How to make money as a hairdresser in Ireland - practical steps

Where paying customers come from

Customers for hairdressing come from everyday places. Neighbours and friends are often the first source - people who already know your work and will book to support you. Workmates and acquaintances from local clubs or schools can form a steady stream if you make it easy for them to book. Word of mouth remains important for hair services because people like to see results before they switch.

Online search and social platforms bring people who do not know you. Local search terms and nearby listings matter because many customers look for someone near them. Mobile groups, community noticeboards, and marketplaces also connect you with short-term customers who need one-off cuts, colour top-ups or event styling.

• Neighbours, family and friends
• Colleagues and workplace networks
• Parents and staff from local schools and clubs
• Local community groups and word of mouth
• Online search, social pages and marketplaces

Setting a first price and talking about money

To set an initial price, consider your costs (products, tools, travel, booking time), the length of the appointment and what nearby providers charge. If you are unsure about local rates, ask other stylists or look at local salon listings to understand the market. Be clear about what is included - for example, a wash and cut, or a cut only - and state extra charges for long hair, colour or corrective work.

When discussing money, be direct and written where possible. Confirm the price in the booking message and send a short confirmation before the appointment. For larger jobs - multi-step colour services, bridal styling - make a clear agreement about deposits, cancellations and extra charges. You do not need to give discounts that make the work uneconomic; you can offer an introductory lower price for a limited number of clients if you choose, but state how long that offer lasts.

What the first ten customers usually look like

The typical first ten customers are a mix of people who know you and those found via your network. Expect several friends or family, a few neighbours, and one or two who came through work or social groups. You may get a client who needs only a trim, another who wants a full colour, and someone who books because they need a weekend appointment. Early customers provide the most useful feedback on timing, pricing and how you present your results.

Record each client - what they wanted, the time taken, and the products used. That record helps you set realistic times and prices for future bookings.

What to sort out when you take money as an independent person

Registering and recordkeeping are necessary steps. Register with Revenue as self-employed and ask Revenue what you must do about income tax, PRSI, USC and how to file returns and pay preliminary tax. If you trade under a business name that is not your personal name, check the Companies Registration Office about registering that name.

Insurance and hygiene are practical essentials. Ask insurers about public liability and professional indemnity for hairdressers and what cover you need for home-based work. Check with your local authority about any rules for running a business from home - for example, waste disposal or signage. For any question about tax, VAT registration threshold, or PAYE if you hire someone, contact Revenue directly and ask the specific question.

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common problems include underestimating time per appointment, leading to overruns and unhappy next clients; unclear pricing that causes awkward conversations; and no-shows that hurt cash flow. Recordkeeping often starts poorly - missing receipts or unclear income records make tax time stressful.

Other issues are operational: running out of stock, unclear cancellation terms, or poor photos that do not show your best work. Fix these early by setting clear slot lengths, asking for confirmations, taking payment up front for larger jobs, keeping basic stock levels, and taking simple, well-lit photos of finished styles.

How a Websta profile fits into this

A Websta profile is a page you can use like a simple website - list services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. The marketplace also lets people nearby find providers by service and place and post tasks for providers to offer on. You set your own prices on the profile and receive card payments paid out to your own bank account through Stripe.

Use the profile link when you message or post in local groups so potential customers can see your services, prices and available slots. Treat the page as a consistent reference - it reduces back-and-forth about price or what is included and makes booking easier for clients.

Next practical steps

Start by listing a few clear services you offer, decide realistic times for each slot, and set a first price based on costs and local market checks. Reach out to friends and neighbours and ask for booked appointments rather than speculative offers. Keep simple records of every appointment.

Contact Revenue to register as self-employed and ask about tax, PRSI and VAT. Check CRO if you plan a trading name, and get insurance quotes. Create and use a Websta profile or similar page so you can direct people to a single, consistent place for bookings and payments. Reassess after your first ten clients and adjust times, prices and policies based on real experience.