Home studio hair extension technician

Adults wanting longer or fuller hair, brides and people attending events, and clients with thinning hair.

A fitting fee per appointment, often with the hair priced separately, plus recurring move-up and maintenance visits every few weeks.

• Extension fitting methods and hair care knowledge
• Colour matching and consultation skills
• Patience and attention to detail
• Booking and client follow-up

• Whether your province requires hairstylist certification or a licence to work on clients, check your provincial regulator
• Whether your municipality allows client visits at a home-based business and if you need a home-based business licence
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers hair services, and check your home insurance too
• Hygiene and tool sanitizing requirements, check with your public health unit
• Damage claims from poor fitting, so use patch tests and written aftercare advice

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the extensions and tools you stock, how you set up your room and your insurance. Training costs may add to this, so check course prices.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many clients you book and how often they return for maintenance. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

Check with your provincial regulator whether hairstylist certification or a licence is required to work on clients. Also check whether your municipality allows client visits at a home-based business, whether you need a home-based licence, and your public health unit's sanitizing rules.