Braiding for Money $$$

[Ladybelle]

Hi all,
I have been learning how to braid hair thanks to the wonderful help and tips I got from this forum.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=338533 (the thread from when I sought help on how to learn)

I also bought the Braidsbybreslin dvd and it helped to improve my technique.I would buy additional dvds from her to become a master of the trade.... anyhows, I love doing hair, I loved it as a kid but never learned how to do it. Now that I am learning, I would like to start braiding hair part time. It does require work, but I love seeing the finished product. My 6 year old who can already braid is now learning how to braid with extensions, she watched the dvd with me and was like "mama, I can do that- get me some hair to practice with!!" So, hopefully I can pass this skill on to my daughter for her to use any way she wants when she gets older.

So, my question is to those who braid hair for $$$$ - how did you get started? Do you braid from home or work in a shop?? How did you know you were ready to start your first paid job??? Any other tips or suggestions?? How much more practicing should I do before I start seeking clients?

My ultimate goal would be to open my own natural hair care/braid shop. I can't speak for all parts of the world, but here the shops are owned by people who barely speak English & only care about getting your money, they don't care about your hair. I want to open up a caring shop one day...


I have two options when I'm ready to get started:

1) I can do it from my house as a side gig - dh really doesn't want me to do it from home though, he likes the house to be seperate from business, his house is his relaxation spot from the rest of the world and he doesn't want to frequently entertain strangers. He'd support me though.

2) I have a friend who owns a salon and i'm pretty sure she would let me have a chair in her shop for a small fee. I just don't know if I would want to do this to begin with...



Thanks!

 

[angenoir]

You could braid people's hair at their homes as a start. That would give them the convenience of not leaving home and you leave your own home "business-free".


There are many people who would love to have their hair done at their homes rather than deal with the travelling. The only thing is that - you bear the inconvenience of travel so decide what distance/radius you're willing to cover.

Taking a seat in your friend's shop is also an idea... but does it give you enough flexibility... do you still have to pay her even when you don't have clients of your own?

Hi all,
I have been learning how to braid hair thanks to the wonderful help and tips I got from this forum.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=338533 (the thread from when I sought help on how to learn)

I also bought the Braidsbybreslin dvd and it helped to improve my technique.I would buy additional dvds from her to become a master of the trade.... anyhows, I love doing hair, I loved it as a kid but never learned how to do it. Now that I am learning, I would like to start braiding hair part time. It does require work, but I love seeing the finished product. My 6 year old who can already braid is now learning how to braid with extensions, she watched the dvd with me and was like "mama, I can do that- get me some hair to practice with!!" So, hopefully I can pass this skill on to my daughter for her to use any way she wants when she gets older.

So, my question is to those who braid hair for $$$$ - how did you get started? Do you braid from home or work in a shop?? How did you know you were ready to start your first paid job??? Any other tips or suggestions?? How much more practicing should I do before I start seeking clients?

My ultimate goal would be to open my own natural hair care/braid shop. I can't speak for all parts of the world, but here the shops are owned by people who barely speak English & only care about getting your money, they don't care about your hair. I want to open up a caring shop one day...


I have two options when I'm ready to get started:

1) I can do it from my house as a side gig - dh really doesn't want me to do it from home though, he likes the house to be seperate from business, his house is his relaxation spot from the rest of the world and he doesn't want to frequently entertain strangers. He'd support me though.

2) I have a friend who owns a salon and i'm pretty sure she would let me have a chair in her shop for a small fee. I just don't know if I would want to do this to begin with...



Thanks!

 

[Amerie123]

I braid for $$, and man, I made/make so much money, it should be illegal.. not to mention, I don't even charge full price, so, i can imagine doing it for a little more.

I started braiding at like 6, and started doing extensions at 11 (no lie), I perfected it at the age of 13 (professional looking). The reason I started so young is because I played "house" so much, and I thought knowing how to braid made you more like an adult. (kids try to mimic their parents). But braids were all I did. I didn't know about weaves back then. I knew they were looking good when my mom had me to do hers.

So, people started asking me around the way to do their hair. as, i started doing more heads, people kept saying I should charge. But I didn't feel right doing that.

