Becoming a Hairdresser Part 2

Do you know that you can make over N10, 000 every single day as a hairdressing business in Nigeria? Do you know that? Let us see how that works!

Unlike a barbing salon business which usually works with a constant price list, the hairdresser performers different services at different rates/prices. Such services are:

• Washing and Setting (Hair styles differ in price)
• Fixing weave ons (Prices differ according to styles too)
• Braiding
• Retouching
• Manicure and Pedicure
• General Make Over

Some other factors that affect price are expertise, location of business, status of clients and even the size of customers head (loool).That said, let’s dig into factors we should put into consideration before starting a hairdressing business in Nigeria.

Expertise: There is nothing as discouraging to potential clients as discovering that a hair stylist cannot make their desired hairdo or that the end result is not satisfactory. The customer may never come back again. Therefore it is imperative that before starting a hairdressing business, one should go for adequate training. As the hair fashion is forever changing, one needs to be able to make several hair styles in vogue. Training and experience goes beyond just learning new hairstyles but also hair treatment and products. Being creative is a big plus too. So take out ample time to learn the skills and ropes before going into the business. The more knowledge you acquire, the better the chances of having a successful hairdressing business.

Register Your Business: Before you start your own hairdressing business in Nigeria, make sure you are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission Nigeria and any other hair stylists association in your area. No matter how small you start. Think of yourself as a big business, act like a big business and you will surely get there. So go ahead and get registered.

Capital: The capital needed to startup a hairdressing business in Nigeria is determined by the size and standard of the salon you wish to open. You can start with just the basic equipment and then grow from there. The trick is giving satisfactory services to keep clients coming back. When counting the cost in starting a hairdressing salon, here are a few things you will need to consider paying for:

• Rent for the shop (monthly or yearly as the case maybe)
• Electricity Generator set (for power outages)
• Hairdressing Equipment (e.g. styling seats, dryers, hair curlers and straighteners, hair combs, brushes, threads, needles, scissors, blades, towels, steamers, sterilizers etc)
• Wall mirrors
• Hair treatment materials ( e.g. relaxers, shampoos, conditioners, hair crèmes, gel, oil etc)
• Furniture
• Entertainment (TV,DSTV, sound system, fashion and hair magazines)

Space: One can start a hairdressing business in Nigeria with any available space. No matter how small. The hair stylist can achieve this by rendering only services that will not need major equipment.  Example is just braiding and fixing of hair extensions. On the other hand, customers of high status will always patronize a salon with a pleasant and conducive environment. In view of this, the available capital determines the size of space acquired. What is paramount is that the business, whatever the size, is kept clean at all times. Dirty environment, soiled hair combs and towels put off clients.

Personnel: The type and number of personnel you need to hire will be dependent on the services that your hairdressing salon business will offer. Generally, a hair salon will require one to several hair stylists, nail and shampoo technicians. You can work as hair stylist and also as the manager until your business expands.

Business Location: High profile location with easy accessibility ensures getting more clients. As much as possible, the salon should be situated away from competition.

Inter – personal & Customer Service Skills:  Good customer care is a major factor in gaining and developing customer loyalty. Here are a few tips on how to treat your clients and they will keep coming back.