Self-employed hairdresser renting a chair

Your own clients, who book directly with you and pay for each appointment.

You set your own prices and keep the takings after your chair rent and product costs.

• Hairdressing qualification and a few years of experience
• Building and keeping a client following
• Self-employed bookkeeping and tax

• Read the rental agreement carefully, including notice periods and who supplies products
• Public liability insurance, and check whether the salon's policy covers you
• Quiet weeks still mean paying your rent
• Make sure the arrangement is genuinely self-employed, as HMRC looks at how you work

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on your tools, products and insurance. Your own figure will vary with the salon and the agreement you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,200 to £4,500, depending on your prices and how full your client book is. Quiet weeks still mean paying your rent. Estimates suggest at least about 15 hours a week of work.

Check the rental agreement carefully, including notice periods and who supplies products. Also check public liability cover, whether the salon's policy covers you, and that the arrangement is genuinely self-employed, as HMRC looks at how you work.