Home hair studio
Turn a spare room or garden outbuilding into a small, appointment-only hair studio.
- £1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-chair studio at home where you see clients by appointment for cuts, colour and styling. Lower overheads than a high street salon, with a more personal feel.
Your first three steps
- Check your lease, mortgage terms and council planning rules before using part of your home for clients
- Set up a dedicated space with a basin, chair, good lighting and ventilation, and get insured
- Open an online booking page and invite your first regulars with an introductory offer
Who pays
Local clients who want a quiet, personal service and are happy to book ahead.
How it makes money
Fixed prices per service. Colour work and regular clients bring in steady income, and retail products can add a little extra.
Skills that help
- Hairdressing qualification or solid professional experience
- Colour consultation and technique
- Booking and diary management
- Welcoming and professional manner
Watch out for
- Permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and whether planning permission or business rates apply, so check with your council
- Public liability insurance and cover for treatments, plus home insurance that allows business use
- Patch testing for colour and safe handling of chemicals under COSHH guidance
- Electrical and fire safety in the work area
- Parking and noise for neighbours
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: home hair studio
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to set up a home hair studio?
Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how much you need to adapt your space and what equipment and products you buy. These are estimates, and insurance should be included in your budget.
How much can a home hair studio earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on how many clients you book and your prices. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and you would need at least about 10 hours a week.
What should I check before starting a hair studio at home?
Check permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and whether planning permission or business rates apply, with your council. Also check public liability and home insurance for business use, patch testing and COSHH guidance, electrical and fire safety, and neighbour parking and noise.
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