When people that I didn't know started asking me to do their hair, I had no choice but to charge. My mom made me. My prices went from $7 for cornrows, to now a range from $35(cornrows)-$100(micros).

Unfortunately, it became a chore. My mom sorta made me do my sister's hair. Which I didn't mind, however, there were times I said no. She couldn't get mad could she.

Okay, I always have done it at home as a side thing, although, my DH is starting to hate it because hair gets all over the house.. , but he like that extra income.

My future plans are to open up a salon though, but I plan on doing EVERYTHING. I've learned how to even install a weave in my own head since being here on LHCF.

ETA: Business for me has slowed down since being in San Diego.

 

[Ladybelle]

I braid for $$, and man, I made/make so much money, it should be illegal.. not to mention, I don't even charge full price, so, i can imagine doing it for a little more.

I started braiding at like 6, and started doing extensions at 11 (no lie), I perfected it at the age of 13 (professional looking). The reason I started so young is because I played "house" so much, and I thought knowing how to braid made you more like an adult. (kids try to mimic their parents). But braids were all I did. I didn't know about weaves back then. I knew they were looking good when my mom had me to do hers.

So, people started asking me around the way to do their hair. as, i started doing more heads, people kept saying I should charge. But I didn't feel right doing that.

When people that I didn't know started asking me to do their hair, I had no choice but to charge. My mom made me. My prices went from $7 for cornrows, to now a range from $35(cornrows)-$100(micros).

Unfortunately, it became a chore. My mom sorta made me do my sister's hair. Which I didn't mind, however, there were times I said no. She couldn't get mad could she.

Okay, I always have done it at home as a side thing, although, my DH is starting to hate it because hair gets all over the house.. , but he like that extra income.

My future plans are to open up a salon though, but I plan on doing EVERYTHING. I've learned how to even install a weave in my own head since being here on LHCF.

ETA: Business for me has slowed down since being in San Diego.

Do you work full time also? And, it seems your business started via word of mouth- which is probably the best form of business. What do you think has caused business to slow down? And, are your weekends consumed with doing hair? If you work another job, do you also do hair when you get home from work? When you say you plan on doing EVERYTHING, do you mean braids, sow-ins, etc or are you planning on going to cosmetology school?

You said dh hates when you do it at home, but he likes the extra income. That's how I think my dh will be. Of course, the hair can be kinda bothersome but when I show him the green- he'll be alright. My main concern about doing hair at home is having a small child (19 mos)- he would probably constantly be in the way trying to get my attention and when I have a paying client I think that would be bad service.

 

[Ladybelle]

You could braid people's hair at their homes as a start. That would give them the convenience of not leaving home and you leave your own home "business-free".


There are many people who would love to have their hair done at their homes rather than deal with the travelling. The only thing is that - you bear the inconvenience of travel so decide what distance/radius you're willing to cover.

Taking a seat in your friend's shop is also an idea... but does it give you enough flexibility... do you still have to pay her even when you don't have clients of your own

Traveling to other peoples homes is an option- I'd be a little nervous about the safety of that these days unless it was someone I know. People's are crazy these days!!! I'd have to ask my friend about the booth fee - b/c I'd only really want the chair on the weekends as I plan on keeping my full time job for awhile.... I'm still trying to figure things out and was just wondering what other people who braid for $$$ do or have done. I thought about just putting a sign up in my neighborhood.

 

[Keen]

I braid for $$, and man, I made/make so much money, it should be illegal.. not to mention, I don't even charge full price, so, i can imagine doing it for a little more.

See this is why I started doing my own hair once my sister couldn't do it anymore. I don't see how braiders justify charging $150 for something that takes them about three hours. Especially when you have to go to their house and have low overhead. That's just my opinion. I've thought about doing other people;s hair on the weekend but I just never got to it. Who can refuse so much per hour? If people are willing to pay it...

OP, I would suggest starting at your house or go the the person's house. Also note that when you open a shop for naturals only, you are limiting your client base. I would suggest that you specialize in natural hair but does relaxed hair also.

 

[Ladybelle]

See this is why I started doing my own hair once my sister couldn't do it anymore. I don't see how braiders justify charging $150 for something that takes them about three hours. Especially when you have to go to their house and have low overhead. That's just my opinion. I've thought about doing other people;s hair on the weekend but I just never got to it. Who can refuse so much per hour? If people are willing to pay it...

