Loctician renting a salon chair

Clients who want a professional salon setting for locs, including walk-by and repeat customers who find you through the salon and social media.

Price per service, with regular maintenance appointments. You pay the salon weekly or monthly rent for your space, so you keep the rest after costs.

• Loc installation, maintenance and styling
• Running your own diary and pricing
• Building a client base through social media and word of mouth
• Professional client service

• Read the rental agreement carefully, including notice periods, rent increases and who supplies equipment
• Public liability insurance, as the salon's policy may not cover you
• Make sure you are genuinely self-employed and managing your own business, not just working for the salon
• Quiet weeks still mean rent is due, so start with a manageable rental commitment
• Check hygiene standards and any local council requirements with the salon owner
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records for Self Assessment

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your tools, products and the rental terms you agree. Quiet weeks still mean rent is due, so start with a manageable commitment.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,200 to £4,500 as an estimate, depending on how many clients you book, your prices and how quickly you build a client base. Treat this as a guide.

Read the rental agreement carefully, including notice periods, rent increases and who supplies equipment. Check you are genuinely self-employed, that you have your own public liability insurance, hygiene standards and any local council requirements, and register as a sole trader with HMRC.