i would think you would probably have to build your clientelle from friends or relatives and let it expand from there if you planned to work from home.  And just let the word spread, advertise etc..

It takes a long time to build good clientelle but if you please your lady she will come back again and again :) 

Personally, i'm still training up as a hair stylist and extensionist but ocasionally i offer my extension services to people free of charge to practise and because i have a *sligh\t* obsession with hair and extensions and before/after :P

once i am fully trained i plan to do this as a career :)

Hi Angelfruit,

Here's my two cents worth on your inquiry:

#1: I take a deposit large enough to purchase the hair for their service.  I tell them it's a non refundable deposit, but as of yet, I haven't made anyone sign contracts.  I tell them the payment for the service is due when I perform the service.  I always finish the service before I ask for payment.  Over the years, I have had only 2 people bounce checks on me for payment for services.  The one client repaid me in cash, while the other one just completely scammed me, so it does happen.  I now only accept cash, credit card, or money order for first time customers.

#2:Advertise!  I spend about $400 per month on various forms of advertising, including phone book ads, local newspapers, Internet, etc.  I have not done this, but if Cybermane chimes in, she has a good system of networking with doctor's offices to get hair loss clients.

#3: I'm in it for the long haul, baby!  I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else.  I also have a bachelor's degree in marketing, so I could find other work if I wanted to, but doing hair is the only job I have ever loved.

Angelfruit wrote: 1). Do you take payment BEFORE you do the hair or AFTER the hair is complete? ... as once the hair is done, it's done ... and if they don't pay what are you going to do ... take the hair out?

Hi chick! I usually take 50% at least to cover my materials.  Then I take the balance after the job is done.  If they don't pay, then that's considered thief.  I haven't had anybody done that before except for a 17 year old whose mom I spoke with on the phone saying that she'll come over- but never did.  It was only $100 job, but I at least I have her mug shot in my shop

Angelfruit wrote: 2). Also how do you find a steady stream of customers?

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Angelfruit wrote: 3). Is your hair business a short term solution or are you in the hair business for keeps?

For keeps .  You must love what you do with your whole heart because this business requires extreme patience.  I remember working with a guy who kept telling me, "Bless you for standing on your feet 10 hours straight, if it was me doing her extensions, I would rip her hair out".  So if you really love what you do, you will care for your clients' hair as if it were fragile then magically transforming  "'hay' into spun gold"

And if you do a really amazing job as well as be a really caring human being, clients will refer you!

Best of luck, Charlene

i love what i do, i transform lives and change the way people se themselves, it dont do it for the money-

i get blessed by the reactions. the money is secondary. it will come and you will be blessed if your heart is in the right place.

i know stylist who gotten into extensions for the $ and they are still waiting to get a client.

make sure your priorites are in order...

good luck