Updated October 21, 2026
What sections and information your profile needs
Your profile page is where potential clients land when they find you. The core sections are straightforward: a description of who you are and what you do, a complete list of services with descriptions (not prices - you set these yourself in your profile), photos of your work or space, and a way for clients to contact you or request a quote. Websta profiles also support online booking, so clients can see your availability and book a time slot directly.
Photos matter more in beauty work than in almost any other trade. Include images of treatments, results, your workspace, and any equipment or products you use. If you work from home, a photo of your treatment area builds trust. If you work at a salon or shared studio, show that too. Avoid generic stock photos; clients want to see real examples of your work and the actual environment they will enter.
Write a clear introduction: your name, what kind of beauty specialist you are (hairdresser, makeup artist, skin therapist, nail specialist, etc.), how long you have been working, and what makes your approach or skills worth choosing. Keep it factual rather than promotional. A sentence or two is enough.
- Service descriptions - explain what each service includes and how long it takes
- Your location or service area - state whether you work from a fixed address or travel to clients
- Languages - publish in Dutch and English if you work with international clients
- Contact form - allow clients to ask questions before booking
- Online booking calendar - if you want clients to reserve time slots directly
How people search for beauty services in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, people search for beauty services in several ways. Local Google searches are common - someone types 'hairdresser Amsterdam' or 'nail salon Rotterdam' into a search engine. They also use service marketplaces and local directories to browse providers by service type and location. Websta operates a marketplace where people can search by service category and town, so your profile appears when someone looks for 'beauty specialists' in your area.
Beyond digital search, word of mouth and social media matter. Many Dutch clients ask friends for recommendations or check Instagram for portfolio images. A Websta profile alone does not guarantee clients, but it gives you a presence where local searches will find you, and it provides a professional front end for your business. The marketplace also lets clients post tasks and request quotes from multiple providers at once.
Language is practical: almost all Dutch people speak English, but advertising in Dutch reaches a wider audience locally. If your target clients include expats or tourists, publish key information in both Dutch and English.
Registering and setting up as an independent beauty specialist
In the Netherlands, if you work as a sole trader or freelancer, you need to register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK - Kamer van Koophandel). This is a legal requirement and costs a small fee. The process is straightforward and can be done online. You will receive a business number and an entry in the public business register.
For beauty services specifically, check with your local municipality about any licensing or hygiene requirements. Regulations can vary slightly by region. For example, if you provide services involving skin penetration (tattoo, piercing, or certain aesthetic treatments), you may need a hygiene permit. Hairdressing and basic beauty treatments usually have no special license requirement, but it is worth confirming with your local health department.
You will also need to register for VAT with the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) if your expected income exceeds the threshold. Most sole traders handle their own tax returns or hire a small bookkeeper. Payment processing on Websta runs through Stripe, and money from client bookings goes straight to your own bank account - you manage the accounting yourself.
Insurance is not legally required for most beauty services, but public liability insurance is sensible if clients visit your space or if you travel to their homes.
Setting up payment and managing bookings
Websta uses Stripe to process card payments. When a client books or pays through your profile, the money goes to your own bank account - you keep all of it and set your own prices. There is no markup or fee taken by Websta on payments. You handle tax and accounting as normal for a self-employed person in the Netherlands.
On your profile, you can choose whether to allow online booking with instant confirmation, or to accept booking requests and quote requests that you then approve. For beauty services, many providers prefer quote requests because treatment time and price can vary based on the client's specific needs. You can also use the contact form for general inquiries and consultations before a client commits to booking.
What to write and set up in your first hour
Start with the essentials and build from there. In your first session, write a short professional introduction - name, what you do, and where you work (home, salon, or traveling). Add your main service categories and a one-line description of each: for example, 'haircuts and styling', 'manicure and pedicure', or 'facial treatments and skin analysis'.
Upload at least three clear photos. These do not need to be professional photographs, but they should be well-lit and show real work or your actual workspace. If you have before-and-after images, those are very valuable.
Decide on your service area: do you work in one town, multiple towns, or the whole country. If you travel to clients, say so. If you work from a fixed address, add the street and town.
Set your booking system: choose online booking with a calendar, or booking requests that you approve. Write a sentence about your booking process - for example, 'Book online or request a quote if you need a consultation first'.
After the first hour, continue by adding detailed service descriptions, your availability schedule, and links to any social media or portfolios.
Choosing languages and reaching clients beyond your town
Publish your key information in Dutch if you want to reach local Dutch clients. Add English if you work with international clients, expats, or tourists. On a Websta profile, you can add text in multiple languages, and it helps search visibility if you use both.
The Websta marketplace in the Netherlands covers the whole country. Your profile can appear to people searching in any town or region, not just your own. If you are willing to travel or work remotely (online consultations for makeup or style advice, for example), make that clear on your profile and you will reach a wider audience.
Some beauty specialists focus on a single town, others serve multiple towns or regions, and some work nationally. Your profile should match your actual service area, so clients do not book appointments they cannot reach you for.
Managing your profile after launch
After you set up your profile, keep it current. Update your availability regularly, add new photos as you do new work or update your space, and respond promptly to inquiries and booking requests. A profile that looks neglected loses client trust.
Monitor your availability calendar to avoid overbooking. If you use online booking, set your calendar to reflect your actual working hours and days off. If you use quote requests instead, respond to inquiries within 24 hours to maximize the chance of a booking.
As you get reviews and bookings, your profile becomes more visible in the marketplace. There is no paid promotion needed - the algorithm favors active profiles with recent bookings and client feedback.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a license to work as a beauty specialist in the Netherlands?
- Most beauty services like hairdressing, makeup, or basic skincare do not require a special license. However, some services involving skin penetration (certain aesthetic treatments, tattoos, or piercings) may need a hygiene permit from your local municipality. Check with your local health department (gemeente) to confirm the requirements for your specific services.
- Do I have to register my beauty business if I work alone from home?
- Yes. In the Netherlands, sole traders and freelancers must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). This is a legal requirement and takes about 15 minutes online. You will receive a business number and an entry in the public register.
- Can I set my own prices on Websta?
- Yes. You set all your own prices for services on your profile. There is no pricing imposed by Websta. When clients pay through your profile, the money goes to your own bank account and you keep the full amount.
- Should I publish my profile in Dutch or English?
- Publish in Dutch if you want to reach local Dutch clients. Add English if you work with international clients, expats, or tourists. Most Dutch people speak English, but advertising in Dutch reaches a wider local audience.
- How do I handle taxes if I use Websta?
- Websta does not deduct tax or handle accounting - you manage that yourself as a self-employed person. Money from client bookings goes straight to your bank account. You will need to register for VAT with the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) if your income exceeds the threshold, and file your own tax returns or hire a bookkeeper.
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.
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