Freelance Hair Jobs

Hairdresser on a cruise ship
Photo: Shutterstock
There aren't many trades that make it so easy to work freelance as a career in hair. Salons are likely the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many other options, and the limit is only your own imagination.
 
If you feel the call to work without a boss, without a set schedule, and all on your own accord, you should be as prepared as possible in order to be successful and to enjoy it.
 
Most of all, you have to be very good at what you are doing, so get the best training you can and keep educating yourself constantly. Take workshops regularly to stay on top of the trends and techniques. Equally important is to learn how to market yourself and keep an open mind, a creative soul, and a good business instinct. Then nothing should stand in your way.
 
Some of the popular freelance hairstyling jobs are:
 
On Cruise Ships
 
Work while you see the world! A dream job for all those who have no ties at home, a desire to see and learn about other countries, and most of all for those who love the mighty sea. This is perhaps one of the most coveted positions and comes with a lot of perks.
 
All larger ocean liners have hair salons and spas, and there are many people on board who want to look their best for a special dinner or just get pampered for a couple of hours. The customers will come to you, and the work is mostly by appointment. Pay is decent, tips usually good, and you will be able to save a lot since there is not much opportunity out at sea to spend your money.
 
The downside of cruise line hair jobs is that you will be out at sea for months at a time. Depending on the cruise ship and its destinations, this can be anything between 3 and 9 months with about 2 months on land.
 
Relationships and friendships become challenging with that much absence. A cruise ship hairdressing job is truly exciting for a few years but not a lifetime career.
 
Resort with a hotel, swimming pool and palm trees
Photo: Thorsten Technoman/Pexels
In Hotels and Resorts
 
The clientele is similar to that on a cruise ship, but you won't be changing locations as often and can have more of a private life. Resort jobs, of course, have a gorgeous setting, and you will feel like your work life and vacation are merging into one.
 
But don't fool yourself with dreams of leisure and toes in the sand; expect much hard work. Nothing is free, especially not under palm trees. Other hotels may offer a more urban setting with guests attending conventions or trade shows.
 
Each location has its own flair and specifics and there are so many to choose from. Transfers to other types of hotels and even to other countries are especially easy when you connect with an international hotel chain. You can inquire at their main offices about the opportunities for immensely talented hairdressers like you and soon you will be able to pack your suitcase and take on the world!
 
With Photographers
 
Photographers always look for hairdressers and stylists to work with, especially when they offer glamor shots or do fashion and advertising photography. Introduce yourself with your portfolio and a professional business card and stay in touch.
 
This type of work stays interesting since you have a different scenario each time and can expect to do some fancy and outrageous looks that will demand your full creativity. The only downside is that you never know when your phone will ring and there are often days and weeks with just a little work and on other occasions you will get swamped with requests.
 
Depending on the type of work the photographer does and your skills of self-marketing, this could also be your ticket to do some really high-end work for fashion magazines and big television commercials, which would, of course, look impressive on your resume!
 
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