How to start your cosmetology business

You may have seen enough content about skincare and breaking beauty standards, but have you ever thought of turning it into business? We’ll get you started on exploring careers in cosmetology in the UK. 

The cosmetology sector has more than a million hair salons countrywide and generates USD46 billion in yearly sales. It is quite obvious there are many moving components in opening a cosmetology company. However, by following these five easy steps, you may effectively start your cosmetology business! 

Easy steps to starting a cosmetology business

1. Complete a Diploma in Cosmetology – Level 3

Many people you talk to may say, ‘You don’t need a qualification to start your cosmetology business, just skills are enough!’ 

We wish we could say it’s true, but it’s not. The need for qualified cosmetologists is at an all-time high because of the present growth in the beauty sector. Therefore, we advise you to obtain a cosmetology license immediately if you are interested in cosmetics, skincare, or beauty. A Diploma in Cosmetology Level 3 will give you the necessary instruction and a certified cosmetology certificate, which is all you need to become a cosmetologist. 

Well, you will never have to stop here. You can always continue to seek an advanced diploma in cosmetology. And you can do this while you’re already managing your cosmetology business! 

2. Plan your cost in advance

Determine how much money you’ll need before starting your cosmetology business. Make a budget to be sure your expenses don’t outpace your revenue projections. First, calculate the cost of everything, being careful to account for supplier expenses, personnel salaries, and electricity expenditures. This is the spending plan you have.

Meanwhile, your expense for the diploma in cosmetology or advanced diploma in cosmetology course can be covered with affordable courses online.  With these prepared in advance, you are aware of the amount of cash required to break even. However, you need a lot more money than this to be successful and lucrative. Think about the services you will offer and the price you will charge for those services

3. Decide where to locate your cosmetology business

A firm might succeed or fail depending on its location. A good site is essential to running a successful business. The site should ideally be in a secure place that is simple to find and traverse. There shouldn’t be too many regional tournaments, and it shouldn’t be a hole in the wall. Find a location where your target demographics are concentrated and it is extremely visible. Additionally, there needs to be enough room for parking. 

Key questions you’ll need answers to before signing a lease

• Do local residents fit your target demographic?
•  Is there enough parking? 
• Who are your regional rivals, and is the store situated in a prominent area?

4. Get your cosmetology license

If you are planning on getting a UK cosmetology license, the good news is that you don’t need anything to start a hair salon. However, if it’s a beauty salon, you might need to register your new company and obtain a license from your local authority’s environmental health division. 

Additionally, you must register with the Care Quality Commission in England, the Health Care Inspectorate in Wales, or Healthcare Improvement Scotland if you provide laser therapy.

You can see that there are a lot of considerations to make before you can operate your salon. Hence, for your future reference, it is always best to look up a helpful government website where you can check what licenses you could need to have a better idea of what is in store for you based on your ambitions.

5. Market your cosmetology business

As you approach the last phase, you ought to have a diploma or advanced diploma in cosmetology, a company plan with a budget, a venue, the appropriate paperwork and certifications, and staff.

If you previously had a business, you could have a few repeat clients in addition to some locals. But now that you’re open for business, you want to spread the word further to attract additional customers.

To begin with, here are a few marketing techniques to promote your cosmetology business fast; 

Build a website 

WordPress is everyone’s personal favorite website-building tool. They almost automate the process, and the websites you produce have a polished, professional appearance. Find the ideal platform for you by doing some research; there are other excellent platforms as well. Images, business hours, contact details, services offered, bios of employees, the ability to make and cancel appointments, etc. should all be included on your website.

Social media

That nearly seems obvious. Most people are engrossed in their phones and seldom pay attention to their surroundings. Flyers can be placed on windows or street poles, but they won’t be noticed.

 Therefore, instead of spending paper on flyers, place the adverts in places where people would be compelled to see them, across their newsfeeds. A fantastic strategy to draw in and increase the number of customers to your business is by developing a social media presence.

Use the word-of-mouth technique 

Make sure to offer top-notch customer service to the clients you do have. A word-of-mouth marketing strategy would be the best approach to market your cosmetology business.

Your clients are the reason your company can function in the first place; they are the reason you started the company. If you treat your customers properly, they’ll spread the word on social media and/or talk about it with their friends and relatives. 

Additionally, they may post reviews and comments. The best kind of advertising is word of mouth. There is nothing better than hearing from actual consumers about their genuine experiences and hearing their comments.

Exploring careers in cosmetology in the UK

Congratulations if you now have a comprehensive grasp of how to begin a profession in cosmetology. The UK offers an outstanding variety of statistics about cosmetology occupations that will inspire you to launch your own right now. Well, what could possibly be more fulfilling than making others feel and look their best?

The most important fact here is that a cosmetologist makes an average yearly income of GBP21,000 in the UK, making it worth the investment in an advanced diploma in cosmetology course.

The wages do change based on geography and experience. However, cosmetologists can often expect to earn a fair wage and have excellent work stability.