What do I need to be a self-employed hairdresser?
Sarah Garza
Updated on April 01, 2026
Some of the covers to consider include:
- public liability insurance. As you’ll be working closely with your clients, this insurance will likely be central to your hairdresser insurance policy.
- business equipment cover.
- employers’ liability insurance.
- business legal protection.
- personal accident insurance.
What can a self-employed hairdresser claim for?
Self-Employed Hairdressers – What expenses can you claim?
- Cost of goods bought for resale or goods used.
- Wages, salaries and other costs pertaining to staff.
- Cars, vans and travel expenses.
- Repairs and maintenance of property and equipment.
- Phone, fax, stationery and other office costs.
How much do self-employed hairdressers earn UK?
For bigger budgets, such as £3m to £6m, freelance hair stylists can potentially earn between £7.68 to £25.31 an hour, and for budgets of £20m to £30m, freelancers can earn between £8.34 to £28.14 an hour.
How do I file taxes as a self employed hairdresser?
As an independent beauty professional, you are subject to both self-employment tax and income tax. Use Form Schedule SE to estimate the amount owned for self-employment tax, report your income and losses on Form 1040 Schedule C, and then complete Form 1049-ES to pay the estimated tax.
Can I be a hairdresser without qualifications?
So what qualifications do I need to be a hairdresser? According to the National Careers Service, there are no set requirements when it comes to becoming a hairdresser. In some cases you’ll be able to simply learn on the job, perhaps starting at a local salon as a general assistant.
Can a hairdresser be a self employed person?
But avoiding this with requirements regarding working hours and holidays can raise questions against the self-employed status. Another model is where the salon owner effectively agrees to buy the services of the self-employed person for a set number of days or hours per week.
Is it good for a stylist to be self employed?
For stylists, self-employment can often be a first step towards starting their own business. But what is self-employment and what are the pitfalls? For salon owners, there are financial attractions as they reduce their tax and national insurance bills.
Can a self employed person go to an employment tribunal?
The other issue is that if the relationship breaks down the self-employed person is able to access an Employment Tribunal. If they persuade the Tribunal that the self-employment agreement was a sham, then they can claim unfair dismissal, the national minimum wage and holiday pay retrospectively.
How many people in the hairdressing industry are freelance?
Now, over 57% of the hairdressing industry is freelance according to a survey conducted by the NHBF.