How to set up a Websta profile as a hairdresser in Australia

What to include on your Websta profile

Your profile page acts as a website for your hairdressing business. Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot or a photo of you at work. Add a short description of what you offer: for example, the types of haircuts, colouring, styling or treatments you provide, whether you work with all hair types, and any specialisations.

Upload photos of your work. Show finished haircuts or styles from different angles and on different hair types if possible. Photos help potential customers understand your skill and style. Keep photos recent and of good quality.

List your services with a description of each. Common services for hairdressers include men's cuts, women's cuts, colour treatments, blow-dries, perms, treatments or styling for events. Be specific about what you offer rather than generic. If you work with specific techniques or products, you can mention them.

Include details about your setup: where you work (home-based, salon chair rental, or your own salon), your location by suburb and state, and opening hours. Customers need to know where you are and when they can reach you.

Booking and contact on your profile

Your Websta profile includes an online booking feature and a contact form. Use both. The booking system lets customers reserve a time slot directly; the contact form lets them ask questions or request a quote before booking. Both keep communication in one place.

Decide which services you want to offer through instant booking and which require a quote. For example, a standard men's cut might be bookable immediately, but a complex colour treatment or bridal styling might need a consultation first. You set the availability in your booking calendar.

Add your phone number and email address to your profile so customers can reach you outside the platform as well. Respond to booking requests and quotes quickly - most customers expect contact within a few hours.

Languages and location

Publish your profile in English. English is the main language on Websta in Australia, and almost all customers will search and read in English. If you serve a specific community language group and want to add a second language, you can, but start with English.

Your location matters. Customers search by service and place - they type 'hairdresser near me' or the name of their suburb or area. Make sure your suburb and state are correct on your profile. Websta uses this information to show your profile to people searching nearby.

How customers find you in Australia

People in Australia find hairdressers on Websta through the marketplace by browsing services near their location or by posting a task. They can search by suburb, postcode or broader area, and filter by service type. Your profile appears in these search results if your location and services match what they are looking for.

Some customers post a task describing what they need - for example, 'colour and cut, shoulder-length hair'. You and other hairdressers in the area can make an offer on that task. This is another way people find providers on Websta.

A complete profile with good photos, clear service descriptions and a fast response time helps you stand out. Customers can see your experience and style before contacting you.

Payments and running the business

When a customer pays for a booking through Websta, the payment goes through Stripe to your own bank account. You need an Australian bank account and a Stripe account set up to receive payments. Websta does not hold your money. Set your own prices for each service.

Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. Talk to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about what you need to report if you are self-employed. Requirements differ depending on whether you are registered for GST and other factors.

What to check with local authorities

If you work from home, check your local council rules. Some councils require a permit or have rules about home-based businesses. Your lease or mortgage deed might also have restrictions. Contact your local council or real estate agent to confirm.

If you rent a chair in a salon, make sure you understand the terms of your arrangement - what you pay, what is included, and what happens if you leave.

Check whether your state or territory requires hairdressers to have a specific qualification or license to operate. This varies by state. Contact your state's health department or hairdressing industry body for current requirements.

If you work from home and customers visit you, check your home and contents insurance. Some policies exclude business use. Talk to your insurer about what cover you need.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your profile photo and a one-sentence summary of what you do: for example, 'Hairdresser specialising in colour and cuts for all hair types, based in [suburb], [state].' This takes 10 minutes.

Write descriptions for three to five of your main services. Be concrete: instead of 'haircut', write 'women's cut and style' or 'men's fade and shape up'. Two sentences per service is enough. This takes 20 minutes.

Upload three to five photos of your work. If you don't have professional photos yet, good-quality phone photos of finished styles are a start. This takes 20 minutes.

Add your opening hours, suburb and state, and phone number. Set up a simple booking calendar for the next two weeks with your available times. This takes 10 minutes.

Once your profile is live, customers can contact you. Write a professional response to the first few inquiries - confirm details, answer questions about your experience, and suggest a booking time or consultation call. A prompt, helpful reply shows you are professional and interested in the work.