Beauty business ideas you can start for up to $5,000
17 ideas
These 17 beauty business ideas are for people who want to work with clients without paying for a salon lease. Many are mobile, so your main costs are tools, supplies, insurance, training and a reliable way to travel.
Rent a chair and build your own barber clientele
Rent a chair in an existing shop and run your own client book, with low startup costs.
- $1k-4k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile barber who visits clients
Bring cuts and shaves to homes, offices, care homes and events with a portable kit.
- $800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile nail technician
Bring manicures and gel nails to clients' homes, offices and events.
- $800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home nail studio
Set up a private nail room at home and see regular clients by appointment.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile hairstylist
Travel to clients' homes, care homes and event venues to cut, style and do hair on location.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based loctician studio
Install, maintain and style locs for regular clients in a private studio space at home.
- $500-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile loctician
Travel to clients' homes to maintain and style their locs, with no rent to pay.
- $400-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile hot stone massage therapist
Bring hot stone massage to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable table and stone heater.
- $1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile bridal and event make-up artist
Travel to venues and homes to do make-up for brides, wedding parties and special events.
- $800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Freelance make-up artist for shoots and screen work
Work with photographers, brands and production crews doing make-up for shoots, ads and video.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile teeth whitening
Bring cosmetic teeth whitening to clients' homes, offices and wedding parties.
- $1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile aromatherapy massage therapist
Bring relaxing essential oil massage to clients' homes, offices and events with a portable table.
- $1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile spray tanning
Bring professional spray tans to clients' homes, wedding parties and events with a portable setup.
- $800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile waxing service
Travel to clients' homes with a portable waxing kit and a massage table.
- $1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile ear piercing for parties and pop-ups
Bring sterile ear piercing to parties, markets and boutique pop-ups with a portable setup.
- $1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Personal image and wardrobe consultant
Help individuals refresh their wardrobe, grooming and style for new jobs, big changes or events.
- $300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Corporate image and presentation coach
Coach employees and teams on professional presence, dress and grooming, paid by the company.
- $500-3k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
Ideas like a mobile nail technician, mobile spray tanning or a freelance make-up artist for shoots and screen work suit people who enjoy hands-on work and building a loyal client base. Before you choose, check what license or certification your state requires for the service, since rules for services such as waxing, piercing and hair work can differ. Think about how you will find your first ten clients, how far you are willing to travel, and whether you prefer working in homes, at events or in a studio setup.
Questions
Do I need a license to start a beauty business in the US?
Often, yes, but it depends on the service and the state. Check your state cosmetology or barber board, and your local authorities, for what training, licensing and inspections apply to the specific treatments you plan to offer.
Can I run a mobile beauty business on $5,000?
Many mobile services can be started within this budget, but check your own costs. Typical items include kit, supplies, training, insurance, a booking system and travel. Services needing specialist equipment or extra qualifications may cost more, so compare before committing.
What should I check before working from home or at clients' homes?
Check local zoning rules, any home-business permit requirements, your lease or HOA terms if relevant, and whether your insurance covers client visits. Also ask your state board whether a licensed premises or specific hygiene standards apply to your service.