If I had to start my business again tomorrow, I genuinely wouldn’t panic.
I’ve built a loyal clientele over many years, but if I lost it all tomorrow, I’d know exactly where I’d start.
When I first became self-employed over ten years ago, things looked very different. Facebook and Instagram were around, but they weren’t where people went looking for a new hairdresser. Most new clients came from word of mouth or from already working in a busy salon.
Today, your online presence has become your shopfront. Clients actively search Google, social media, websites and ask AI before deciding who to book with. That creates opportunities that simply didn’t exist when I started.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learnt over the years, it’s this…
People respond to people.
Clients often choose the hairdresser they feel they already know before they’ve even met them.
Of course they want to see beautiful hair. Images of your work matter. But they also want to know who they’ll be spending the next two or three hours with.
Show your personality. Share what you love doing. Let people see what an appointment with you actually feels like. Your online presence shouldn’t just show what you do, they should show who you are.
If I had to build my hairdressing clientele from scratch again tomorrow, that’s exactly where I’d start.
Build Your Client Base One Step at a Time
One of the reasons I designed Rebel Rebel Hair Studio the way I did is because every self-employed hairdresser builds their business differently.
While renting a chair full-time gives you the freedom to work whenever you want, it isn’t something you need to do right at the beginning.
You can start with one or two regular days each week and increase them as your client base grows. If you suddenly need another day because your diary is filling up, you can book ad hoc days too.
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That flexibility is one of the reasons Rebel Rebel works so well for freelance and independent hairdressers who are building a clientele, whether they’re completely new to self-employment or well established.
Make Rebooking a Habit
One of the simplest things I ever did to grow my business was asking every client one question before they left.
“Shall we get your next appointment booked in now?”
It really is that simple.
The worst they’re going to say is no.
Most clients fully intend to book online later, but life gets busy. Before they know it, months have passed and they have forgotten.
By booking their next appointment before they leave, you’re helping both them and yourself. Your future diary starts filling naturally, and your clients know they’ve already got their next visit sorted.
My booking system allows clients to move or manage their appointment online if they need to, so booking ahead never feels restrictive.
Work When Your Clients Want Appointments
If I was starting again today, I’d absolutely offer evenings and Saturdays.
I know they aren’t everyone’s dream working hours, but they’re often exactly when clients are looking for appointments.
Many hairdressers no longer offer late evenings or Saturdays, which means there’s a real opportunity if you do.
As your client base grows, you can always shape your working week around the lifestyle you want. That’s one of the best things about being self-employed.
At Rebel Rebel Hair Studio you can work until 8pm Monday-Saturday (and out of hours can be arranged) giving you the flexibility to offer appointments that many busy clients struggle to find elsewhere.
Sometimes building a successful business isn’t about doing something different. It’s about being available when people need you.
Coaching and Community Matter
Starting your own business doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own.
Business coaching is something we offer because growing a successful hairdressing business isn’t just about doing great hair. It’s about pricing confidently, attracting the right clients, building your reputation and making decisions that help your business grow.
At the same time, one of the things I love most about a coworking hair salon is what happens naturally.
We often see independent hairdressers chatting, sharing ideas, celebrating each other’s successes or simply talking through their day.
Working alongside talented, motivated people has a way of lifting you up naturally too.
I genuinely believe the environment you work in has a huge influence on the business you build.
Build the Business You Want
Building a loyal clientele isn’t about luck.
It’s about consistently showing up, creating great work, letting people get to know you and making it easy for clients to come back again.
That’s exactly why Rebel Rebel Hair Studio has been designed to grow with you.
Whether you’re looking to rent a hairdressing chair in Watford, become a self-employed hairdresser, build your client base from scratch or simply take your freelance business to the next level, you don’t have to do it all at once.
Start with the days you need today.
Add more when you’re ready.
Keep showing up.
We’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
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