Hairdresser profile page: what to include on Websta in the US

What to include on your profile page

Your Websta profile is where clients learn about you and decide to book. Start with a clear profile photo of yourself - a professional headshot or a photo in your working space. Add 5 to 8 photos of your work: finished haircuts, color treatments, styling, and anything that shows your range. Include photos of your workspace or salon if you work there.

The services section lists what you offer. For hairdressing, this might include haircuts, color treatments, perms, styling, treatments like keratin smoothing, or hair extensions. For each service, write a brief description of what it includes. Do not worry about writing prices on the profile - you set prices when you quote or book a client.

Add a short biography that tells clients about your experience and approach. Mention how long you have been cutting or styling hair, any training or certification, and what you specialize in. Keep it to 3 or 4 sentences.

The contact section should show your phone number and email, and a physical address or neighborhood where you work. If you work from home, you can list just a neighborhood or zip code rather than a full street address. Websta profiles also include an online booking tool and a contact form so clients can request quotes without calling.

How people in the United States search for hairdressers

Customers searching for hairdressers in the United States typically search by service and location. On Websta's marketplace for hairdressers at /marketplace/hair, people type in a service - like 'haircut', 'color', or 'extensions' - and enter their zip code or city. Results show providers near them who offer that service.

Many people also search on Google or other search engines using terms like 'hairdresser near me', 'hair salon [city name]', or 'haircut [neighborhood]'. A Websta profile helps when someone searches your name or your specific location, and the marketplace listing helps when someone searches by service and place.

Your profile should be in English. If you work in an area with many Spanish speakers, you can add a Spanish translation of your profile on Websta, but English is the primary language for most searches across the United States.

Being an independent hairdresser in the United States

Working as an independent hairdresser in the United States means you are responsible for your own licensing, taxes, insurance, and business registration. The rules vary by state and sometimes by county or city, so you will need to check with your local authority.

Most states require hairdressers to hold a license. The license usually requires completing a certain number of hours of training at an accredited school, passing an exam, and applying through your state's cosmetology board. Check your state's cosmetology board website for the exact requirements in your state.

You will need a business license or permit from your city or county. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you work with clients, even as a sole proprietor. Check with a local accountant or the IRS website about tax obligations for independent service providers.

When you receive payments through Websta, the money goes to your own bank account via Stripe, the payment processor. Keep records of all income and expenses for tax purposes. Consider business insurance if you work with clients in your home or rent a chair at a salon.

Online booking and quote requests

Websta's booking tool lets clients schedule appointments directly from your profile. You set your own availability and the time slots show to clients. Some hairdressers prefer to accept quote requests instead, where a client describes what they need and you reply with a price and availability.

Quote requests work well if your pricing varies - for example, color services depend on hair length and current color, and styling depends on the event. Clients submit a form on your profile, you review their request, and you send them a quote. If they agree, they can book through the platform.

You can use both booking and quotes. Many hairdressers use booking for simple services like haircuts and quotes for complex services like color or extensions.

What to add in your first hour

Start by filling in your basic information: your name, phone number, email, and the city or neighborhood where you work. Add a profile photo of yourself.

List 3 to 5 main services you offer - haircut, color, styling, or whatever is your main work. Write one sentence for each service explaining what it includes.

Write a short bio: 2 to 3 sentences about your experience and what you specialize in.

Add at least 3 photos of your work. These can be photos of finished haircuts or styles on clients (with their permission), or photos of your workspace. Good lighting matters - clear, daylight photos work best.

After that, set your availability on the booking calendar or turn on quote requests so clients can contact you. You can add more details and photos later.

Photos that work well

Clients decide whether to contact you partly based on photos. For hairdressing, include before-and-after photos if you have them. Show a range of styles and hair types - short cuts, long cuts, color work, styling for events.

Take photos in natural light if possible. A photo of someone's finished style from the front and side shows the work clearly. If you have permission from clients to share their photos, use them. If not, photos of your own hair or styled mannequins work.

Include one photo of your workspace - your chair, mirror, and any salon or home setup where you work. This helps clients know what to expect when they visit.

Payment and money

When a client books or pays through Websta, the payment goes to your own bank account through Stripe. You do not send money to Websta - the payment goes straight to you. Set up a Stripe account linked to your bank account so payments can transfer.

You set the price for each service. Think about your experience, the time each service takes, and local rates in your area. You can adjust prices anytime.