Category: Starting a business

09:48:45 GMT • 14 January 2025

8 Ways for Personal Trainers to Reconnect with Past Clients

By Mandy Czyz

23 October 2019

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

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

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The sports industry and specifically personal trainers is a competitive one. Keeping hold of the clients you already have is clearly a top priority but, what can you do to reconnect with those clients who have used your services in the past?

1. Understand why they left

A questionnaire for all clients who leave can be a great way to understand if there are any improvements that need to be made.

For example, it might be that a client left because you couldn’t offer them the hours that suit them. If, at a point in the future, you can provide this time slot you can use that to restart a conversation.

2. Offer them the next goal

Often clients will work with you to reach a target and achieve a specific goal. This means that the risk is that they will leave once this target has been reached.

So, offer your clients the opportunity to aim for a new goal and therefore continue using your services. For example, if their target was to reach a specific weight, work with them to improve their fitness or train for a specific event for example.

3. Database

It is advisable to keep a database of clients and potential clients. For all clients, past and present and for new enquiries, ask permission to add them to your database. You can then send them details of future sessions, programmes and offers.

It is very important that you obtain permission to do this and store clients data responsibly and in line with GDPR guidance.

4. Marketing

Having a good marketing campaign will enable you to have the tools in place to reach out to potential and lapsed clients. Ensure that you have an impactful and informative website.

Make use of social media such as Facebook and Instagram to remind clients that have lapsed of the services that you provide and they will keep you top of mind. At the heart of your marketing campaign should be the service that you can offer clients ensuring that you communicate how you can and will meet their needs.

5. Newsletters

Regular newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with clients past, present and future. Programs such as mail chimp are free and easy to use making keeping in touch with your clients that bit easier.

6. Training days/bootcamps

Why not hold a training day or bootcamp session and invite potential and lapsed clients. This not only enables you to showcase what it is that you do, but also gives you the opportunity to remind those past clients of the great service that you provide!

7. Focus on client retention

It is less costly to work to hold onto a client than it is to go and find new clients. Keep this in mind and consider having a budget available for small gestures which will help existing clients to remember you and keep them loyal to you.

Some trainers have a loyalty scheme in place, offering clients a discount when they book a certain number of sessions in advance. For example – receive a 50% discount on your 6th session.

8. Offers and packages

This is becoming an effective way for trainers to sell their services and for clients to feel like they are getting value for money. By detailing a package to obtain a specific goal eg. Marathon training package you can include details of a certain number of training sessions as well as diet and nutrition advice all for a set price.

Packages like this can be a great way of reconnecting with past clients and get them using your services once again.

Do I Need to Renew my Training?

Yes, you will need to renew your training every 3 years to ensure that you keep your skills up to date and in order to validate your insurance. Your training provider will be able to give you more details.

Get personal trainer insurance with Protectivity

Protectivity has years of experience insuring personal trainers just like you. Our cover includes personal trainer public liability insurance, personal injury, equipment cover, and employer’s insurance if you run a business that employs other people. With our affordable, flexible policies, you can take your business to the next level with confidence that you aren’t at risk of long-term financial stress.

Take two minutes today to have a closer look at our affordable, flexible personal trainer insurance policies.

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09:48:13 GMT • 14 January 2025

Salon Chair Rental: What to Consider

9 October 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

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

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If you are one of the thousands of self-employed hairdressers or barbers in the UK then it is likely that you have considered renting a chair in a salon. This way of working can be mutually benefit for both the salon and you as a hairdresser.

But what does salon chair rental involve and what should you consider?

How do you rent a chair in a salon?

There are a few methods of renting a chair:

Fixed Rent

You can agree a fixed amount that you will pay the salon each week for renting a chair. This works in your favour if you succeed in getting lots of clients as the cost that you pay each week won’t increase as your earnings do.

Percentage of takings

You can also agree with the salon owner that you will pay them a percentage of your takings. While what you pay stays in line with what you take, Salon owners are often less keen on this method as their income decreases if you cut less hair.

A combination of both methods

Sometimes you can agree that you will pay a lower fixed rent as well as a percentage of the takings.

What are the hairdressing chair rental costs?

The average costs to rent a chair in a hair salon can vary between salons, so it is worth doing your homework to assess the average charges in your local area.

If you are paying a percentage of takings as a method of renting a chair, then you could expect to pay anywhere between 40-60%.

What are the benefits of renting a chair?

There are several benefits to renting a chair:

1. Cost – It is a fairly low-cost option for both parties. Salon owners don’t have the costs associated with permanent staff and for hairdressers it is a fairly straightforward way of managing outgoings.

