up gradually. Start with short, light rowing workouts and focus on getting the right positioning. Once you are used to the machine then you can gradually increase the intensity.

Exercises

Muscle Toning Rowing is a great exercise which burns calories and tones the body. Because rowing uses so many muscles, you can tone your back, shoulders, abs and arms in a single workout. If you are looking to achieve significant growth for specific muscles though, you will need to combine some exercises with weights as rowing will give a more general and even muscle tone. Endurance Endurance exercises are quite straight forward as the objective is to build up to being able to row as fast and consistently as you can. A great way to start is to begin with a five-minute warm-up at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Next you row for 20 minutes at the highest effort level you can consistently maintain. Make a note of your average stroke rate and average speed and then next time you can build on this target. Weight loss and burning calories The higher the intensity and longer that you row for will increase the number of calories burned during a session. The great thing about using a rowing machine is that many of them will be able to track your speed, distance covered, and calories burned during your workout so you can keep track of your progress as you build up your workout. Cardio A great way to get a cardio workout is through a high-intensity interval style session. Start with a gentle warm up for five minutes. Next row as hard as you are able to for 30 seconds and follow this with a period of rest for a further 30 seconds. Repeat this six times, then rest for 3 minutes. You then need to repeat this process 3 times and maintain the same intensity.

Rowing is a great piece of equipment for improving overall fitness and there are many different ways that using a rowing machine can fit into your exercise programme. If you need further support, then staff in your local gym can put a programme together for you.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:40:10 GMT • 14 January 2025

12 Event Planning Tools You Need to Try

By Mandy Czyz

21 August 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Get event insurance from Protectivity

There are plenty of event planning tools available to support you when planning your event from project management tools to managing lists of attendees. But what is the right tool to make you more efficient when organising an event?

About Us

We provide Event Insurance to thousands of UK event organisers and stallholders each year. Our policy provides a range of cover options, such as public liability for events. Get an instant quote for your event insurance policy via the link below.

1) Asana

Asana is a great tool for managing team projects and tasks. So, if you need to keep track of your team and the tasks that they are completing, this could be ideal for you. Its easy to navigate dashboard means that it is easy to see what has been completed and what tasks still need focus.

2) Basecamp

Basecamp enables you to create to do lists, assign tasks and set due dates. It is less visual than others and is based on a series of lists. Although you can try it for free, there is a charge for this tool, but the charge is based on unlimited users and usage.

3) Caterease

Caterease is a great tool for managing the catering for your event. The wizard-driven booking and drag and drop functionality makes building menus for your event really easy! Attendees can enter their own food selections enabling you to see quickly and easily what food and beverage requirements there are.

4) Cvent

The Cvent event planning tool allows you to automate many event management tasks from small events to larger conferences. It offers a complete event management solution including venue finding, building a website, managing registration, room blocking management and much more!

5) Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a great event planning and management tool to enable you to manage list of attendees, the registration process as well as getting the word out about your event. So, no more endless excel spreadsheets and inputting lots of data, this tool means that inputting and managing the data is a lot less time consuming!

6) Eventopedia

This is a great website which enables you to find, compare and review suppliers and venues. They have developed a network of trusted event suppliers to create an easy to use directory taking some of the pain out of searching for the perfect team for your event.

7) Hootsuite

This is a great tool for scheduling your social media posts. So,you can plan key posts in advance and then schedule them to be posted at a specific time and date, meaning key opportunities don’t get missed!

8) Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a fairly well known email marketing tool, but as it is a free tool (up to 2000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month) then it makes it a very cost effective way of managing email distribution, invitations and newsletters.

9) Pinterest

Great for collating ideas and inspiration, Pinterest enables you to manage your ideas by pinning them to different boards. So, you could have a board for each event or even a board for different sections of your event. It’s free to sign up and is a handy way of managing those creative ideas!

10) Top Table Planner

11) Eventbrite

12) Bizzabo

Through this app you can create an event website, manage registration and lists of attendees, distribute tickets and even measure the success of your event.

You might only need a tool to search for venues, manage registration and invitations or you might be looking for a tool that will support you in managing the entire event from start to finish.

It is worth spending the time finding the event planning tools that is right for you, but it is worth knowing that some are free to use!

Get Event Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:39:25 GMT • 14 January 2025

Do You Need a Licence to be a Hairdresser?

21 August 2019

•

3 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

If you are solely a mobile hairdresser that visits clients in their home to cut hair, it’s unlikely that you will require a licence.

However, if you are operating within a commercial premises, or have clients come to you, it may be necessary to register your hairdressing business with your local council. The specific requirements may vary depending on your local area.

It is therefore worthwhile getting in touch with your local council to find out what needs to be done. You can also find out what is required in your local area on the Gov.UK website.

What requirements are there to become a hairdresser?

It is likely at the very least that the council will need to be aware of the business that you are running and check that it complies with health and safety requirements:

1. Cleanliness – Your premises are required to be clean, safe, well-lit and well ventilated.

2. Risk of Infection – You will also need to show that you take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection or contamination.

