The Freelance SUPPORT NETWORK

Exploring the spaces, brands and tech that are helping freelancers thrive

Whether it’s shared creative workspaces, or innovative brands and suppliers offering flexible solutions, the industry is evolving to meet the needs of the growing number of freelance hairdressers.

The Spaces That Share and Care

Shared creative workspaces are opening up across the UK, offering freelancers the freedom of self-employment but with the buzz and support of a salon environment. These spaces provide community, flexibility, and access to professional facilities without the overheads of running a traditional salon. The likes of Stā Studios, US import Phenix Suites, The Hair Movement and the soon-to-launch Tressly Studios, all focus on providing not just physical resources but emotional and creative support too.

For Samantha Cusick, founder of Stā Studios, the idea for her shared creative space was born out of personal experience. “I know how isolating freelancing can feel, because I’ve been there,” she explains. “You love what you do, you care deeply about your clients, but sometimes it feels like you’re in it alone. That’s what made me want to build something different.”

Stā Studios is designed to be a 360° freelancer’s paradise. “We’ve thought about every detail, from a booking system that really works, to an in-house technical shop with everything you need at straight-from-supplier prices,” says Samantha. But what she believes really sets Stā apart is the atmosphere: “It’s elevated. It’s warm. It’s full of energy without being chaotic. You’re not alone here.” Samantha believes the freelance side of the industry deserves more love and support. “There’s so much creativity amongst freelance hairdressers, but also so much pressure. That’s why we’ve created a space that gives you the freedom to do things your way, with support when you need it.”

Meanwhile, in addition to addressing freelancer needs, Antoinette Ale’s mission at Tressly Studios in Lewisham, London, is about representation and empowerment. “The studios are designed with freelance hairstylists in mind, especially those working with textured hair,” she explains. “Beyond being a beautiful, functional workspace, it offers a supportive community, professional-grade equipment, and a welcoming environment where freelancers can truly feel at home.” Part of that Tressly mission is addressing the specific challenges faced by stylists working with textured hair, including sourcing products and tools and offering access to specialist education. “Tressly Studios will actively address these challenges by partnering with brands that support textured hair, creating a space where clients feel represented, and offering education and resources specifically geared toward textured hair stylists,” says Antoinette.

John Gillespie, MD UK & Europe, at Phenix Suites, describes the company’s model as ‘freedom with security’. “At Phenix, everything we do is designed around the freelancer,” he explains. “We give hair professionals their own private, fully fitted suite with 24/7 access, so they can run their business their way. From day one, they’re in control of their hours, pricing, clients and branding, all without the overheads, long leases or restrictions of a traditional salon.” What makes Phenix particularly attractive, says John, is the all-inclusive setup. “Utilities, Wi-Fi, washing facilities and even laundry are all included in the rent,” he says. “That way, our professionals can focus purely on their clients and creativity, with no hidden costs. We also offer business support, education and community events, ensuring they feel empowered rather than isolated.”

At The Hair Movement in Sidcup, Kent, freelancers are known not as renters but as ‘co-workers’. As Brand Director Benjamin Shipman explains: “They’re self-employed professionals, but never on their own. Instead, they work under the strength of our brand and within a co-working community that’s designed to support them.” The Hair Movement takes care of the infrastructure so its co-workers can focus on their craft. “Through their coworker fee, they’re essentially paying the brand to take care of the things most freelancers either struggle with or prefer not to focus on,” says Benjamin. “With software like Phorest and VISH in place, every process is seamless and transparent.”

The Brands and Suppliers Backing Freelance Hairdressers

Increasingly, professional brands and suppliers are stepping up to ensure freelancers have the same access to products, education, and support as salon owners and their employees. Which is welcome news to freelancers like Abbey Smith, who works from her home salon in Woking, Surrey. Abbey has worked with Indola for more than a decade. “Indola has a full range of permanent colours that can easily switch to a demi using just one product – the Color Transformer,” she says. “That means I don’t need to stock separate ranges for demi or toners, which saves a huge amount of space.” For Abbey, affordability is another key reason she sticks with Indola. “One of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of running a business. Working with brands like Indola that offer incredible value without compromising on quality really helps me adapt and stay sustainable.”

For Sarah Daglish, a freelancer who also owns Rebel Rebel Hair Studio in Watford, it’s the support she receives from her supplier, Wonderful Brands, who were set up in 2017, that makes the difference. “They make sure freelancers are treated in the same way as salons, which can be rare in our industry,” Sarah says. “I mainly use Eleven Australia, which I source through them. Ordering is simple, I have an Account Manager I can just text. They also provide brilliant education. It means I can keep learning, stay up to date, and give my clients the same high-quality service they’d expect from a salon.” Sarah is also a fan of YUV Beauty colour – because of course when you’re freelance you don’t have to be loyal to one brand. “With YUV you only pay for what you dispense, which makes it really economical. As a freelancer, it’s impossible to stock every shade, but with YUV I can create any colour I need without the stress of constantly restocking.”

