Choosing to go freelance could be seen as a scary move, yet it could also be one of the most freeing decisions you'll ever make. Here, the director of the freelance hairdressers' association (FHA) Sheila Abrahams, discusses what life might look like as a freelancer.
Going solo
"Working on your own can be very isolating," says Sheila. "We have a virtual staff room, where members speak to one another, offer support, share their experiences - even discuss colour problems! In fact, they discuss all the things that you would in a salon staff room. Working for yourself, training and keeping up to date is very important." Even though you're choosing to work alone, now is a great time to align yourself with hairdressers / beauty techs that you admire; whether that's reaching out locally, or simply following them on social media.
Help is at hand
Says Sheila: "I think an awful lot of freelancers feel like giving up sometimes, which is exactly why the FHA* was set up, so that you can be given help as you start your business."
Again, social media can be a huge boost for those working alone. Industry platforms and publications will often have community boards on their social media channels, particularly Facebook. Here you can join in with regular Q&As as well as share any concerns you might have.
Promote yourself
First, you should sign up for at least one form of social media (Instagram is ideal if you're very visual, while Facebook is great for interacting with potential clients in your local area). Both are great for letting clients know your working hours, late nights etc. Next, have you taken a look at your website lately? If you want to be sure that someone who is looking for you, actually finds you, you must have a website - this is 2018 and having a website is a prerequisite when it comes to gaining a potential customer's trust.
Big time freelancers
Patrick Cameron, Carolyn Newman, Angelo Seminara, to name a few!
Any do's and don'ts for freelancers?
- Don't isolate yourself
- Don't undervalue yourself
- Don't let clients think freelancing is a cheap option
- Don't be afraid to admit that there are some things you need to learn
- Do charge realistic prices
- Do make sure you keep up to date with products and techniques
- Do spend time with other freelancers
Is it harder for freelancer to have access to education, as opposed to a salon team?
Being freelance means you have to invest in your own education. But it's often a lack of confidence that holds people back.
Finally, tell us about the positives of being freelance in 2018?
- You are in control of your own destiny
- You can take advantage of any opportunities that come your way
- You can work the hours that suit your life style
- You can focus on the work that pleases you.
- Being your own boss can be the hardest thing you ever do but the most rewarding.
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Introducing Chantelle, a talented beautician, hair extension specialist and proud owner of ‘Chantelle’s Beautique’. We sit down with Chantelle as she tells us how she started out in the industry, her top tips for becoming self-employed, struggles she faced and overcame along the way and her favourite products that she can’t live without!
My treatment room is based in my garden at home and I offer a full range of Hair and Beauty treatments specialising in skin care, brows & hair extensions. My clients love my set up and really appreciate the little touches like being able to park with ease and having more of a cosy experience away from the hustle and bustle of a busy salon. As well as running my own business at home, I also enjoy teaching others on their journey starting out in the trade with my own accredited courses at home as another branch of my business called ‘The Hair and Beauty Training Beautique’. You may also see me in your local Capital Hair & Beauty as I also tutor for one of their training providers ‘Face Forward’ offering brow lamination and lash lift and tint courses.
Sophie gained a wealth of experience working in the industry from her background working in prestigious 5 hotel & spa and salon settings which lead her up to starting a business of her own. We talk about all things beauty and the curved tweezers that she can’t live without!
Hi Sophie, tell us a little bit about your journey and how you go into the industry and what lead up to starting out on your own?
I gained a lot of knowledge from working in different settings from working with a big teams in a 5 star hotels and spas to smaller beauty salon environments. I gained so much knowledge from working in both settings and although it was hard work and long hours.
I started out by working in a few different 5 star hotels with spas and a salons where I gained all my knowledges and experiences from each one to put together for my own business! It was hard work and long hours all the practice paid off. It was actually one of my clients I saw regularly in the salon I worked at that said I should set up on my own and gave me the confidence to go self-employed and I’ve not looked back since!
As professionals in the hairdressing industry, we're well aware of the constant innovation occurring in our field. Our clients love to dramatically alter their look with the ever-changing trends and we do everything we can to prioritise the health of their hair. Bond-building treatments have long been a staple in salons to address this need. However, allow us to present the latest advancement: biomimetic hair science and K18!
Understanding the Future of Haircare: From Bond Builders to Biomimetic Hair Science
For centuries, the haircare industry relied on cosmetic chemistry to conceal damage. Historical solutions like oils and conditioners were designed to sit on the surface of the hair, providing a temporary fix by improving its appearance and manageability. However, these solutions fell short of addressing hair's health at its core.
Learn how to leverage K18 products in your salon services to reverse damage, fortify hair and enhance salon results all whilst boosting your salon profits. Discover our step-by-step instructions for every treatment, from lightening to styling in our handy salon go-to guide!
Following the natural structure of hair, the biologically active peptide is considered natural. Unlike traditional bonding agents, it is not rinsed away by water or shampoo, making K18 a genuine and enduring remedy for damaged hair. Healthy hair originates in the salon, and K18 believes its influence starts at the salon chair and radiates outward. While K18 is suitable for all hair types and services, the most significant improvements are seen in damaged hair.
Have you ever noticed how closely linked your mind and body are? It's like they're always communicating, even when we're not tuned in.
And when stress creeps in, it's not just your mind that feels the burden – your skin and hair can take a hit too. Stress, whether it's a short-term or a long-term problem, can be detrimental to your body's health.
In fact, a recent survey by the UK’s largest independent supplier to hair and beauty professionals, Capital Hair and Beauty, revealed nearly half (42%) of the nation believe that stress has had a negative impact on their skin and hair health!
Last year, Brits faced their fair share of hair and skin woes.Topping the list was the recurring issue of dry skin, affecting a significant 29% of the population. Not too far behind was hair thinning/loss, troubling over a fifth (22%) of us, while acne and breakouts are also a cause for concern, affecting 19% of survey respondents. And let's not forget about skin inflammation (12%) and eczema (11%).
Does the bob ever go out of style? Short answer: No. The reason for the evergreen appeal of the bob is because, depending on the length, it’s a look that can suit any face shape or hair texture. Right now, it can be anything from a short and swingy French girl bob, a luxurious long bob, or a razor-cut curly bob. For Tori Kiff, it’s about keeping things fresh with the addition of a fringe.
“I love updating a classic curly bob with a fringe, especially as so many of my curly clients seem to think it’s a style they shouldn’t have. I’ve managed to show so many clients that it’s all down to fear and that actually, a curly bob is so flattering and easy to style; I advise them to use their fingers to curl their fringes or to use a brush when styling,” shares Tori.
Of course, the most modern way to wear a bob is the Bixie, a hybrid of the bob and pixie; think classic bob updated with a fringe or micro bangs, or you could play with the Butterfly Bob. RUSH Creative Director Andy Heasman’s a fan.
If you ever spend time on social media, then you'll definitely have heard about skin cycling, or skin fasting. During the pandemic, this three-step regime rose to popularity as many of us had more time to spend on pursuing our 'perfect' skin. Read on to find out the what and why of skin cycling and how you can build it into your beauty therapy menu.
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