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How to Start Your Own Hair Extension Business in the UK

A No-Fluff Guide for Ambitious Beauties

So, you’re thinking about launching your own hair extension business? We love to hear it — and trust us, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a beauty pro looking to branch out, a complete beginner ready for a fresh start, or just someone obsessed with luscious locks, the UK hair extension industry is absolutely booming. With demand growing fast, now’s the perfect time to explore accredited hair extension courses that can help turn your passion into a profitable career. But where do you start? What qualifications do you need? How do you actually make money doing this?

Grab a cuppa, babe — we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break it all down step-by-step, including training, tools, branding, pricing, and getting your first clients. If you’re serious about becoming your own boss, this is your sign to go for it.

Why the Hair Extension Industry?

Let’s be honest — extensions are not a passing trend. Whether it’s for volume, length, or a total transformation, clients are turning to extensions more than ever. And for good reason: they’re instant confidence-boosters.

Here’s why it’s a brilliant industry to get into:

Be your own boss – Set your own schedule, prices, and clients
Great earning potential – Extensions aren’t cheap, and skilled fitters are in demand
Creative freedom – You’re helping clients transform their entire look
Work from anywhere – Mobile, home-based, or salon – totally up to you

And the best part? You don’t need years of beauty school to get started — just the right training, passion, and professionalism.

Step 1: Get Trained & Certified

This is your foundation. Even if you’re naturally great with hair, proper technique, client safety, and product knowledge are non-negotiables. In the UK, you’ll want to take an accredited training course.

What to Look for in a Hair Extension Course:

Covers multiple methods (micro rings, nano rings, tape-ins, weaves, etc.)
Taught by experienced professionals
Includes theory + hands-on practical
Fully accredited and insurable
Comes with a starter kit (bonus!)

Ready to take that first step? Explore accredited hair extension courses designed for both beginners and experienced stylists, with flexible training options available across the UK.

Step 2: Build Your Professional Salon Kit

Once you’re trained, you’ll need the tools of the trade. Some courses (like ours!) include kits, but here’s what you’ll want in your basic setup:

Your Hair Extension Toolkit:

Loop tool
Pliers
Sectioning clips
Comb
Nano/micro beads
Hair extension brush
Heat connector (for fusion methods)
Aftercare leaflets
100% Remy human hair (of course 😉)

Find a full range of professional-grade tools and high-quality extensions in all the most popular colours and lengths. Stock up on Remy hair extensions your clients will love.

Step 3: Register Your Business Properly

It’s not just about glam – it’s about getting legal. Registering your business in the UK is straightforward.

Things You’ll Need to Do:

Register as a sole trader (ideal for beginners) via GOV.UK
Get your UTR number from HMRC (for taxes)
Open a separate business bank account
Consider public liability insurance (especially if mobile)
Keep records of income, expenses, and client appointments

Bonus tip: Get a simple booking system to stay organised — Calendly, Fresha, or even a well-run Google Calendar can work wonders.

Understanding Taxes & Managing Startup Costs

Registering your business is just the start. As a UK small business owner, you’ll also need to handle your tax responsibilities properly. This means filing a Self Assessment tax return each year and keeping thorough records of your income and expenses. If your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £85,000), you’ll need to register for VAT and charge it on your services.

It’s a good idea to budget for initial setup costs like training fees, purchasing your starter kit, insurance, and marketing. Some new stylists explore funding options such as government-backed loans, grants, or flexible payment plans offered by accredited courses to help manage expenses.

With these legal and financial basics covered, you’ll be better prepared to focus on building your brand and attracting clients.

Step 4: Build a Brand That Stands Out

Your brand is what sets you apart in a very visual industry. You want clients to instantly get your vibe — luxury, glam, natural beauty, you name it.

Build Your Brand Essentials:

Name & logo (check it’s available on Instagram & Companies House)
Tagline or mission (what do you stand for?)
Consistent colours, fonts & tone of voice

Get Online:

Build a basic website with your services, pricing, contact info and testimonials
Include a “Book Now” button (or WhatsApp link for easy messaging)
Add before/after images, client transformations, and FAQ

If you’re not ready for a full website, start with a strong Instagram profile. Post regularly, share client stories, and be yourself. Authenticity wins.

Step 5: Setting Up on Treatwell & Fresha

Make it easy for clients to find and book you.
Once you’re ready to take bookings, platforms like Treatwell and Fresha can be game-changers for your hair extension business — especially if you’re just starting out and don’t yet have a full website or client base.

Why Use an Online Booking Platform?

More visibility – Get discovered by new clients searching for hair services in your area.
Easy booking – Let clients book 24/7, even when you’re offline or busy.
Automatic reminders – Reduce no-shows with SMS/email appointment reminders.
Secure payments – Accept card payments and deposits with less hassle.
Professional image – Having an online booking page makes you look polished and trustworthy.

