Updated October 21, 2026
Where customers for hairdressing in Rijeka actually look
People in Rijeka who need a haircut find providers through word of mouth - they ask a friend, a colleague at work, someone from their neighbourhood. This is still the biggest source of first customers for a hairdresser starting out. Word of mouth is free and builds slowly, but it works because recommendations carry weight.
Online search is another path. When someone in Rijeka types 'hairdresser near me' or 'hairdresser Rijeka' into Google or another search engine, they find businesses that show up in search results and on maps. A profile page that lists your services, prices, photos and booking option can appear in those results. Having an online presence also gives you a page to send to anyone who asks - a link they can click to see your work and book a time.
Workplace networks matter too. If you work in an office, school, hospital or shop, colleagues notice good work and refer friends and family. Some hairdressers start with clients from their day job and build from there.
Social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp let you stay in touch with clients and show your work with photos. This is not the same as a full booking system, but it helps people find you and decide to call.
Setting a price for your work in Rijeka
Price depends on what you offer - a men's cut costs less than a colour or a long style. It also depends on how much experience you have and what the market in your neighbourhood will bear. In a city like Rijeka, a basic men's haircut might range from modest to moderate, and a women's cut or styling will be higher. Colour work and longer appointments cost more.
The way to start is to look at what other hairdressers in Rijeka charge. Visit a few salons, ask friends what they pay, check online profiles of hairdressers in your area. This gives you a real sense of the floor and ceiling. You are not aiming to be the cheapest - that attracts price-shopping customers who do not stay long - but you also cannot price yourself far above what the local market will accept.
When you set your price, think about your costs: rent or space, tools, products, travel to clients if you visit them, and time. Your price needs to cover those and leave you with earnings. If you are starting part-time or testing the waters, you might price slightly lower than an established salon to build a client base, then raise rates as demand grows and your reputation builds.
Talk about money in a straightforward way. Quote a price upfront, stick to it, and explain what is included. This builds trust.
What your first ten customers usually look like
Your first customers are often people you already know or people referred by someone you know. They may not be your ideal customer - they might want a discount because you are new, or they might be harder to please. Some will never call again. That is normal.
As you get reviews and word spreads, you attract customers who chose you because of your reputation, not just because they know you. These tend to be more stable clients who book regularly.
Early on, expect a mix of one-off customers and people who might become regulars. A regular is worth more than ten one-time clients because they come back and refer others. Do not judge yourself by the first week or month. Building a client base takes patience.
Handling payments and taxes as an independent hairdresser
In Croatia, if you earn money from hairdressing, you have legal obligations. You need to register as self-employed or as a sole proprietor (obrtnik) depending on your income level and setup. The Tax Administration (Porezna uprava) and the Chamber of Trades (Obrtna komora) are the authorities that set rules about registration, reporting, and taxes. The rules change, so check directly with them or a local accountant before you start, not based on what a general article says.
When customers pay you, you need a way to record those payments and report them. If you use a payment system like Stripe through a profile on Websta, the payments go to your own bank account and you have a record of each transaction. This record matters for taxes and for your own business clarity.
Keep track of your expenses - products, tools, any rent or space cost - because you can deduct these from your income before calculating taxes. Work with a local accountant or check with the tax authority about what counts.
What tends to go wrong in the first months
New hairdressers often underestimate how long it takes to build a steady client base. You might get three clients in the first month and wonder if it will ever grow. It takes time. Do not drop your prices drastically to fill the calendar - that signals low quality and traps you in a low-price market.
Scheduling is another common problem. Without a booking system, you spend time texting clients, confirming times, and handling no-shows. A simple online booking page - like a Websta profile - cuts that friction. Clients can see your available times, book themselves, and you have a record.
Some new hairdressers accept cash only and do not track income properly. This causes problems with taxes and also makes it harder to prove your business is real if you need a loan or want to scale up. Accept card payments and keep records from day one.
Lastly, do not isolate yourself. Talk to other hairdressers, ask how they built their client base, learn from their mistakes. This is not your competition - it is a trade, and most established hairdressers remember starting out.
How a Websta profile helps you earn money
A Websta profile is a page that works like a website for your hairdressing business. It shows your services, your prices, photos of your work, and a contact form. Customers in Rijeka can find you through the Websta marketplace by searching for hairdressers in their area, or they can find your profile through a search engine if you send them the link.
The key feature is online booking. Clients can see your calendar, pick a time, and book without texting back and forth. When they pay through the booking system, Stripe processes the card payment and puts the money in your own bank account - you control that account, not Websta.
This setup gives you a professional presence to share with anyone - a link you can text, email, or give out when someone asks where to find you. It also makes you easier to find if someone nearby searches online for a hairdresser. Over time, a profile with real photos and reviews becomes a tool that brings customers to you without as much reliance on word of mouth alone.
A profile is not free and it does not guarantee clients, but it is a concrete way to be found and to make booking easy. Many hairdressers in cities like Rijeka use this kind of online presence to supplement their in-salon work or to build their independent practice.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register as self-employed before I start taking haircut bookings?
- Yes. In Croatia, earning money from hairdressing requires legal registration. Contact the Tax Administration (Porezna uprava) and the Chamber of Trades (Obrtna komora) to find out the exact steps and requirements for your situation before you take your first payment. The rules depend on how much you earn and whether this is your main work or a side income.
- How much can I make as a hairdresser in Rijeka in my first year?
- There is no set amount. Earnings depend on how many clients you get, what prices you charge, and how much time you work. Building a steady client base takes months, not weeks. Some people earn enough to support themselves, others use it as side income. Do not expect quick results, and do not count on a specific number until you see your own bookings.
- Can I accept card payments without a salon or a shop?
- Yes. Stripe and payment systems like it work for independent hairdressers who visit clients at home or who work from a chair in someone else's salon. When you use a Websta profile with Stripe, card payments go to your own bank account. You just need to handle the legal and tax side with the authorities.
- What should I charge for a haircut in Rijeka?
- Look at what other hairdressers in Rijeka charge by visiting salons, checking online profiles, and asking friends. Prices vary by type of cut, experience level, and location in the city. Set a price that covers your costs and feels fair, then be ready to adjust as you learn what the market accepts and what your clients expect.
- Will a Websta profile bring me customers?
- A Websta profile makes it easier for people in Rijeka who are already looking for a hairdresser to find you and book a time. It does not bring customers on its own - you still need to build reputation, tell people about it, and do good work. Think of it as a tool that makes it professional and simple for someone who wants to use you to actually book and pay.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.