Beauty business ideas you can start for up to $5,000
22 ideas
These 23 beauty business ideas keep startup costs to around $5,000 or less, which suits people with a trade background, a qualification or a skill they want to turn into their own income. Many work from a home studio or travel to clients, so you avoid a shopfront lease.
Mobile spray tanning
Travel to clients' homes, events and parties with a portable spray tan setup.
- A$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile bridal and event make-up artist
Travel to brides, bridal parties and guests to do their make-up on the day of the event.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home studio make-up artist
Welcome clients to a small studio space at home for make-up, lessons and photoshoot prep.
- A$600-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Photoshoot and screen make-up artist
Work on set for photographers, brands, local productions and film students who book make-up by the day.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile hairdresser
Cut and colour hair at clients' homes, aged care homes and events, with no shop rent to pay.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Chair-rental hairdresser in a salon
Rent a chair in an existing salon and run your own client list as a sole trader.
- A$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile aromatherapy massage
Bring relaxing aromatherapy massage to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable table.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Henna stall at markets and festivals
Set up a pop-up henna stall at markets, festivals and fairs and draw walk-up customers.
- A$400-1.8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile barber
Take the barber chair to homes, offices and aged care centres and cut hair on site.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home lash studio
Apply lash extensions and lash lifts by appointment from a dedicated room at home.
- A$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile foot and leg massage
Bring relaxing foot and lower-leg massages to clients at home, in offices and at events.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home foot massage studio
Set up a calm treatment corner at home and offer foot and lower-leg massage by appointment.
- A$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile hot stone massage therapist
Bring a relaxing hot stone massage to clients' homes with a portable table and stone heater.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home studio nail technician
Offer manicures and gel or acrylic nails by appointment from a dedicated room at home.
- A$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile nail technician
Travel to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable kit for manicures and pedicures.
- A$1.5k-4.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile eyebrow artist
Travel to clients' homes, offices and events to shape, tint and thread brows.
- A$1k-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile foot soak service
Bring warm foot soaks, scrubs and a short massage to parties, workplaces and aged care venues.
- A$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-studio loctician
Install and maintain locks for regular clients from a private room at home.
- A$800-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile loctician
Travel to clients' homes to maintain and style locks, with no premises to pay for.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Personal image and wardrobe consultant
Help individual clients refresh their wardrobe, colours and personal style through one-on-one sessions at home or in their space.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online beauty classes and masterclasses
Teach makeup or nail techniques through live video classes and recorded lessons.
- A$600-3k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile waxing service
Take your portable waxing kit to clients' homes and offer convenient appointments.
- A$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Options include a home studio nail technician, a mobile waxing service and a photoshoot and screen make-up artist. Before you choose, check which qualifications or licences your state or local council may expect, what insurance you need, and whether your home can be used for client work. Then work out your kit, product and travel costs, and how many bookings you need each week to cover them.
Questions
Do I need a qualification to start a beauty business in Australia?
It depends on the service. Some treatments commonly require a recognised certificate, and some states have extra rules for skin-penetrating services. Check with your state health department, your local council and your insurer before you take bookings.
Can I run a beauty business from home?
Often, but check first. Your local council may have rules on home-based businesses, including signage, client visits and parking. If you rent, check your lease, and ask your insurer whether your home policy covers clients visiting.
What costs should I plan for beyond equipment?
Look at public liability insurance, products and consumables, professional-grade sanitising supplies, booking software and marketing. Mobile services also have fuel and travel time. Chair rental means weekly fees, so check what the salon includes.