Now more than ever, hair stylists, barbers, nail techs, estheticians, and massage therapists are traveling to their clients instead of clients coming to them. The pandemic brought a shift to the industry, causing more stylists and barbers to ditch their brick and mortars and hit the road. A traveling stylist typically visits a client’s home, office, or bridal suite, traveling to different cities worldwide. According to Hair & Compounds, a traveling stylist can be:
- In production, working on a film, commercial, theater, or fashion.
- Working on a cruise ship or seasonally at a resort within your state.
- A personal or celebrity stylist.
- One who owns a mobile salon.
- A trade show stylist, trainer/educator, or brand representative.
- Renting a station as an independent stylist.
Regardless of your specialty, all traveling stylists and barbers need essential tools to help them provide the best service possible to their clients. So we’ve listed our go-to guide for all stylists and barbers as they travel city to city, state to state, or country to country!
The Right Bag
“Being prepared means bringing the right tools everywhere you go, and the right bag to house your equipment”, according to the Academy of Hair Design. Keeping your tools in a sturdy, accessible bag is what every traveling stylist or barber needs. Maybe you prefer a duffle bag or maybe your preference is a tote. Find what works best for you because your tool bag will become your travel buddy. Remember, comfort is key!
The Right Tools
Whether you’re traveling or not, every stylist needs tools to perform their job. And finding the right traveling tools is just as important! “You should invest in the best tools that you can afford”, says the Academy of Hair Design. The key word there is AFFORD. You don’t have to break the bank to become a traveling stylist or barber. Instead of worrying about the latest and hottest tools or hair products, make sure the tools you have work best for you, your travels, and your clients!
The Right Containers
Being a traveling stylist means you hop on a flight or two to service your clients. So it’s important to store your products in containers that not only prevent leaks but are also TSA-approved. Travel-size liquid containers are a great way to make sure your expensive products don’t get confiscated at the security checkpoint. A few TSA rules to keep in mind when packing your carry-on from Gigly:
- Keep your liquid toiletry items, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes in a clear, quart-sized bag.
- Each item must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. Many manufacturers sell travel-sized versions of their products in 3.4 ounces or less.
- You can still bring anything larger than 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage. Pack it inside a Ziploc bag or another leak-proof method to prevent spills from ruining the rest of your luggage.
The Right Documentation
If you plan to book jobs outside the US, having a passport is a must. If you need to renew your passport, don’t wait until the last minute! As a traveling stylist or barber, Being ready to go should be your mantra. “Keep in mind that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for your new passport to arrive via mail,” says the Academy of Hair Design. So keep your travel documents in order and in a safe space. If Paris Fashion Week calls, don’t let your lack of documentation get in your way!
The Right Space
As a traveling stylist or barber, finding a workable space to service your clients is the most important thing. But don’t worry, there’s an app for that! With the ShearShare App, professionals have access to thousands of prime spaces by the day, week, month, or long-term! Go where your clients are and rent whenever, wherever with no-term leases or commission fees. Register on our app as a professional today!
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