Treatwell: Salon-Focused + Marketing Boost

Treatwell is ideal if you’re working from a salon or home-based setup. It acts like a beauty-specific marketplace (think “Etsy for hair appointments”) and promotes your services to thousands of local users.
Keep in mind: Treatwell takes a commission on bookings but offers a big marketing push in return.
How to set up:

Visit treatwell.co.uk and click “List your business”
Fill out your services, pricing, location, and availability
Upload high-quality photos and reviews to stand out
Sync with your calendar to avoid double bookings

Fresha: Free Booking + Client Management

Fresha is 100% free to use (no commission unless you use their payment system) and is ideal for mobile stylists or solo business owners. It gives you a clean, simple booking link you can share on Instagram, WhatsApp, or your website.

How to set up:

Go to fresha.com and sign up for a free account
Set your service menu and time slots
Share your booking link in your Instagram bio or linktree
Use their app to track appointments, send reminders, and take payments

Pro tip: You can use both platforms if it suits your setup — for example, Treatwell for local discovery and Fresha for repeat clients or mobile bookings. The goal is to make booking you as easy and professional as possible.

Step 6: Set Your Prices Right

Setting prices is tricky, but remember: you’re running a business, not a charity. Your prices should reflect your skill, time, tools, and hair costs.

Price Smart:

Always include the cost of hair in your quote
Charge for fitting, removal, and maintenance separately
Don’t forget about travel costs if you’re mobile
Offer bundle deals or referral discounts to attract early clients

Always take a deposit (minimum 25%) to secure bookings and reduce no-shows.

Step 7: Get Your First Clients

Practice, promote, and perfect your craft — all in one go.
When you’re just getting started, don’t stress about having a full client list. The best way to ease into the business, build confidence, and create a killer portfolio is by working on friends and family first.
Here’s how to make it work for your business — not just as favours.

Turn Practice into Promotion

Offer discounted or free fittings to people you trust, but treat each appointment like it’s paid and professional. This is your opportunity to:

Practice your technique in a low-pressure setting
Get before-and-after photos for your Instagram, website, or Treatwell/Fresha profile
Collect testimonials to add credibility (even one good review helps!)
Experiment with different hair types and styles to expand your skills

Ask your models to:

Snap a few selfies after their appointment (in good lighting!)
Tag you on Instagram when they post
Leave a short review on Google, Facebook, or your booking platform

Print or email a short “model release form” giving you permission to use their photos online. It’s a small step that makes you look more professional and protects your brand.
Don’t Forget the Power of Word of Mouth
Friends and family are often your first — and best — promoters. Offer a referral discount or a free touch-up for every new client they send your way. People trust recommendations from those they know, and a happy friend can lead to 5+ new bookings if you play it right.

Boost Your Marketing: Go Beyond Local Groups

Getting your first clients is a fantastic start, but expanding your reach is key to long-term success. Social media platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok are ideal for sharing quick, engaging hair extension demos or stunning before-and-after transformations. Posting regularly, using the right hashtags, and interacting with beauty communities online can rapidly grow your audience and bring in new clients.

Don’t underestimate the power of offline networking, either. Collaborate with local salons, attend beauty events, or join UK-based small business groups to build genuine relationships. Word-of-mouth referrals from trusted sources remain one of the most effective ways to grow your hair extension business.

With a strong marketing strategy in place, you’ll be ready to take your business to the next level.

Step 8: Keep Levelling Up

The beauty industry is constantly evolving — and to stay ahead, you need to evolve with it. Once you’ve mastered the basics and feel confident in your skills, it’s time to think about your next move.

Here are some powerful ways to keep growing:

Take Advanced Training : Consider expanding your services with specialist courses like mesh integration or hair loss systems. These in-demand treatments allow you to support clients with more specific needs and can significantly increase your income.
Go Mobile or Collaborate with a Salon : Becoming a mobile stylist gives you flexibility and access to a wider client base, while working with a salon offers structure and a professional space to grow your brand.
Launch Your Own Product Line : Many stylists eventually create their own hair extension range, tools, or aftercare products. It’s a great way to build brand recognition and earn extra revenue.
Commit to Ongoing Learning : The best in the business never stop learning. Regularly updating your skills shows clients you’re serious, professional, and always on top of trends.

Level up not just for your business — but for your confidence, creativity, and career longevity. Growth is the secret to standing out in a busy industry.

Conclusion

Starting a hair extension business isn’t just a job — it’s a glow-up for your entire life. You get to express yourself creatively, empower other women, and build something completely your own.

So if you’ve been dreaming of making that leap, consider this your official green light. Get trained, get confident, and get out there — we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Ready to start your journey? Explore accredited hair extension courses and take the first step toward launching your beauty career today.

Quick Checklist: What You Need to Start

✅ Accredited training
✅ Starter toolkit
✅ Registered business + insurance
✅ Brand + online presence
✅ Pricing strategy
✅ Clients (even just 1 to start!)
✅ Passion & confidence!