Hairbrained – Trust Your Talents When Setting Rates by Beauty Expert, Gina Rivera

Starting out in any new field can be challenging, especially when it comes to being a sole proprietor. One of the biggest challenges that is often encountered is setting a scale for your services that is competitive yet fair and reasonable for clients.

For those in the beauty industry, professionals that are freshly out of school often go to a salon that sets a price for them. Additionally, rate increases occur as proficiency levels change and as skills increases.

However, once a hairstylist decides to go into business for themselves, several items need to be considered. Should prices be raised automatically? Should  the same prices be maintained until it’s certain that the clientel will follow? Should a few services be increased but not all?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. But, keep in mind that you should account for your experience level, education, and specialty training you have received. This should help you to set your pricing accordingly in order to ensure that you recoup your investment for the continuing education.

Also, make sure to check what the average costs of services are at nearby similar salons. I am not advocating that a stylist must charge the same prices as others in the area, but this will provide an indication of what the normal market price is for local services.

In my opinion, it’s fine to raise your pricing annually or every other year. I suggest that you get your clientele fairly well established. Then, get a feel for what will work best for you.

I will leave you with this thought; You payed a lot of money for your education as well as for ongoing classes. You work hard. So, don’t be shy. Charge what you feel you are worth. Remember, you are worth a lot. Set a high standard early on and trust me, your clientele will grow organically.