Freelance hairdressing is a profession that offers immense creative freedom and the opportunity to build a personal brand. However, this flexibility often comes with the challenge of finding the perfect balance between work and personal life, especially when running businesses requires many moving parts.
For many freelance hairdressers, the lines between professional and personal time can blur, leading to stress and burnout.
The Challenges of Time Management
One of the most significant challenges freelance hairdressers face is time management. Unlike traditional salon employees who have set working hours, freelancers often find themselves working irregular hours to accommodate clients’ schedules. This can mean late nights, early mornings, and weekends, leaving little time for personal activities and rest.
Moreover, the administrative, behind the scenes tasks associated with running a freelance business can be time-consuming. Scheduling appointments, managing social media, ordering supplies, and handling finances can eat into the time that could otherwise be spent on personal pursuits or relaxation.
The Pressure to Stay Competitive
The beauty industry is highly competitive, and freelance hairdressers must constantly stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to remain relevant. This often requires attending workshops, training sessions, and industry events, which can further encroach on personal time. The pressure to maintain a strong online presence through social media can also be overwhelming, as it requires regular posting, engagement with followers, and content creation.
Lack of Structured Learning
Salons offer in-house training and workshops, but freelancers must find these opportunities themselves, which can be costly and time-consuming. The absence of a steady income makes it harder to afford advanced courses.
The challenge however is to not get bogged down in the administration, paperwork, and time pressures that come with running your own business. And unlike their salon-employed counterparts, freelancers must independently seek learning opportunities, balancing client demands with skill development.
So, the question we ask to our community is, if all else remained the same, how much time would you give yourself to learn, to evolve your skill and to invest in yourself?
Well this depends on a few key factors:
Current Skill Level: If you’re already experienced, you might prioritise advanced techniques and trends. If you’re newer to the industry, foundational skills might take precedence.
Industry Trends: The beauty industry is always evolving. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies might require a significant time investment. This is also dependent on the specific trend at the time. Some trends will require a lot of training to perfect e.g. new cutting techniques whereas others may require minimal training e.g. Sleek pony tail style that can be played with, with minimal risk.
Personal Goals: Are you aiming to specialise in a particular area, such as bridal hairstyling or skincare? Your goals will influence how much time you allocate for learning and development.
Availability and Balance: Considering your work schedule and personal life, you’ll need to find a balance that works for you without leading to burnout.
In practical terms, many professionals aim to spend around 1-2 hours a week on learning and development, but this can vary. Some might dedicate a few days per month to workshops or courses, while others might integrate learning into their daily routine, such as through online tutorials or industry blogs.
Ultimately, investing time in yourself is crucial, and setting aside consistent time for growth, even if it’s small, can lead to significant improvements in skill and business growth over time.
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