2. Risk – There is less risk and commitment required for both the salon owner and hairdresser. You can enter into an agreement and if it doesn’t work out then you can terminate the arrangement.

3. Flexibility – In theory you can choose what hours you work. You can plan to work at key times of demand (evenings and weekends) in order to maximise your opportunity to earn.

4. Working in a Salon Environment – This can be beneficial for a number of reasons: Lots of clients prefer having their hair cut in a salon environment making you more appealing as a hairdresser, you can benefit from working around other hairdressers making it a more positive working environment with the opportunity to learn share skills and techniques.

What else should you consider before renting a chair?

If you are renting a chair, then you will need to work on a self-employed basis. This means that you will need to register for self-assessment and submit your income annually.

It is also unlikely that you will receive any employee benefits such as paid holiday, maternity leave, pension, healthcare etc.

Do you need a contract to rent a chair?

Yes, you should be sure to have a contract in place if you are renting a chair. A rent a chair contract will protect both you and the salon owner by ensuring that all details of your agreement are captured in writing and agreed by both parties.

If there isn’t one already available at the salon, there are plenty of templates available online. Be sure to capture all the important details: Price, length of agreement, working hours, ownership and payment for products and equipment that you will use when in the salon, as well as highlighting what happens if either party wants to end the agreement.

In summary, rent a chair hairdressing can be a low risk and flexible way of working. If you can build up a regular book of clients, then your potential to earn can be quite significant.

Protectivity is a specialist provider of Hairdressing Insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses including barber shop insurance across the UK, offering a range of tailored insurance products to protect our customers against unforeseen events.

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09:47:25 GMT • 14 January 2025

Understanding Chakra Stones and Healing Crystals

9 October 2019

•

7 mins read

Contributors

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

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Chakra stones, or healing crystals, are thought to correspond to the seven chakras or centres of energy in the body. These energy centres are believed to govern our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. When they are in balance, energy flows freely and harmoniously. But when one or more chakras become blocked or imbalanced – often due to trauma, stress, or emotional distress – this can manifest as worry, insecurity, fatigue, or even a sense of disconnection from oneself.

As chakra therapists or those exploring the path, working with healing crystals is a powerful, intuitive way to support clients in their healing journeys. Chakra stones are often used in Reiki therapy as well, where practitioners place specific crystals on or around the body to align and activate the chakras during energy healing sessions. This combination of crystal healing and Reiki can help amplify energetic shifts, clear blockages, and restore balance on multiple levels.

In this guide, we explore the chakras, the crystals that resonate with them, and how to use these stones in your practice with depth and integrity.

What are Chakra Healing Crystals?

Chakra healing crystals, also known as chakra stones, are natural minerals thought to carry vibrational energies that interact with our own energy fields. The word ‘chakra’ originates from Sanskrit and translates to ‘wheel,’ referring to spinning centres of energy in the body.

Each of the seven primary chakras is associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual attributes, and each resonates with particular colours and frequencies. Chakra stones are chosen based on these qualities, to either balance, activate, or calm these energy centres.

This video from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads gives you a great overview.

The seven chakras and their healing crystals

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Location: Base of the spine and pelvic floor
Associated with: Security, grounding, survival
When blocked: Anxiety, fear, feeling unsafe or unrooted
Crystals: Hematite, Black Onyx, Smokey Quartz

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Location: Just below the navel
Associated with: Sensuality, creativity, emotional flow
When blocked: Low libido, creative blocks, guilt
Crystals: Carnelian, Sunstone, Orange Calcite

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

Location: Upper abdomen / navel area
Associated with: Confidence, personal power, will
When blocked: Low self-esteem, lack of direction
Crystals: Citrine, Pyrite, Yellow Jasper

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Location: Centre of the chest
Associated with: Love, compassion, emotional balance
When blocked: Jealousy, grief, inability to trust
Crystals: Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Jade

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat
Associated with: Communication, truth, self-expression
When blocked: Fear of judgement, difficulty expressing oneself
Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Sodalite

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Location: Between the eyebrows
Associated with: Intuition, insight, clarity
When blocked: Lack of direction, poor judgement, overthinking
Crystals: Amethyst, Fluorite, Iolite

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Location: Top of the head
Associated with: Spiritual connection, enlightenment
When blocked: Disconnection, isolation, apathy
Crystals: Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Moonstone

How to use chakra crystals in healing sessions

As a chakra therapist, your intuition is one of your greatest tools. You might begin a session by using a pendulum to assess energy flow in each chakra, or by simply sensing where there are imbalances in your client’s body or aura.

