Beauty business ideas you can start for up to C$5,000
25 ideas
These 25 beauty business ideas keep startup costs within C$5,000, mostly by using your own space or travelling to clients instead of leasing a salon. They suit people who already have a skill or training, or who are ready to get certified, and who enjoy working one-to-one.
Henna booth at festivals and markets
Run a henna stall at fairs, cultural festivals and markets, offering quick designs to passing crowds.
- C$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Barber on a rented chair
Rent a chair in an established shop and build your own client book without opening a full shop.
- C$1k-4k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile bridal and event make-up artist
Travel to homes, hotels and venues to do make-up for brides, wedding parties and special events.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home studio make-up artist
See clients in a dedicated corner of your home for special-occasion make-up, trials and lessons.
- C$600-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based brow shaping and tinting
Offer by-appointment brow threading and tinting from a clean, dedicated room at home.
- C$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based lash extension studio
Apply lash extensions and lifts by appointment from a dedicated room at home.
- C$1.5k-4.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile foot massage service
Bring foot massage to homes, offices, seniors' residences and events with a portable chair and kit.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home aromatherapy treatment room
Set up a calm treatment room at home and offer aromatherapy sessions by appointment.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile spray tan service
Bring professional spray tans to clients' homes, wedding mornings and group parties.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home waxing and threading studio
Offer waxing and threading by appointment from a clean, dedicated room in your home.
- C$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile nail technician
Bring manicures, gel and pedicures to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable kit.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home nail studio
Set up a clean, private nail station at home and see regular clients by appointment.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile hot stone massage
Bring a relaxing hot stone massage to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable setup.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile hairdresser
Cut and style hair at clients' homes, care homes and event venues, with no salon rent.
- C$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hairdresser renting a salon chair
Rent a chair or suite in an existing salon and run your own client book.
- C$1k-4k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile beauty therapist
Bring facials, waxing and manicures to clients' homes, or to small groups at parties and events.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile ear piercing for parties and events
Bring sterile ear piercing to parties, pop-up markets and private appointments, where your local health unit allows it.
- C$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home studio hair extension technician
Fit and maintain hair extensions for clients in a private room set up at home.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Personal image and wardrobe consultant
Help individuals refresh their wardrobe, grooming and style for new jobs, life changes or big events.
- C$300-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Professional image coach for workplaces
Coach staff and job seekers on professional presentation through workshops and executive sessions.
- C$500-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Virtual style and wardrobe consultant
Offer wardrobe reviews and style advice by video call and online shopping lists to clients anywhere.
- C$200-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Home-based loctician studio
Install and maintain locs for regular clients from a dedicated room in your home.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile loctician
Travel to clients' homes for loc maintenance and styling, with no rent to pay.
- C$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile waxing service
Travel to clients' homes with a portable table and wax kit for waxing appointments.
- C$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Options include a home-based loctician studio, a mobile spray tan service and a mobile bridal and event make-up artist. Before you spend anything, check which licences or credentials your province and municipality expect for the service you want to offer, and whether home-based work is allowed where you live. Think about insurance, hygiene and sanitation standards, and how you will fill your calendar in the first few months. Start with the ideas that match your current skills.
More ideas
Questions
Do I need a licence to start a beauty business in Canada?
It depends on the service and where you live. Some provinces regulate certain treatments, and cities may have business licence rules. Check with your provincial regulator and municipality before you take bookings or buy equipment.
Can I run a beauty service from home in Canada?
Often possible, but check your local zoning or home-business bylaws, any lease or condo rules, and whether your service needs a separate treatment space. Also ask your insurer how client visits at home affect your coverage.
What should I budget for within C$5,000?
Typical costs to look at include training or certification, professional-grade products and tools, sanitation supplies, insurance, booking software and basic marketing. Mobile services may also need transport costs. Get quotes first so you can see where your money goes.