As a hairdresser, freelancing can bring flexibility, creativity and control over your schedule. However, it can also introduce challenges that may affect your wellbeing, such as managing boundaries with clients, maintaining a work/life balance and avoiding burnout. Many hairdressers who work for themselves find it hard to set limits and make time for self-care, which can lead to stress and anxiety. This month, I want to focus on how to create healthy boundaries and prioritise your mental health.
As freelancers, we can all be guilty of blurring the lines between professional and personal, but it’s important to remember that, ultimately, your clients are just that – clients. While you may develop a rapport and enjoy friendly exchanges, getting too personally invested in your clients can often lead to emotional strain.
One critical aspect of self-care is setting emotional boundaries. Ask yourself: Would I drop in for coffee with this person outside of a work setting? If the answer is no, it’s a reminder to keep a professional distance. Clients may come and go for various reasons, and it’s important to protect yourself from emotional burnout when they move on. We can also fall into the trap of saying ‘yes’ to every new client request, especially when starting out, but this is what can lead to burnout. It’s important to recognise when stress is building and take action to address it. By setting limits, you can create time for yourself and your personal life.
Another critical component of mental wellbeing is recognising your professional limits. As freelance hairdressers, there’s often a desire to please clients, even when it means taking on tasks you may not be fully comfortable with. However, saying no when a client asks for a service outside your expertise is a sign of professionalism, not failure. For example, if a client requests a colour correction that you don’t specialise in, it’s better to refer them to someone else than to take on a service that could end up causing you anxiety and damaging the integrity of your business.
A common challenge for freelance hairdressers is managing their own schedules. Unlike a salon job where work hours are predetermined, freelancers have the freedom to set their own hours. This freedom, however, can often lead to overworking if boundaries aren’t clear. Start by writing down your ideal work hours. Do you want to work only during the week? Would you prefer to leave weekends free for personal time?
Once you decide, make those hours known to clients – add them to your price list, make them clear on your website and set automated responses on your social channels. Just as a shop has opening and closing times, you should have clear working hours.
Freelancing can sometimes feel isolating. Without the camaraderie of colleagues, you may miss the support network, so it’s important to find your people. At the FHA, we have regional groups of hairdressers that talk and meet up, and we also have our online Facebook group called The Staffroom that is always a constant buzz of conversation. We also have a technical advice helpline which is available whenever a member may need. As a freelancer, having these touch points with other hairdressers, can really help any worries that build up when you’re on your own.
As hairdressers, we are natural listeners, often becoming confidants to our clients, but we need to recognise that taking on the emotional burdens of others can weigh heavily on our mental health too. It’s essential to remind yourself: I’m a hairdresser, not a therapist. While clients may share personal stories, it’s crucial not to take those worries home with you. Establishing an emotional boundary between your professional life and personal wellbeing will prevent unnecessary anxiety.
Remember, you are not just your business – you are a person with your own needs and limits. Taking care of yourself is essential not only for your health, but also for the long-term success of your freelance hairdressing career. Prioritise your wellbeing, and your business will thrive as a result.
In between appointments, you may need to create a mental reset. Whether it’s taking a short walk, practising deep-breathing exercises or listening to music, develop a ritual that helps you shake off any emotional weight from a heavy appointment before moving on to the next.
Mindfulness can be an excellent tool to maintain your mental wellbeing. Practising mindfulness helps you stay present and avoid worrying about things that might never happen. Instead of getting lost in potential future problems, focus on the task at hand, and deal with challenges as they arise.
Freelance hairdressing offers an incredible amount of flexibility, but without proper boundaries and self-care practices, it can lead to stress, burnout and mental exhaustion. By establishing clear work hours, maintaining emotional boundaries with clients, and practising mindfulness, you can protect your mental and physical wellbeing.
