2 mins
COME TOGETHER
Check out these top tips for staying connected whilst working as a freelancer
According to HJ's Insider survey, 43% of hair professionals are now freelance, with an additional 11% working as both freelance and employed. With over half of the industry therefore falling into this category, ensuring that they are supported is vital for the continued growth of the sector.
Lauren Smith
Working freelance requires a significant amount of commitment and organisation, from bookings to buying wholesale, alongside actually doing hair. As a result, some priorities may slip down the list – including networking.
43% OF HAIR PROFESSIONALS ARE NOW FREELANCE
Interacting with other members of the industry can help develop ideas and strengthen professional relationships, which can reflect well on your business. However, finding the time and opportunities to do so can be challenging, especially without the feeling of connection that employed hair professionals have – so in the spirit of collaboration, HJ asked mobile hairstylist, Lauren Smith and freelance hairstylist, Jayde Collins for their top tips for staying connected and feeling part of the hairdressing community.
1 STAY UP TO DATE Lauren Smith explains: “Magazines, hairdressing websites and social media channels are the easiest ways to stay in touch with new trends and technology in the hairdressing industry. Being freelance, this allows you to still feel part of a community and network with others – when you are employed I feel that the networking information is naturally cascaded down to you.”
Jayde Collins
2 EMBRACE YOUR INDEPENDENCE Jayde Collins tells us: “As a freelancer you get to develop networking relationships that are much more personal to you.This is actually one of my favourite parts of freelancing, I can be truly independent.”
3 USE YOUR TIME WELL Lauren explains: “I don’t think it’s harder to network as a freelancer as everyone is on social media nowadays, but I do think you have to put in the extra time for it. Being freelance you can pick and choose exactly what you want to learn about or what types of industry specialists you most want to connect with.”
4 PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE Jayde recommends: “My advice would be to create content on what you want to be doing. Is there a brand you love? Create a Reel or TikTok using their products, tag them, and connect with them. Is there a stylist you would love to assist? Message them on Instagram and ask. Don’t be afraid to reach out.”
5 PLAY THE LONG GAME/BE SELECTIVE Jayde advises: “I would avoid taking jobs for money or exposure if they are not true to you. I feel being authentic in our industry speaks volumes; you might work with less brands or photographers, but the ones you do work with will result in much better work and longer-lasting relationships. High quality brands look for people that fit their ethos, so taking a deal with a brand outside of that may result in you never getting a deal with the brand you really love and want to be a part of.”