Sheila: Hi Gail. What led you to choose freelance hairdressing?
Gail: My hairdressing journey began at 15, working as a Saturday girl in a salon, before I moved into a full-time apprenticeship through the government’s YTS scheme, earning £25 a week. It was a humble start, but it laid the foundation for my career.
After 15 years at the same salon, I faced redundancy. That unexpected turn, however, became the start of my freelance career. My husband, incredibly supportive and handy, built me a home salon, which was the perfect springboard. The decision to go freelance wasn’t just about circumstance, though, it was driven by a deep desire for creative freedom – I yearned to escape the limitations of a salon’s set style and product lines, and to truly build my own brand.
Sheila: What challenges have you faced as a freelance hairdresser?
Gail: As a freelancer, I’m responsible for all aspects of my business finances, from tracking income and expenses to paying taxes. Learning to price my services appropriately and managing cash flow has been a learning curve. I’m not just a hairdresser; I’m also a marketer, accountant and administrator now too! Also, while I enjoy the independence, working alone can sometimes be lonely. I miss the camaraderie of a salon environment, so actively seeking connections with other freelance hairdressers has been essential for my wellbeing.
Sheila: How do you overcome these feelings of isolation?
Gail: I’ve found that connecting with other hairdressers has been crucial. Since joining the FHA, the online forums and in-person events they run have allowed me to connect with other freelancers, share my experiences and build supportive relationships. It’s been such an essential support system for me.
Sheila: I’m so glad you have found this. Are there any skills you wish you’d had before starting out?
Gail: Oh, absolutely! Essentially, I wish I had a stronger knowledge of business management basics. Learning about expense tracking and how to set aside money for taxes would have been invaluable. Understanding the legal requirements for running a freelance business, including insurance and licensing, is essential, and I wish I’d done more research on this before starting to ensure I was fully compliant.
Sheila: What advice would you give to someone considering freelance hairdressing?
Gail: Network, network, network! Networking can lead to new clients, collaborations and valuable learning opportunities. Secondly, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Stay persistent, keep learning and continue to build your network and market your services.
Sheila: I love that. How do you see the freelance hairdressing industry evolving in the next few years?
Gail: The freelance hairdressing industry is dynamic, and I think we’ll see some exciting developments. Clients are increasingly looking for personalised experiences, so freelance hairdressers who can offer bespoke services tailored to individual needs will likely thrive. The convenience of mobile services will continue to be a major draw, and we might see more mobile salons popping up too. Organisations like the FHA are playing a key role in raising standards. As more people embrace freelancing as a career choice, the industry will likely become even more competitive and dynamic. It’s an exciting time to be a freelance hairdresser!