With 24 years of experience, Nancy Stripe of Stripe Colour Studio, has remained loyal to L’Oréal Professionnel throughout her career. “What keeps me with them is their education and their product innovation,” she says. “So much training is available free through the L’Oréal Access platform.” The products themselves are also a major draw for Nancy. “Whether it’s working deep into a colour correction or simply glossing a beautiful balayage, I know I can always rely on the product to deliver.” For Nancy, another brand that makes her freelance life easier is FoilBoss. “If you’re working without an assistant, it’s a game-changer,” she says. “The balayage foils let me work faster, cut down appointment times, and reduce wastage. Clients are now asking for more blended, natural looks, and FoilBoss helps me deliver those efficiently.”

Elsewhere, the team at Goldwell are keen to stress that freelancers are at the heart of their plans. Irene Meikle, Associate Director of Education, explains: “At Goldwell, we continue to champion the freelance hairdressing community in the UK and Ireland with a portfolio of professional solutions designed to make life easier, more creative, and more profitable,” she says. “Our Goldwell Color Can System has become a go-to for many freelancers, allowing for exact measurements that keep costs in check and minimise waste, all while offering effortless handling and precise dispensing.” Irene also describes its Elumen colour as “a freelancing game-changer”, explaining that its damage-free formula requires no skin test, offering freelancers the flexibility to welcome walk-in clients and deliver same-day transformations. “Our education offering is another cornerstone of the support we offer at Goldwell,” says Irene. “With tailored learning available whenever and wherever suits best, whether that’s online, in-salon or at the Goldwell Academy in central London.”

Tamara Robinson, who owns Ffion’s Hair & Beauty Boutique in Birmingham, and has a successful career as a freelance TV hairdresser and session stylist, uses Design Essentials which she sources from Headlines Hair and Beauty. “I also use Aston & Fincher to source other professional products, and Avlon UK,” shares Tamara. “For me, it is important to use reputable companies because I know I am getting quality products and service every time. Having confidence in my suppliers means I can focus on delivering the best results for my clients, knowing the products are reliable, authentic, and backed by excellent customer support.”

ABBEY FOR INDOLA

NANCY STRIPE

PHENIX SUITES

SAMANTHA CUSICK

Thankfully times are changing in relation to how professional brands view freelancers, whatever the size of their business. Which is something that Sheila Abrahams MBE, Founder of the Freelance Hairdressers Association, has been pushing for since 1993. “Freelancers need the same products, tools, and education as any hairdresser,” she says. “The difference is, they can choose what they use without being tied to a salon’s policies. When brands include freelancers, they gain access to a huge and growing segment of the industry.” Sheila explains that the FHA works closely with brands like Indola, Wella Professionals, and L’Oréal Professionnel to make sure freelancers aren’t left out. They provide updates, training and opportunities that might not otherwise reach this audience. “These partnerships allow the FHA to act as a megaphone to the freelance sector, offering our members benefits they really can’t miss,” she adds.

Software Solutions To Grow Businesses

Software suppliers are also stepping up when it comes to supporting freelancers, creating solutions that cater specifically for independent stylists. One offering that is proving popular with freelance hairdressers is Shortcuts Aire, a cloud-based booking platform designed with the needs of independent stylists in mind. There are three versions: Free, Grow (also free, with optional pay-as-you-go SMS), and Pro, which costs £25 per month. The Pro option includes features such online booking, automated marketing, upselling tools, and reporting. Because it’s cloud-based, freelancers have the flexibility of checking their appointment book and accessing client histories from anywhere.

Another platform gaining favour with freelancers and salons using a rent-a-chair model, is Beu. At the point of sale, Beu automatically calculates and splits the payment based on your agreed structure. The correct amount is sent directly to each bank account in real time, so there’s no need for manual calculations, chasing payments or end of week admin. It’s a smarter and stress-free way to manage commissions and everyone gets paid correctly straight away. Beu also includes a shared calendar for all staff (freelance and employed), built-in marketing tools, product sales and real-time stock tracking, clear, exportable reporting, automated appointment reminders, plus a full POS system.

Recognising the rise of chair rental and co-working spaces, Slick has developed a split payment system that separates employed staff earnings from self-employed income, making it clear for owners to track their income while allowing freelancers to manage their payments.

We chatted to freelancers to find out their software go-tos. Sarah Daglish uses Timely for online bookings. “It sends reminders, takes deposits, and even handles consultation forms and skin test reminders,” she shares. “Deposits are a must when you’re freelance – if a client doesn’t show, you don’t get paid.” Meanwhile, Nancy Stripe relies on Fresha. “It’s brilliant for being organised and professional. Clients get reminders, I can take deposits, and it even has marketing text options. I love that I have a Fresha team member assigned to me.” Renee Riley, Owner of NayRileys Scissor Lounge, a home-based studio in Bracknell, Berkshire, uses The Salon app. “The booking system is not only a great bridge between me and my clients with newsletters and email text reminders, I also use it for product inventory,” says Renee.

Finally, Tamara Robinson uses Booksy to help the smooth running of her combined roles of salon owner and freelance stylist.“I use Booksy for online bookings and client management,” she says.“It makes my freelance life easier by keeping everything in one place. From scheduling and client records to reminders and payments. It saves me time, helps me stay organised, and gives my clients the convenience of booking online at any time. I would recommend it to other freelance hairdressers because it provides a professional front for your business and takes away the stress of managing appointments manually.”

A stress-free life that combines smart technology and innovative professional products? The hairdressing industry is truly adapting to cover all bases.