In my many years as a hairstylist including providing wedding services in different locations which often involves traveling, I always abide with these 10 practical tips to be successful:
1. Have a contract.
One of the most important parts of being a successful traveling stylist is to settle the business aspect. This is where you will present the contract. Included in the contract will be the price of the service, the deposit amount to secure, the date and services to be rendered. It will also include information gathered at the trial with the bride and/or client and bridal party including any guest/s being serviced as well. This contract will make you look professional and make you work better knowing that the transaction is settled.
Many times I have gotten paid up front for the job and it makes the rest of the creative flow during the day so much better knowing you don’t have to figure out what to charge if you didn’t settle early on with prices. Furthermore, knowing you can deliver what you promised is great as well and speaks volumes of who you are as a professional especially when they refer you. Remember that a referral is the best form of advertisement.
2. Be on time.
When you are hired to do a traveling service, you both need to agree on the time. It is mandatory that you be there exactly when they need you. In fact, I personally always ask if I can set up 30 minutes before. It ensures that I’m there at the time needed and also prepare for traffic and rushing around that can occur when traveling because that can happen if YOU are late. Even if you are there too early it’s great as well to remember that you are providing a luxury service. You will need time for unpacking your materials and setting them up which can take time as well.
Having all your tools and materials all clean and ready to work exactly when you promised just sets the stage for a great flow. in the case they are late but they hired you for the day rate, you must deliver no matter the circumstance but if you have explained you have another commitment to attend after and they are running too late, they will understand because you delivered your end of the deal. So, always be on time. It saves your energy, keeps your creativity and focus throughout.
3. Have all the tools you need.
When setting up a pop-up traveling hair service you want to make sure you have all the heat tools, blowdryer, brushes, and combs you need to execute the hairstyles that are to be done. Paddle brushes for detangling quickly and boar bristle brushes for a shiny and smooth style. You will also need teasing combs and brushes to detail styles as well.
I suggest having a thin plate flatiron and several different-sized wands or curling irons to create different curl or wave effects. I also bring mini crimping irons for texture on fine hair and 2 prong iron to make s waves if they choose a different wave pattern. Bringing a variety of tools can make different styles and you can prepare for any challenge.
4. Pack all the products you need.
Providing you have all the tools you need, you also must have all the hair products you will need. Having the right products will help in shaping with heat tools and set any looks needed for the service. Flexible hold hair spray is a great product to have to either spray on before you heat style or after the style is created. What’s great about flexible hold spray is that it can be brushed out or used sparingly if the client wants a soft spray after a blowout.
Also, you will need a strong hold hair spray to freeze certain shapes and to lock in shape in updos or hair creations where needed.
Also to the products kit, I bring gloss drops for shine, dry powder to create volume, mousse for styling and matte clay or pliable paste for separation and where more moist products can be used.
5. Bring bobby pins of all colors, sizes, and types.
Bobby pins in all colors and sizes are very crucial in the art of updo and formal styling. They are what holds heavy and long hair in place depending on the style. The average updo uses at least 30 bobby pins in different sizes and different shapes. Bobby pins are 2-3 inch in size with a flat side and a grooved side. When placing pins the grooved side faces onto the scalp, the curve conforms to the head and hair stays in place. larger versions of bobby pins come in 3-4-inch pins with flat sides. They hold hair tightly in place and replace 2-3 normal bobby pins as far as the hold is needed.
French pins are open pins that resemble paper clips. They can be bent to hook, and they are smaller and more discreet. They also come in larger sizes to use in more volume styles or to secure strands by gliding through the tease and hold them still. The typical colors are black, bronze, blond and silver. However, bobby pins can come in a variety of colors and some can have jewels or glitter making them for more prominent use or detail hair designs with flare.
6. Be ready with donut fillers or mesh hair accessories.
Donut bun mesh or hair fillers are a soft plastic mesh material molded like donuts or like sausage links. They are used to mold natural hair over and create balanced volume and create volume in areas where you want the hair to appear fuller and to be able to pin through. Using these donut buns can make skimpy hair look fuller and the good thing is you would not have to over tease the hair to make volume on fine or fragile hair.
If a mesh material is too large or a smaller piece is needed, they can be easily cut and shaped the way you want to use them on the hair. They come in beige, brown and black colors. They cut your time in half and really make amazing updos when used in hairstyles.
7. Don’t forget rubber bands or bungee cord fasteners.
Rubber bands, hair grips, and bungee hair elastic cords are other materials needed to execute different looks. When securing braided tails, and ponytails the grips will hold the hairstyle in place. Bungee cords are strong elastic cords that have hooks on both sides and can secure many different densities in hair. As opposed to normal round cords, using bungee cords makes ponytails look neat and keep the height and balance still while rotating the cord. Simply hook one end to the hair closest to the scalp and wind till desired tightness is needed and hook through hair. The elastic will stay put and keep all hair neatly in place.
8. Prepare those Hair Extensions.
When preparing for a big event or a wedding having a proper protocol on how to deal with hair extensions and preparing them is key. In many cases I always have the hair extensions in my possession before the event to set the hair and prepare for the look we are creating.
Having the hair prepared reduces styling time and make the hair longer lasting for certain styles. I will wash, dry, curl, and set the hair extensions a few days before, resulting in a great hold that will last all night/day. Extensions are the best accessory to make styling capabilities come to life. Hair can be made to look longer, fuller, and blend to alter your look instantly.
9. Bring a packed lunch /protein bar.
There’s nothing worse than trying to be creative and efficient when you are starving. You get cranky and all you can focus on is when you’re going to eat which can stress you out. It is your responsibility to pack a lunch or to have protein bars or shakes, to satisfy your hunger on jobs at sites. Mostly all weddings and special events have food they provide for guest and staff, but it is not mandatory.
You cannot bank on clients to feed you. It is a courtesy and it’s very generous if they provide that to you. I will always pack a light sandwich or fruit to keep me full while working. If you are on time you can always take a break for a few minutes to eat but it’s best advised to provide that for yourself.
10. Please, no drinking on the job! (At All!)
Along with food provided at weddings and events, champagne and liquor are commonly brought as well to celebrate and to relax and get pampered for the guest. Although they are gracious enough to feed you food and drinks, I would advise absolutely no drinking liquor on the job. I insist that you don’t drink on the job and they will respect you. Knowing they are in good professional hands.
You are hired as a professional who is going to execute and perform to the best of your abilities. The pampering and celebrating are for the guest and I love to see everyone toast and cheer while getting prepared. Drinking on the job can alter your expertise and make you clumsy while working on a client.
Also, you’re working with hot tools and don’t want to burn anyone using a curling iron. My reputation and professionalism are at stake and I want my clients to refer me as a 5-star service.
Apply these 10 steps to help you be a successful traveling hairstylist and make for a lucrative business.
Good luck and wishing you all the best,
Ray Negron
Professional Hairstylist
P.S. Don’t forget to have fun on the job!