Thinking of setting up your own home salon? You’re not alone. In fact, 60.5% of UK hair and beauty professionals are self-employed, with many choosing to work from home.
Whether it’s hair, nails or beauty, a home salon allows you to work on your own terms and set your own hours. Plus, clients often prefer a home salons as they get your undivided attention and privacy for their treatments!
Page Contents
- How to Start a Home Salon
- Start Your Home Salon for Less
- Home Salon FAQs
How to Start a Home Salon
To set up a home salon, you’ll need to create a business plan, understand UK legal requirements, design your salon space, build your brand, gather essential equipment and set up your pricing and marketing strategies.
Sounds scary — we know! 😂
But don't worry, we've broken down the process into manageable steps for setting up a home hair salon, home nail salon or even starting a beauty business from home.
Step 1. Draft a Business Plan for Your Home Salon
A "Home Salon Business Plan" is a simple roadmap that helps turn your salon-from-home idea into a well-organised plan. While you won’t be presenting this to Alan Sugar, it's good practice to have a business plan in place to keep you on track and make sure you cover all the basics!
Start by jotting down your thoughts on paper, then transfer them to a Word or Google Document to keep everything in one place.
Your Home Salon Business Plan should include...
Business Goals & Target Clients
Think about what you’d love to achieve in your first year and who your ideal clients are. Questions you should ask yourself include: Who is my target customer? What is their budget? What treatments are they likely to want and how often?
Add up your basic costs to get started, along with monthly expenses, so you have a clear idea of what you’ll need to bring in to make a profit. This may take time to figure out, so feel free to come back to this after doing more research.
Services & First-Year Income Goals
List the treatments you’ll offer and jot down a simple estimate of what you could earn in your first year based on how often you provide each treatment. At this early stage, you might want to spend time looking into new or trending treatments, as these can provide a high return.
Take for example, LED Facial Treatments - these are relatively new within the beauty industry, and influencers are all over this trend:
Step 2. Get Familiar with UK Home Salon Legal Requirements
After drafting your business plan, you'll want to start ticking a few important legal boxes. This is simpler than it sounds, and covering these basics from the start will keep your business safe, legal and totally compliant.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to check off your list...
Licensing & Insurance
Some treatments, like waxing or microblading, might need a licence - whereas hair services usually don’t. Make sure to check your local council’s website to see what exactly is needed. Additionally, you'll also need to get public liability and professional indemnity insurance - this protect you if there's any type of accident in your home salon. Try companies like Salon Gold or Simply Business for your insurance.
Council Permissions
Some councils may ask you to register as a home business or apply for planning permission if clients are visiting often. A quick look at your council’s website should give you the info you need.
Health & Safety
Keeping things clean and safe is important. That means sanitising tools, tidying up and ensuring plenty of airflow. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has simple guides on this.
Regardless of what type of home salon you're setting up, you'll need to use a specialised disinfectant called "Barbicide". This is what professional salons use to clean surfaces and tools:
Getting yourself a Barbicide Jar is also good practice, especially if you want to keep on top of sanitation for scissors and combs:
Step 3. Name & Brand Your Home Salon Business
Now it’s time to bring your home salon to life with a unique name and strong brand identity. This is where the fun really begins! A memorable brand helps your salon stand out to clients. It’s your chance to show off your style and personality, so take some time to create a look that’s truly you.
Here are a few tips to get started...
Choose a Memorable Name
Think about your salon’s vibe — are you going for chic, cosy or edgy? Try combining your name with beauty-related words, or go for something catchy and simple. Whatever name you choose, make sure it's not already in use by another salon in your area. This can get you into trouble later down the line if someone makes a complaint.
Design a Logo & Colour Scheme
Use free online tools like Canva to create a simple logo and pick 2-3 colours that match the atmosphere you want to create, whether calming neutrals or vibrant pops.
Keep Your Style Consistent
Make sure your brand style stays the same across social media, business cards and any other materials - consistency is key. This is something we know first-hand, having launched our own nail product brand - Dream Goddess Gel Nails.
Take for example, our Dream Goddess Let it Sparkle collection below. We make sure branding is consistent across packaging and online promotion. By using consistent product photos and model imagery, we aim to create a seamless experience for the customer:
Step 4. Choose & Design Your Home Salon Space
Now it’s time to think about where your salon will live and how to make it as comfortable and functional as possible for both you and your clients. This could be a dedicated room in your home, a cosy garden salon shed or Wendy house, or even a mobile setup. Whatever you choose, your space should feel welcoming, private, and easy to work in.