OP, I would suggest starting at your house or go the the person's house. Also note that when you open a shop for naturals only, you are limiting your client base. I would suggest that you specialize in natural hair but does relaxed hair also.

If I'm able to open my own shop, I'll get someone else to handle the relaxed heads. But, now that you mention it- I would really limit my client base by only focusing on natural hair, I guess a better angle would be healthy hair. Either that or just braids..... I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it.

 

[Geminigirl]

is there anyway you could have someone watch your baby for you while you braid hair? take him upstairs or in another room out of the way? I know that's what my beautician used to do.

 

[Ladybelle]

is there anyway you could have someone watch your baby for you while you braid hair? take him upstairs or in another room out of the way? I know that's what my beautician used to do.

Yep, that's an option. We don't have an upstairs, but I guess I could find a way to distract him for a couple of hours on occassion. thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Nonie]

See this is why I started doing my own hair once my sister couldn't do it anymore. I don't see how braiders justify charging $150 for something that takes them about three hours. Especially when you have to go to their house and have low overhead. That's just my opinion. I've thought about doing other people;s hair on the weekend but I just never got to it. Who can refuse so much per hour? If people are willing to pay it...

OP, I would suggest starting at your house or go the the person's house. Also note that when you open a shop for naturals only, you are limiting your client base. I would suggest that you specialize in natural hair but does relaxed hair also.

I stopped braiding folks coz I didn't take 3 hours yet I was so generous or dumb that I only charged $60. And while I did their hair at my place, I would let them get as comfortable as they needed to be, even if it meant lying down on the couch while I knelt or bent or stood. Oh did I mention I also got snacks and rented a movie so they were not bored? After you have spent almost 8 hours doing hair for so little (I braid to the ends) and knowing you do a darn better jobs than a lot of people, not only do you end up exhausted but also furious and hating the whole thing with a passion. Then of course, I grew older and my patience went out the window so I don't think I'd braid for $150 even. I'd rather cut grass for that.

 

[Amerie123]

Do you work full time also? And, it seems your business started via word of mouth- which is probably the best form of business. What do you think has caused business to slow down? And, are your weekends consumed with doing hair? If you work another job, do you also do hair when you get home from work? When you say you plan on doing EVERYTHING, do you mean braids, sow-ins, etc or are you planning on going to cosmetology school?

You said dh hates when you do it at home, but he likes the extra income. That's how I think my dh will be. Of course, the hair can be kinda bothersome but when I show him the green- he'll be alright. My main concern about doing hair at home is having a small child (19 mos)- he would probably constantly be in the way trying to get my attention and when I have a paying client I think that would be bad service.

Yes, I work full time. And I did hair when I felt. Either on weekends, or after work, etc. If I didn't feel like being bothered, I'd schedule my customers at a later date.
Yes, my business did spread by word of mouth. I'm tellin' you. It spreads like wild fire. However, the only reason why it has slowed down since I recently moved to San Diego is because not only am I new here (completely on the other side of the country), I have no clientel now, and i don't run into a lot of BW (where I'm at) on a daily basis that would even want braids.

Oh, as far as what I mean by EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING from braids, sew-ins, high lights, all different races, cuts, etc.
Also, that was another reason why I started braiding hair at other's house (and just charged $5 more), because we also have a little one in the house. He is 11 months now.

 

[Amerie123]

I stopped braiding folks coz I didn't take 3 hours yet I was so generous or dumb that I only charged $60. And while I did their hair at my place, I would let them get as comfortable as they needed to be, even if it meant lying down on the couch while I knelt or bent or stood. Oh did I mention I also got snacks and rented a movie so they were not bored? After you have spent almost 8 hours doing hair for so little (I braid to the ends) and knowing you do a darn better jobs than a lot of people, not only do you end up exhausted but also furious and hating the whole thing with a passion. Then of course, I grew older and my patience went out the window so I don't think I'd braid for $150 even. I'd rather cut grass for that.

Oh, girl that's too nice. lol. I thought I was nice. But why didn't you just raise your prices? I thought about stopping, but I'm like nah, you control your hours and your income.