Crystal Placement: Place the appropriate stone on or near the corresponding chakra while your client lies down in a relaxed state. You might combine this with reiki, breathwork, or guided meditation.

Gridding: Use a sacred geometry grid layout to amplify the energetic impact, especially for deeper emotional clearing or spiritual connection.

Energy Sweeping: Gently move the crystal over the chakra in circular or sweeping motions to help shift stagnation or blockage.

Client Interaction: Encourage your client to hold or meditate with a crystal between sessions, to deepen their own connection with that chakra’s energy.

Choosing the right stones for your practice

Start with a basic set of the seven chakra stones and slowly build your collection based on your intuitive pulls or client needs. Keep an open heart – sometimes a stone will call to you without a logical reason, and that’s often exactly what you (or your client) need.

Dual-purpose stones like Amethyst (which supports both Crown and Third Eye) or Citrine (Solar Plexus and Sacral) are wonderful additions. Always work with ethically sourced stones when possible, honouring the earth from which they come.

How to care for your crystals

Crystals absorb energy, so regular cleansing is essential. Common methods include:

Placing them under the full moon
Smudging with sage or palo santo
Sound baths (using a singing bowl or chime)
Burying them in the earth overnight

You can also charge your crystals with an intention by holding them in your hand and mentally or verbally infusing them with purpose.

Integrating crystal healing with other practices

Crystals work beautifully alongside other holistic tools and modalities. Depending on your training and personal style, consider incorporating:

Meditation and Breathwork – Let your client hold a stone during guided meditations focused on chakra activation.
Sound Healing – Use singing bowls or tuning forks aligned with the vibrational frequency of the chakra being worked on.
Aromatherapy – Diffuse essential oils that complement each chakra’s energy (e.g., patchouli for Root, peppermint for Throat).
Movement Practices – Introduce gentle yoga poses or intuitive movement to help open blocked energy centres.

How to assess chakra imbalances

Being able to intuit or assess where energy is stuck is a vital skill. Some methods to explore include:

Pendulum Dowsing – Hold a pendulum above each chakra and observe the movement.
Body Language Cues – Hunched shoulders may point to a closed Heart Chakra, while crossed arms can signal defensive energy.
Client Dialogue – Ask simple reflective questions about their emotions and physical sensations.
Energy Scanning – With practice, many therapists sense energetic shifts or stagnation by moving their hands over the body.

Empowering clients between sessions

Give your clients tools to stay connected with their healing journey:

Crystal Meditations – Simple daily meditations with a chosen crystal.
Chakra Journaling Prompts – Encourage writing about themes of each chakra to deepen awareness.
Crystal Carrying – Recommend keeping a stone in their pocket or wearing crystal jewellery.
Chakra Affirmations – Pair affirmations with specific stones (e.g., “I am safe and grounded” with Hematite).

Navigating science and scepticism

Some clients (and therapists) might feel uncertain about the metaphysical aspects of crystal healing. It helps to:

Acknowledge the energetic and symbolic value of crystals even if not scientifically proven.
Embrace the placebo effect as a valid and powerful component of healing.
Speak from personal experience and observation rather than rigid belief.
Frame crystal work as complementary, never a replacement for conventional care.

Ethical practice and intuitive integrity

Always approach crystal healing with responsibility and humility:

Recognise that each client is on a unique path.
Avoid spiritual overreach or pushing ideas that don’t align with their belief systems.
Clearly communicate that crystal therapy is supportive, not curative.
Continue to educate yourself and seek mentorship from experienced energy healers.

Get Chakra Healing Reiki Insurance from Protectivity

Whether you incorporate chakra stones into your Reiki sessions or focus purely on energy healing, having good-quality therapist insurance is essential. It not only protects you and your business against potential claims, but also ensures that any investment you’ve made in ethically sourced healing crystals and equipment is covered in case of damage or loss.

At Protectivity, we offer specialist Reiki insurance policies designed for practitioners, including Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, and equipment cover. Whether you practise chakra healing, crystal Reiki, or traditional energy work, our flexible and affordable plans give you the peace of mind to focus fully on your clients. Why not get a quote today and safeguard your practice with confidence?

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10:22:23 BST • 11 April 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 ...

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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.

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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 ...

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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.

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09:40:29 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...

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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.

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09:40:10 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 ...

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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.

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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 ...

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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.