Here’s how to design an ideal space for each type of salon...
✂️ For Home Hair Salon Spaces
Choose a well-lit spot with nearby power outlets and PLENTY of space. Although there will only be yourself and your client in the room at any given point, you need to make sure the space is big enough for a styling chair, a large mirror, a hairdressing trolley, shelves and storage.
Many home salons have a foliage wall in the corner of the space, which acts as a great backdrop for taking before and after photos. 📸
In addition to this, you'll also need room for a hair wash basin for clients who need a wash and blow-dry or any type of hair colouring services:
💅 For Home Nail Salon Spaces
Choose a cosy, well-lit corner with a sturdy table and comfortable chair — anywhere that provides enough privacy for your clients. If you're just starting out, a spot in your living room or kitchen can work well, as long as it’s a calm space with minimal traffic.For a quieter setup, consider a spare room or even a dedicated outdoor nail shed. Just be sure it's well-ventilated, as nail product fumes can be strong!
Store your nail polishes and tools nearby to keep your workspace tidy. A purpose-built option like the Sibel Beauty Nail Table offers eight drawers sized for nail essentials and is easy to move around, thanks to its wheels:
💄 For Home Beauty Treatment Spaces
Privacy is key, so look for a quiet area to place a treatment bed or reclining chair. Use soft lighting and keep shelves nearby for easy access to products.
If you’re offering treatments like HD brows, lash extensions or skincare, make sure your space has room for bigger equipment.
For example, a magnifying lamp is really useful for seeing details when working on brows, lashes and skin. You can get a freestanding lamp or one that clips onto a table:
Just make sure your space has enough room to fit whichever one you choose!
Step 5. Stock Up on Home Salon Equipment & Essentials
Kitting out your home salon with the right professional equipment is a must to deliver quality treatments and keep things running smoothly. We advise sourcing your equipment and supplies directly from a UK salon supplier like us - that means you can take advantage of our exclusive trade discounts, quick delivery and even in-store pickup if you’re located in Northern Ireland.
Here’s a quick guide to the essentials for each type of home salon...
✂️ For Home Hair Salons
If you’ve been renting a chair, you probably already have a kit bag, but now’s the time to update your tools for your home salon. A styling chair, large mirror and high-quality scissors are the basics. Also make sure you have a hairdressing trolley for easy access to your tools.
For a hairdryer, it’s worth investing in one that lasts. The Parlux Digitalyon Hairdryer in Silver is lightweight, easy to use and delivers great results. It also comes in Anthracite Black and Blue.
If you prefer a T-shape design, the Black/Gold BabylissPro Falco Hairdryer 2000W offers a frizz-free finish due to it's ionic hairdryer technology. It's also available in Black and Silver:
For styling, curlers and straighteners are essentials, but a heat styler like the Diva Atmos Dry + Style with Auto Air Curl can do both, saving space and simplifying your kit:
💅 For Home Nail Salons
You’ll need a sturdy table, a comfy client chair and a quality LED/UV nail lamp. Make sure to choose a nail lamp that has a dimmer and tone control option, is large enough to provide an ample working area, and doesn't strobe or flicker.
The Halo Crescent LED Nail Lamp is great choice for extensions, nail art and traditional manicures:
Whereas the Halo Smart UV/LED Nail Lamp is a better option if you offer Gel nails as well:
Once you've gathered these bigger things, then you can focus on essentials like nail polishes, files and clippers.
Make sure to have about 20-30 nail polish colours to start out, but keep in mind, that some colours are popular all year round, while others will be seasonal.
Nudes, pinks and floral shades are staples all year:
Dark reds, browns and glitters are popular in autumn/winter months:
White, neon and bright colours are better for warmer times of the year:
💄 For Home Beauty Salons
Start with a comfortable treatment bed, magnifying lamp, soft towels and sterilisation supplies. Add skincare products and tools for treatments like waxing or facials.
If waxing is a key service, invest in a professional wax heater. For smaller spaces or mobile setups, a portable wax heater is ideal, like the Hive NEÖS 500CC Wax Heater:
For dedicated waxing services, a larger wax heater fits perfectly on a waxing trolley, such as the Hive No.1 Wax Heater 1 Litre:
If skincare is your focus, consider offering hydro-exfoliation. It’s trendy on social media, so you could film treatments to grow your online following! Plus, its multiple benefits — like glowing, hydrated skin — make it easy to sell to clients.