 

[Nonie]

Oh, girl that's too nice. lol. I thought I was nice. But why didn't you just raise your prices? I thought about stopping, but I'm like nah, you control your hours and your income.

Uhmm...did you see the part where I said I'd rather do something else for higher prices than braid? I cannot remember at which point I just had it, because I cannot tell you how many times I'd swear "never again" and still find myself doing hair. I do know that every time I did someone's head, I'd be so bored and tired halfway that I'd want to stop, the way some people do half and make you return the next day. But I knew if I stopped I'd not want to do it again. LOL And then I also knew if I were the one getting my hair done and it wasn't finished in one sitting I'd be pissed. So I'd just hang in there getting madder by the minute. And whenever I was done, I'd swear that was the last time I'd be doing anyone's hair. But a few months later, I'd be back doing it...coz in all honesty I do enjoy doing hair. But I don't think I have the patience for it anymore. Not even if I'm getting paid beaucoup bucks. I LOVE to do my own hair but at least with mine, if I get bored, I stop and wear a hat till the mood returns. Can't do that when you're doing someone's hair and especially not if you expect to get paid if we're going to wait till you feel like it.

 

[1babydimple]

I started braiding/caring for childrens hair and when the parents saw their hair flourishing they wanted to come. I worked from home and the money was pretty good. Paid off my car in 2yrs instead of 5 and took a few trips. Back then I could whip out a full head of box braids in 3- 4 hrs tops. I was really cheap with the kids - free-$10, parents a different story

 

[Ladybelle]

I started braiding/caring for childrens hair and when the parents saw their hair flourishing they wanted to come. I worked from home and the money was pretty good. Paid off my car in 2yrs instead of 5 and took a few trips. Back then I could whip out a full head of box braids in 3- 4 hrs tops. I was really cheap with the kids - free-$10, parents a different story

That's what I'm trying to do, just extra cash to do extra things. save some, spend some. I also like doing hair, still working on the speed. You were fast! Also very generous to do the kids hair that cheap-- most places I've been too charge very little difference than what the adults head cost. It seems an effective way to get the parents in though.

 

[Amerie123]

Uhmm...did you see the part where I said I'd rather do something else for higher prices than braid? I cannot remember at which point I just had it, because I cannot tell you how many times I'd swear "never again" and still find myself doing hair. I do know that every time I did someone's head, I'd be so bored and tired halfway that I'd want to stop, the way some people do half and make you return the next day. But I knew if I stopped I'd not want to do it again. LOL And then I also knew if I were the one getting my hair done and it wasn't finished in one sitting I'd be pissed. So I'd just hang in there getting madder by the minute. And whenever I was done, I'd swear that was the last time I'd be doing anyone's hair. But a few months later, I'd be back doing it...coz in all honesty I do enjoy doing hair. But I don't think I have the patience for it anymore. Not even if I'm getting paid beaucoup bucks. I LOVE to do my own hair but at least with mine, if I get bored, I stop and wear a hat till the mood returns. Can't do that when you're doing someone's hair and especially not if you expect to get paid if we're going to wait till you feel like it.

That is so so so true. I agree with your whole post. that's the same thing i went through as well. but i guess, i've just come to the realization that I know i'ma end up braiding. so my personal solution was that I will go up on my prices. and the more i hate doing it, the higher my prices will go so sad but true. LOL. then if you don't wanna come, then that's fine.. less people's hair to braid. but for the usual customers, I'd just up the price a little bit. girl i dunno.

 

[Nonie]

That is so so so true. I agree with your whole post. that's the same thing i went through as well. but i guess, i've just come to the realization that I know i'ma end up braiding. so my personal solution was that I will go up on my prices. and the more i hate doing it, the higher my prices will go so sad but true. LOL. then if you don't wanna come, then that's fine.. less people's hair to braid. but for the usual customers, I'd just up the price a little bit. girl i dunno.