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09:37:58 GMT • 14 January 2025

Writing Your Personal Training Business Plan

By Mandy Czyz

24 July 2019

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

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

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Before hitting the gym and putting together workouts for clients, fitness professionals should have a firm grip on their personal training business plan.

When starting out your career in the industry it’s important to know which direction you plan to take. Your business plan will help you define that.

Putting together written documents may not sound ideal when you envision a career in the personal training industry, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

We’ve highlighted six important sections to consider in your business plan.

Executive summary

This first section of your business plan should be the first thing a reader sees. Although the first to be read, it could be one of the last thing you write. Your Executive Summary will deliver a concise overview of what a reader can expect to read in the supporting document.

Give an overview of what you intend to do in your business, how you plan on doing it and how your business will sit in the market.

Within this section you can include your Mission Statement. This can be one or two sentences which sum up your personal training business and what you intend to change within the industry. It should perfectly sum up your fitness activities.

Business overview

This section will bring a more granular approach to your business. Here you will breakdown how your business sits within the current fitness industry. Is there a move towards a specific type of training regime? Will your business slot into that niche? Or will you follow a more traditional approach?

You can outline the facilities you will be operating in within this section. Are you intending to train in a gym? Or do you have your own studio where your sessions will take place?

Also within the Business Overview section you can highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This will be what sets you apart from the other businesses offering similar services. It can explain why individuals should choose you as their personal trainer as opposed to someone else.

Your services

Here you’ll explain precisely what services you’ll be offering. If you are offering group classes, individual one-on-one sessions or offering a workout plan service you should outline what they will entail here.

You should explain the benefits to your clients of following the specific approach you are taking. For example, have you got experience helping groups of people achieve their goals through boot camp classes? Or do you have a specialism that will ensure your one-on-one personal training sessions are hard to beat?

Of course, it is possible that you will be offering a range of different services. Highlight in your business plan how you will judge the best course of action for each client based on their goals, time commitments and other restraints.

Market and competition analysis

Starting a personal training business is bound for failure if you don’t have a idea of the state of the market. You could be the best trainer around but if you have no standing in the market or are not doing anything new then success will be tough.

Carry out an overview of the competitors in your local area, use tools like Google Adwords to assess the demand for personal trainers in your vicinity and document these in your business plan. Once you know who you are competing against and have an idea of challenges you might face, you can solidify your marketing plans.

Reiterate your USPs in this section. Why are you different? What need are your services meeting? Think about how you will market your personal training business. Will you employ a Pay Per Click (PPC) campaign to get your website (if you have one) the traffic you need? Will you use Facebook and other social media to advertise to your clients? Outline all of your marketing plans within this section of your business plan for your training business.

Financial plan

Now you have outlined what you will be doing, you need to show how you will not only be making money, but how you will be spending it too.

Your Market and Competition Analysis may have touched on how much your competitors charge, the price clients are willing to pay and the going rate for the services you will offer. Here you can outline how much money you expect to bring in to your business through your personal training sessions.

Is this the only way you intend to bring money into the business? If not, what else will you be doing to raise funds?

You also need to consider your spending in this section of your personal training business plan. Think about overheads. Are you planning rent a studio or gym -if you so will need gym insurance. How much will that cost? Remember petrol costs if travelling from client to client will soon add up and can take a significant chunk of your earnings.

There’s also the consideration of spending money in order to accumulate it. As briefly mentioned in the section above, you may want to set up an advertising campaign, be it PPC, social media or through a third-party agency. All of this can cost a lot of money, so consider the impact on your overall business here and draw up some sort of cash-flow plan.

Risk assessment

As much as you can plan to have the best run personal training set-up in the land, things can, and do, go wrong. Often though, how you react to slip-ups (sometimes literally) can be pre-planned within your personal training business plan.

Personal Training Insurance is the obvious starting place to cover injuries that might occur during your sessions. However, think about the immediate aftermath. Do you have a safety plan for your sessions? Have you remembered to ask your clients to complete a Par-Q before starting training? And is it worth undertaking some training yourself on how to deal with medical emergencies?

Consider not only what could happen within your training sessions, but think about the wider-world. What happens if a new competitor comes on the scene with cheaper sessions. You may be forced to change how you operate, what you charge or what you specialise in.

There’s also the potential for legislation change. Personal trainers are currently not allowed to produce meal plans unless they are a qualified nutritionist, for example. What would happen if new rules came into play that affected the training you offer? Having a plan of action for all scenarios will certainly help you here.

The sections outlined above are not exhaustive. There is no hard-and-fast rule as to what should be included in a personal training business plan, but hopefully the advice above can put you on the road to success.

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