3. Training – Your staff should be adequately trained, work hygienically and use equipment efficiently.

4. Insurance – As with most businesses, it is necessary to have a suitable hairdressing insurance or barber insurance policy in place.

Having Public Liability cover will protect you if a third party should make a claim for compensation and legal costs for injury or damage while on your business premises or while you are working on their premises. So, for example if a client has an accident as a result of a spillage of hair products, they can claim against you.

It’s also worth checking that having professional treatment risk cover and products liability in place too. This will protect you if a third party makes a claim against you due to your negligence. So, for example if your client’s hair is permanently damaged due to a mistake you made with the hair products that you used for them, you could face a huge legal bill. With cover in place, the costs are covered.

Certification

A representative from your local council will come and inspect your premises and check that you have all the necessary procedures in place. They will then issue a certificate and is a requirement that this is displayed so that it can be clearly seen by your customers.

How much does it cost to register my business?

There is no charge for registering a hairdressing business.

What hairdressers would not need to register?

If your business provides hairdressing services to people in their own homes or residential accommodation (for example, a care home), then you are not required to register your business in this way as you do not operate from business premises.

So, for example if you are a mobile hairdresser cutting your clients hair in their own homes you would not need to register in this way or hold a hairdresser licence.

In summary, before you set up as a hairdresser, contact your local council and they can advise on the requirements in your area. Then, make sure that you have all the necessary training, certifications and insurance in place to run your business with peace of mind.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:39:40 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Become a Hairdresser

19 August 2019

•

11 mins read

Contributors

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

If you’re wondering how to become a hairdresser, then the first thing to know is that while the best stylists make it look easy, it can be much more complex than you might think.

Bringing somebody’s hair to life takes skilful use of equipment. You’ll need an eye for style and creativity, a passion for the profession, and a commitment to good old-fashioned hard work. If a career in hairdressing is something that’s always interested you, this might sound like a long and arduous process… but the financial and creative rewards being a professional hairdresser can often make it all worthwhile.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know when considering how to become a hairdresser professionally. We’ll look at the ideal first steps, potential qualifications and training options to pursue, how to continually develop your skills in the future, and the different business models open to you.

Whether you’re still at school and looking at how to break into the industry when you leave, or you’re looking at hairdressing as a career change, the information below will help you start your professional hairdressing journey on the front foot.

What are the first steps?

The first step is to do as much research as possible into the kind of styles that are popular and how they can be created: YouTube videos are a good starting point for this kind of information.

On a more practical level, you should consider applying to work in a salon in an entry-level position, or even just as an intern or work experience placement. You’ll get the chance to see first-hand how salons operate day-to-day, and get to know the basic duties like helping out on reception, shampooing hair and keeping a tidy working environment. If you can make a good impression on the people you work with, then you’ll be in pole position to take on greater duties and move onto the next stage as and when an opportunity arises.

If you’re still at school and looking towards a career in hairdressing in the long term, then aiming for a grade C or above in core subjects like English and Maths is important. While it won’t completely make-or-break your prospects if you don’t achieve those grades, getting them can be a big advantage when employers are looking at taking on new staff.

What qualifications do I need to be a hairdresser?

Unlike many other professions, there are no qualifications that are legally mandated to become a hairdresser by trade. However, it’s strongly recommended to get at least some qualifications, as they can demonstrate that you possess some of the skills needed and give you a better chance of landing a job.

There are several different options for you to explore, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Hairdressing and Barbering – more on this in the training section – and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). There are also a range of different courses and certifications you can pursue in more formal educational settings, from short-form courses to full-length university degrees.

What types of training are required?

The NVQ in Hairdressing and Barbering is one of the best ways to pursue a career in the sector because it gives you the opportunity to learn on the job, and to progress your skills over a period of time. You can start the course even if you have no experience in the industry whatsoever, and follow it all the way through to the skills and credentials needed to be a senior stylist.

The NVQ is made up of three levels:

Level 1 covers the basics of day-to-day work, both in terms of styling and being in a customer-facing business environment. You’ll learn how to shampoo, condition and blow-dry hair, how to prepare and maintain a working area, and how to develop working relationships.

Level 2 allows you to learn more advance techniques and skills, such as consulting with clients, treating hair and the scalp, and other optional units such as perming, plaiting, twisting, and running a salon reception.

Level 3 brings in more advanced techniques, such as detailed consultation services, applying creativity to treatments through a variety of techniques, and being able to colour hair. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about how salon businesses operate from a financial standpoint and gain an understanding of how to market and promote a salon operation.

How long does it take to become a hairdresser?

There is no fixed timeframe on how long it takes to become a hairdresser. Some people come into the industry earlier than others, and while some stylists may have a natural talent and flair for the jobs, it’s also perfectly acceptable to build up your expertise more gradually and academically.

In the case of the NVQ mentioned above, it can take as many as 1500 hours of on-the-job to complete all three levels and receive the full diploma; this may take you a number of years to complete.

