How to make money as a hairdresser in Malta: practical guide

Where paying customers come from

In Malta paying customers usually arrive through a mix of personal networks and practical convenience. Neighbours and friends are the most immediate source when you begin. Colleagues and people at your workplace often try a new hairdresser because it is easy to book during free time or lunch breaks. Parents and older siblings from schools and clubs can be steady sources for quick services.

Online search and social media bring people who do not know you yet. People look for nearby providers and services that match a day and price they can afford. Word of mouth remains influential in Malta - a good cut or colour shared in a small community or group chat spreads quickly. In some areas there are groups of expats and tourists who may occasionally book, but most reliable paying customers are local residents and regulars.

• - Neighbours and local community
• - Colleagues and workplace contacts
• - School and club contacts among parents and students
• - Online search, social media and marketplace listings
• - Word of mouth and repeat clients

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start by listing clear, separate services so clients know what you offer. Use plain descriptions - for example, what the service includes and how much time it typically takes. When you quote, mention whether the price includes shampoo, styling or a small extra, and say how you handle extras like specialist products or long hair.

For your first paid work prefer clarity over low introductory discounts. If you do offer a reduced rate to friends or a small trial rate to new clients, set a time limit and state it as a one-off trial so clients do not expect it permanently. When discussing money, be direct and professional: give a written or text confirmation of the agreed service and price before you start, and repeat the price when you confirm the booking.

• - Describe each service and what is included
• - Be explicit about time expectations and any extra charges
• - Offer a short trial discount only with clear expiry
• - Confirm the price in writing before the appointment

What the first ten customers usually look like

The first ten paying customers tend to be people who already trust you or find it convenient to use your services. Expect a mix of friends and family, neighbours, colleagues and a few people sourced online. Some will book for practical reasons - a trim before an event or a child’s haircut - others because they like your technique or pricing.

You will also see early variation in client needs. Some ask for quick maintenance cuts; others test your colour work or styling for a special occasion. Pay attention to the kinds of work that repeat. That tells you what to promote and what to price higher once you have regular demand.

• - Friends and family who want to support you
• - Neighbours and local residents
• - Colleagues and workplace bookings
• - First-time online or marketplace clients seeking a convenient slot

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Malta

Before you accept payments, check legal and tax requirements. Contact the Commissioner for Revenue and ask how to register as self-employed, what records you must keep, and what the rules are on issuing receipts or invoices for services. Ask whether VAT may apply to your services and what the registration threshold is.

Also check with Jobsplus or the relevant social security office about social security contributions for self-employed persons and whether any declarations are needed. For local rules on running a business from home, contact your local council and the health authorities and ask about licences, hygiene standards and any inspections required.

For card payments on Websta: card payments are processed through Stripe and paid out to the provider’s own bank account. Make sure your bank accepts payouts to your account and keep clear records of payouts and customer receipts.

• - Ask the Commissioner for Revenue how to register, record income and issue receipts
• - Ask Jobsplus about social security obligations for self-employed people
• - Ask your local council and health authorities about any local licences or hygiene requirements
• - Confirm with your bank that Stripe payouts to your account are accepted and how to reconcile those payouts

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems are underestimating how long appointments take, inconsistent demand, late cancellations and unclear payment terms. These lead to wasted time and lower hourly value. Another frequent issue is not keeping accurate records from day one, which makes tax time harder.

Equipment and product costs can also creep up if you do not plan. Finally, mixing personal and professional bookings without a clear calendar or deposit policy can create stress and awkwardness. Set simple rules early: clear booking confirmations, a short cancellation policy and consistent record-keeping.

• - Underbooked or overrun appointments
• - Late cancellations and no-shows
• - Poor record-keeping for income and expenses
• - Confusing personal versus client scheduling

How a Websta profile fits into your workflow

A Websta profile gives you a web-style page you can send to clients and share in messages or social posts. It lists your services, prices, photos and has a contact form and online booking so people can see what you offer and book a time. The marketplace helps people nearby find providers by service and place and can bring inquiries you would not get through personal networks alone. On Websta you list under category "hairdressers" and the marketplace path is "/marketplace/hair" - this is where local searches for hair services are grouped.

Card payments taken via that page are processed through Stripe and paid out to your own bank account. You set your prices and control which services you publish. Use the profile as a single, consistent page to send in chats, to link from social media, and to include on business cards.

• - A single page with services, photos and booking to share with clients
• - Visibility in the marketplace category "hairdressers" at "/marketplace/hair"
• - Card payments processed by Stripe and paid out to your own bank account
• - You set the services and prices shown on the profile

Practical first steps and a short checklist

To begin, make a short service menu and take clear photos of your work. Ask a few friends or neighbours to book paid appointments so you practise the client process and payment flow. Create a simple booking confirmation text and a receipt template you can use. Contact the Commissioner for Revenue and Jobsplus to confirm registration and social security questions, and check with your local council about any local rules.

Add your services and availability to a Websta profile and use its booking link in messages and on social media. Keep your early pricing straightforward and review what services repeat after your first clients to adjust what you promote.

• - Prepare a simple service list and photo gallery
• - Practice with a few paid appointments from people you know
• - Confirm registration and social security questions with authorities
• - Create a clear booking confirmation and receipt process
• - Publish your Websta profile and share the booking link