Anyone who wants to become a mobile hair stylist must be fully licensed as a hair stylist, and have both a reliable vehicle and an entrepreneurial spirit. A hair stylist offers a range of service, from hair cuts to chemical processes and unique hair styles. There are three niche markets for mobile hair stylists: the wealthy, people who are pressed for time, and members of the entertainment industry.
Identifying clients in these markets requires a combination of skill and business connections. Some professional stylists work in the entertainment industry to develop contacts for professional actors, actresses, and producers who may need a hair stylist who can come to the movie site and work. The development of a portfolio of work that highlights the stylist’s skills and satisfied clients is another way to enter these markets.
Every hair stylist must complete formal post-secondary education from an accredited community or career college. This program is typically 12 to 18 months in length, and provides the training necessary to style a range of hair types, identify skin conditions, and maintain sterile equipment. In addition to this training, all hairstylists must successfully complete a state-managed examination to obtain a hair stylist license.
Experience is very important for anyone who wants to become a mobile hair stylist. Building a client list is important to the success of any stylist, but is absolutely essential for a mobile hair stylist. Typically, a hair stylist rents a chair in an established salon, and then walk-ins and new clients are assigned to different stylists on a rotating scheduling. The stylist is expected to cultivate a relationship with clients so they will return to him or her in the future.
Once you become a mobile hair stylist, the opportunities to obtain new clients is more limited. You cannot use the reputation of the salon but must rely on your own skills, business advertising, and reputation to expand your business. For this reason, most mobile hair stylists have been working in the field for at least 10 years and have a well-established reputation and client list.
In addition to the development of a client list, investment capital is typically required to establish a mobile hair styling service. Funds are required to purchase a reliable vehicle, equipment, supplies, and advertising. Some firms use a professional answering service to book appointments, answer inquiries, and forward messages. These services are not very expensive, but enhance the professional reputation of the stylist.