But in any event, the world never stops and there isn’t a hairdresser in the world who knows absolutely everything there is to know about the profession. Those who are the most successful never stop picking up new information about styles, techniques, products and equipment, so you should adopt an attitude of continuous learning and upskilling throughout your career.

What else can I do to improve my skills?

Connected to the previous point, there are many avenues to explore if you want to expand your skills and knowledge outside of formal qualification frameworks. That can start by simply asking local salons for some of their time and expertise, so that you can understand how to develop both your styling skills and your business acumen.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and build a reputation for yourself, then it may be worth channelling your energies into specialist areas, and becoming known as a great stylist for a particular type of treatment. These can include (and not necessarily be limited to): colouring, hair extensions, weaves, perms, straightening, hair extensions, braiding, scalp treatment, glossing and many more. If you can develop a high level of proficiency in a few of these areas, then that can make you more desirable to salons who are looking for specific skills to complement their existing roster of stylists.

Another important area which often gets overlooked is to ensure that your appearance and people skills are the best they possibly can be. Many people pay good money to not only get the style or cut they want, but to get a friendly, enjoyable and stress-free experience when they visit a salon. A big part of that is to ensure that you look clean, healthy, stylish and professional whenever you’re working, and have an outgoing and welcoming attitude at any time that you deal with customers.

What types of hairdressing jobs can I pursue?

Media

First of all, while the majority of hairdressers start out working in a salon, it’s important to remember that it’s only one part of the hairdressing industry. If you’re creative or have some specific career goals, then you could explore offering hair styling services for a number of other industries, such as fashion, TV, film, advertising and marketing. It’s in these highly specialised areas where the biggest money is often made.

Weddings

Whilst wedding work tends to be seasonal, having a stylist is usually a must for any bride. This will often involve several hours work styling various members of the wedding party including the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and of course, the bride. You may even be needed to provide a practice session with the bride before the big day. Bookings like these can be a full days work for just one group, read our blog on how to attract wedding clients.

Salons

It’s also worth remembering that you also have a range of options in terms of the business model you want to pursue. Many stylists like the consistent earnings and the security that working full-time for a salon can give them, especially if they have a family to support or other financial commitments to fulfil.

Freelance

However, if you prefer to do your own thing and have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, then you could alternatively pursue self-employment, once you’ve gained enough experience and developed a strong CV. You could operate as a mobile hairdressing service in customers’ homes, provide freelance salon services in a number of different applications (including the industries mentioned above), or simply rent a chair in a salon and operate from their facility.

Theoretically, this means that the sky’s the limit in terms of your earning power: how much you can make is directly linked to how talented you are, how hard you work, and how good your business decision-making is. However, on the other side of the coin, you won’t necessarily have a guaranteed income, and you’ll also have to pay out for overheads like equipment, transport, chair rental and insurance. You’ll also need to develop a sound understanding of the hairdressing market in your local area, so that you can price your services right and ensure you gain enough clients to keep you busy, without underselling your abilities.

What else do I need to know?

Away from the excitement of applying your creativity and forging a successful career, there are a number of other considerations to take into account if looking at hairdressing.

The first is to say that if you’re looking for a steady nine-to-five job, it’s going to be very difficult to find one in this industry. Many clients will be looking for styling appointments that fit around their working lives, which means evenings and weekends. You should be prepared to work a range of different times of day and week on a regular basis, especially in the early stage of your career when trying to earn yourself opportunities.

Another area to take into account is salary: the starting salary in this line of work can be very low for a beginner. According to the National Careers Service, salon-based hair stylist salaries can range from £14,000 a year for those starting out to as much as £30,000 a year once you’ve gained more experience. If you’re taking a position as an apprentice, most salons tend to offer an annual wage of £10,000 a year. Please note that these figures can also vary substantially, depending where you live in the UK: salaries will be higher in London and the south-east of England to match the higher cost of living there.

Make sure you take your personal finances into account when starting out, and make sure you can balance your own books in the early stages before your earnings start to rise later on.

Get your hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

If you’re operating as a self-employed hairdresser – either on a freelance basis, mobile or even if you’re renting a chair – then taking out comprehensive insurance cover is an absolute must.

Accidents and mistakes can occur, even to the most proficient and experienced of stylists. If somebody doesn’t get the style they want, is accidentally hurt during one of your sessions, or something else happens beyond your control, then they could launch a claim for compensation against you. You could be personally liable for settling the claim if the decision goes against you, which could cost you thousands of pounds and cause significant and long-lasting financial hardship.

Those worries go away if you’re properly insured, and at Protectivity, we’ve been insuring hairdressers just like you for many years. Our cover includes public liability, cover against professional negligence and other protections that give you peace of mind to be creative and grow your business with confidence.

Our cover is available from as little as £3.76 a month and can be paid for through flexible payment plans, helping you stay covered without breaking the bank. Take a couple of minutes today to examine our affordable hairdressing insurance options in more detail.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by