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According to Dun & Bradstreet, the U.S. hair services industry includes over 80,000 businesses with a combined revenue of about $20 billion. If you’re an up and coming hairstylist, it’s obvious that you have no shortage of options when it comes to a hair salon to work at. However, you may be wondering what’s best for you: working at a hair salon or becoming a freelance hairstylist.

To help you make the best possible decision for you, MyCuts has decided to compile a list of the pros of working at a hair salon versus freelancing. It’s important that you consider all your options when it comes to a career as a hairstylist and we’re here to make that final decision easier!

The Pros of Working at a Hair Salon

1. Working as Part of a Team

When you elect to work at a hair salon, you instantly become part of a team. Not only will you be given the opportunity to work with other hairstylists and form close professional relationships, but you’ll also have the chance to learn from your more experienced coworkers. This is a huge benefit to working in a hair salon that you won’t necessarily have if you choose to go freelance.

2. A Regular Income

When you’re employed by a hair salon, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that you’ll always earn your monthly salary. When you are a freelance hairstylist, on the other hand, you’ll only have as much income as you do consistent customers. Unfortunately, finding consistent customers isn’t always an easy task when you first start out as a freelance hairstylist. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about setting aside money for tax time, and this could be a huge defining factor in whether or not you choose to work freelance or in a hair salon.

3. Opportunity for Ongoing Training

If you choose to work at a hair salon, you may be given the opportunity to receive ongoing training in the form of training days at your hair salon. Arguably, working at a hair salon gives you a better opportunity for furthering your education over time.

4. Working For an Established Brand

When you’re a newly qualified hairstylist, it can be terrifying to put yourself out there and find new clients. If you’re employed by a hair salon, on the other hand, you become part of an established brand that has already built a reputation and extensive client list. This leaves you with the ability to focus on building your skills without the added pressure of marketing your services.

The Pros of Working as a Freelance Hairstylist

1. The Power to Set Your Own Rates

One of the biggest pros of working as a freelance hairstylist is the ability to set your own rates as you see fit. Although the fact that there is no set salary can be a bit daunting at first, this means that your income potential is unlimited. Based on your own financial goals, you can take as many or as few jobs as you want, and this isn’t something you’ll be able to do when you work in a hair salon.

2. The Ability to Work When You Want

It’s possible that you’re an up and coming hairstylist looking to be able to spend as much time with your family as possible. As a freelance hairstylist, you have the power to set your own hours based on your schedule. This added flexibility is often a huge deciding factor in the decision to freelance full-time.

3. You Are Your Own Boss

Finally, it’s important to note that when you’re self-employed, you’re the boss. As a freelance hairstylist, you can choose your services, the products you use, your overall branding, and the types of clients that you want to work with. That being said, it’s also crucial that you remember that being your own boss presents its fair share of challenges. When making the decision to become a freelance hairstylist versus working in a hair salon, make sure that you keep this at the front of your mind.

Hair Salon Scheduling Made Easy With the MyCuts App!

We hope that this list of the pros of working at a hair salon versus freelancing has been helpful to you. Use the pros of each type of career as a hairstylist to help inform you on the best route to take for you. If you decide to take the path of working in a hair salon, you may be worried about the frustrations of managing a schedule that are so common. Luckily, the MyCuts app is here to make the entire process easier!

With software like MyCuts, the hair salon experience is easier for hair salon owners, hairstylists, and their customers alike. Using this convenient software, you can offer your customers an easy way to schedule, all while monitoring your hair appointments from your phone. The MyCuts app also gives you the ability to seamlessly manage your inventory at any time.

Want to learn more about the helpful features that MyCuts can offer your business? Check out our demo and see what it can do for your salon!