The STYLEPRO Hydro Exfoliator is great for beginners:
Step 6. Establish a Marketing Strategy for Your Home Salon
With your home salon almost ready, the next step is to create a marketing strategy to attract clients. Your business plan may have outlined your target audience, but now it’s time to decide how to reach them. A mix of online and offline marketing works best for most home salons, allowing you to connect with clients where they’re most active, whether locally or online.
Here are some practical tips for marketing your home salon...
Social Media Marketing
Find out which social platforms your audience uses, then create a profile to showcase your work/promos on each. We find older clients use Facebook, whereas Millennials and Gen-Z prefer Instagram and TikTok.
Join Booking Platforms
Register with popular booking systems like Booksy or Fresha, making it easy for clients to find and book with you. These platforms also help with managing appointments and gaining reviews.
Claim your GBP to appear in local searches on Google and reach clients searching for a “salon near them”. If you really want to invest in marketing strategy, outsourcing to SEO experts is the most cost effective option.
Step 7. Decide on a Home Salon Price List
Setting prices for your home salon services is important to attract clients and make sure you’re covering your costs. Your prices should reflect the type of services you offer, what’s common in your area and your level of experience. Factors like your expertise (for example, if you’re skilled in balayage, you might charge a bit more) or your location (some areas can support higher prices) can affect what you charge.
Here are some simple tips to help you set up your pricing...
Look at Local Prices
Check what other home and high-street salons near you are charging. This can help you set prices that feel right for clients in your area.
Cover Your Costs & Time
Think about what you spend on products and the time each service takes. Your prices should cover these basics and leave room for a fair income.
Create Service Package
Offer popular bundles or packages that encourage clients to book more and make them feel they’re getting good value for money.
For example, if your home hairdressing salon has blonde clients with bleach-damaged hair, you could offer a "Blonde Rehab" package with K18 treatments and a full head of foils:
Step 8. Plan Daily Processes for Running Your Home Salon
The last step in setting up your home salon is to organise your daily routine so everything runs like a dream! Having smooth, simple processes in place helps you stay professional, keep clients happy, and make the most of your time. With a bit of planning, you’ll be ready for a stress-free day, every day.
Here are some easy tips to keep things running smoothly:
Easy Appointment Scheduling
Use an online booking app or a calendar to keep track of appointments and avoid mix-ups. Leave a little gap between clients to tidy up and get ready for the next. If possible, send reminder messages to reduce no-shows!
Simple Hygiene Routine
Keep a checklist for cleaning tools, wiping down surfaces, and washing towels after each client. Set up a cute, organised cleaning station so everything is easy to reach—clients will love how fresh and clean your space feels!
Once a week, check your product and supply levels so you don’t run out of anything important. Group items by type (like hair, nails, or beauty) and keep track of what you use most so it’s easy to reorder.
Start Your Home Salon for Less
If you’ve made it this far, you should be well versed on how to build a home salon clients will love! The hardest part is often taking the first step. One of the easiest things to start with is signing up for our trade account - this will give you access to exclusive discounts so you can assess the spending required to initially stock your home salon, and figure out pricing for the future.
Here’s to starting your new home salon for less! 🙌
Create a Trade Account
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a home salon business?
Starting a home salon can cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000, depending on the services you offer and the quality of your equipment. Basic setups with essentials like chairs, mirrors, and tools can be more affordable, while specialised equipment and decor will add to the budget. Using trade discounts can help lower startup costs.
How much experience do you need to run a home salon in the UK?
There’s no strict experience requirement, but having training and qualifications in your chosen area (such as hairdressing or beauty therapy) is essential to deliver professional results and build client trust. Many home salon owners have a few years of experience in a salon setting before branching out on their own.
Do I need planning permission for a home salon?
You may need planning permission if clients will visit your home frequently, especially if it involves changes to your property or increased traffic. Check with your local council, as rules vary. Sometimes, a simple registration as a home business is enough, but it’s always best to confirm with your council.
How can you make a small home salon look bigger?
Maximise light by using large mirrors, which create the illusion of space. Keep your colour scheme light and neutral, and use multi-functional furniture, like storage-friendly styling stations. Declutter your area and keep essentials neatly organised. Adding wall-mounted shelves and smart storage options also helps to keep your salon tidy and open-feeling.
How can you become a mobile hairdresser?
To become a mobile hairdresser, you’ll need the necessary hairdressing qualifications, a portable kit (like scissors, styling tools, and products), and reliable transport. Market your services online and by word-of-mouth, and consider joining booking platforms like Fresha or Booksy. A portable chair and cape can also help you provide a salon-like experience.