Benefits of being a mobile or freelance hair and beauty professional

Thinking of going mobile or freelance in your beauty career? If you want to understand more about the benefits of being a mobile or freelance hair and beauty pro, we've got you. Read our guide to the benefits of being mobile or freelance.

What does a mobile or freelance hair and beauty pro do?

Let's start at the beginning. A mobile or freelance hair and beauty pro isn't employed by a salon, brand or business. There are different ways to be freelance or mobile (and we'll run through them later), but for the most part, a freelance or mobile beauty pro operates their business independently.

For mobile beauty providers, this could mean travelling to clients' locations or events to carry out services. Freelancers might also work on-location at shoots, stores or events—or even in a salon space provided by someone else—but in general, most beauty services can be done on a freelance or mobile basis.

The main role of a mobile or freelance beauty pro is to provide personalised, convenient beauty experiences, whatever the service. By making it so clients don't need to travel to you, you can earn more, although it comes with more logistics challenges. It's a client-focused approach to building relationships, trust, and satisfaction. Sometimes, it's about honing specialist skills, too, as clients will pay you for your expertise rather than going to a generalist.

Mobile and freelance beauty professionals thrive on adapting to different environments. Whether working on a film set, preparing a bride for her special day or offering beauty services for an event, it's about being flexible, adaptable and creative in any setting. It's also about being organised and a good communicator as you often travel or meet a client for the first time.

What are the options for being mobile or freelance?

There are a few ways to be mobile or freelance as a beauty professional. The first option is being mobile. This usually involves travelling to wherever a client wants their appointment, whether at home, a business, or an event. You take your kit with you and perform services on-site. You're also usually self-employed, though some mobile beauty pros are employed by businesses that offer a mobile service.

It can sometimes be a challenge because of travel, organisation and the location you're working in, but it also means you're not just based in one location, and you meet different people. If you're looking for flexibility and variety in your work, a mobile beauty career can help you achieve this.

A freelance beauty pro works a little differently. They're usually self-employed, and while there are some similarities with a mobile provider, in that they often travel to locations to provide services, it can be a little different. Freelancers are usually more likely to offer their services more flexibly at events like photo shoots, filming or special occasions.

The beauty industry offers several options for individuals seeking a mobile or freelance career. One popular choice is becoming a freelance makeup artist or hairstylist. This allows professionals to offer their services flexibly, catering to clients for weddings, photo shoots, or special occasions. Many freelancers in the beauty industry build a strong portfolio and establish a network to attract clients.

Some beauty professionals also offer digital or remote services, such as consultations, coaching or online tutorials to support clients wherever they are. This enables freelancers to open up opportunities to reach a broader audience.

What are the benefits of being mobile or freelance?

One of the biggest benefits of being mobile or freelance is the flexibility and independence it gives you with your career. You choose your hours, your clients and the area you cover. This opens up opportunities for you, too. As a beauty pro, you don't need to be confined to a salon space or location.

Traditional salon jobs often have set working hours, limiting personal time and autonomy. Mobile and freelancers can create schedules that align better with their personal lives, making it easier to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Whether setting your hours, taking on clients during evenings or weekends, or even working part-time, the flexibility allows for a customised approach to your career.

As a mobile or freelance beauty professional, you can set your prices and keep a more significant portion of your earnings. At the same time, you'll have outgoings—things like rent aren't on the agenda. You can either increase your income with these savings or pass the price difference on to your clients, which can help you broaden your client base.

It can also help you build relationships with your clients and get to know them better. Visiting them in their homes can create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for them. This more personal touch can lead to stronger client loyalty, word-of-mouth referrals, and a more fulfilling career experience overall. If you're a people person, with freelance and mobile, you'll meet new people every single day.

Operating a traditional salon involves a lot of overhead costs like rent, utilities, and equipment maintenance. Going for a mobile or freelance model eliminates these expenses, letting you keep more of your hard-earned money.

The ability to take your skills wherever you go is a significant advantage for mobile and freelance beauty professionals. Whether you want to relocate to a new city or explore new places, your career can accompany you. Your clients may also request that you travel to locations for jobs, especially if you're freelance, so it can also help you to travel too.

The mobile and freelance model also lets beauty professionals carve out niche specialities to become experts in specific areas of their jobs. Becoming a specialist not only adds a unique value proposition to your services but also attracts clients seeking specialised expertise and services. This helps you stand out in a competitive market and can help you charge a premium, too.

Are there disadvantages of being freelance or mobile?

Like most careers, there are some downsides to being freelance or mobile. While being your own boss can be amazing, it isn't always plain sailing. If you're self-employed, you're usually responsible for most aspects of your business, from marketing to customer service and delivery. It also means that you don't get paid time off for holidays or if you're unwell—however, you can usually work differently to cover these issues.

While you can find more work-life balance, it can also work the other way. You might feel pressured to work more hours or be worried about money. Financial uncertainty can be a challenge, and everything has to come out of those earnings when you're self-employed, so you have to take that into account.

You can get difficult clients in any job, but this can be together in a freelance or mobile setting. You might be in their home, haven't met them before, and have no one to escalate it to. You'll also be aware of the impact a negative review can have on your business, too, so sometimes you may feel you have to put up with less-than-ideal behaviour.

How do you become freelance or mobile in the beauty industry?

Becoming a successful mobile hair and beauty professional needs a combination of skills, qualifications and practical considerations to provide excellent services while maintaining a thriving business.

Here's a list of essentials for anyone considering a career as a mobile hair and beauty pro

• Training and qualifications - obtain the necessary education and training in hair styling, makeup, skincare or any other beauty services you plan to offer. A solid foundation of skills and knowledge is crucial to providing high-quality services.
• Licences, insurance and certifications - check the licensing requirements in your area for beauty professionals and business owners to ensure you're sticking to the rules. You'll also need professional insurance to protect you and your clients.
• Professional portfolio - develop a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your work. Include before-and-after pictures, examples of various styles, and any special techniques or services you offer.
• Mobile equipment and tools - invest in portable, high-quality equipment and tools. These may include hairstyling tools, makeup products, skin care equipment, and other essentials. Ensure your equipment is compact, easily transportable, and meets professional standards.
• Transportation - have reliable transportation to move easily between clients' locations. This could be a vehicle large enough to carry your equipment or arrangements for a reliable mode of transportation if you're working in a city with good public transit.

You'll also need a website, social media profiles, and a system so your clients can inquire about and book with you. Finding and keeping clients is one of the most important parts of success as a freelancer or mobile beauty provider.

Specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe

Whether you’re a mobile or freelance beauty professional, insuring your business through Ripe can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should the worst happen.

Hair and beauty insurance arranged by Ripe includes Public and Products Liability cover as well as treatment risk cover, with the opportunity to build your own policy so you’re never paying for more than you need.

Find out more about specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe or get a quick online quote today.