^5 So nice to find someone who feels me. :notworthy

My MIL is a doll. She was so impressed by my self-done braids she wondered why I don't do it for money. When I 'splained my reason, she was like "Hun, charge them $2 dollars a braid or $200 flat fee." I thought "Dang! No wonder I'm always a broke ***. Why didn't I think of that?" That would be cool coz if they didn't wanna pay $200 and wanted to pay per braid, a few braids would be cheap and not bore the heck out of me or make me mad, so I'd be OK. Many braids (and lawd knows I do more than 100) would take forever but I'd make a killing. I love her thinking. I'm yet to put it to practice though. Uhmm...any guinea pigs wanna be victims or victims wanna be guinea pigs? J/K

 

[Platinum]

I need to check out these vids because I'm tired of paying someone else to braid my house. I also want to learn how to cornrow. You will not believe how many brothas offer to pay me to braid their hair when I'm at some of the truck stops.

 

[Ladybelle]

I need to check out these vids because I'm tired of paying someone else to braid my house. I also want to learn how to cornrow. You will not believe how many brothas offer to pay me to braid their hair when I'm at some of the truck stops.

You better get on it! Do you know how much extra money that could be? And, cornrows don't take that long.

 

[Lucky's Mom]

I stopped braiding folks coz I didn't take 3 hours yet I was so generous or dumb that I only charged $60. And while I did their hair at my place, I would let them get as comfortable as they needed to be, even if it meant lying down on the couch while I knelt or bent or stood. Oh did I mention I also got snacks and rented a movie so they were not bored? After you have spent almost 8 hours doing hair for so little (I braid to the ends) and knowing you do a darn better jobs than a lot of people, not only do you end up exhausted but also furious and hating the whole thing with a passion. Then of course, I grew older and my patience went out the window so I don't think I'd braid for $150 even. I'd rather cut grass for that.

Yes - I agree - I would love to side hustle and braid again... But - I just don't have the patience with folks... can't do it.....

I would go to

So - I will just do my own. Unless Nonie would do mine - for 60 bucks.

 

[Nonie]

Yes - I agree - I would love to side hustle and braid again... But - I just don't have the patience with folks... can't do it.....

I would go to

So - I will just do my own. Unless Nonie would do mine - for 60 bucks.

Very funny! Har har!

 

[peppers01]

So, my question is to those who braid hair for $$$$ - how did you get started? Do you braid from home or work in a shop?? How did you know you were ready to start your first paid job??? Any other tips or suggestions?? How much more practicing should I do before I start seeking clients?

Well I've been braiding since my junior year in high school ( only a few times), and picked up greatly my freshmen year in college. During that time a lot of guys were growing their hair out. I got a lot of good practice and experience during that time. At first, I only did the guys' hair who lived in my dorm for free, and everyone else $5. Then I eventually went up to $10, $15, $20. That was an alright hustle to be a broke freshman.

I think if you take time out of your schedule to braid someone hair you should charge something, even if it's a bit low (unless it's like family or really close friends).

My tips would be to keep practicing it really does help a lot. Something that messed me up when I first started braiding was running out of space in the back of the head. So part the hair thinner, the closer you get to the nape of the neck, so that you don't have to bundle up braids on one side.

IMO I think you should go about 6 mos. to a year before seeking clients, especially if you're a perfectionist. Hope that helps!

Oh and I do hair at my house.

 

[Ladybelle]

Well I've been braiding since my junior year in high school ( only a few times), and picked up greatly my freshmen year in college. During that time a lot of guys were growing their hair out. I got a lot of good practice and experience during that time. At first, I only did the guys' hair who lived in my dorm for free, and everyone else $5. Then I eventually went up to $10, $15, $20. That was an alright hustle to be a broke freshman.

I think if you take time out of your schedule to braid someone hair you should charge something, even if it's a bit low (unless it's like family or really close friends).

My tips would be to keep practicing it really does help a lot. Something that messed me up when I first started braiding was running out of space in the back of the head. So part the hair thinner, the closer you get to the nape of the neck, so that you don't have to bundle up braids on one side.

IMO I think you should go about 6 mos. to a year before seeking clients, especially if you're a perfectionist. Hope that helps!

Oh and I do hair at my house.

Thanks for answering my questions! I'll keep on practicing. You say 6 mos- to a year before seeking clients- so how much practice does this equate to? Is it a head weekly? Daily practice on a mannequin??? I really don't have any real heads to practice on other than my own, a mannequin and my dd. Then, when it comes to the mannequin, do I need more than one? The one I purchased is a straight human hair, should I also purchase a kinky mannequin to practice on?? My goal is to start seeking clients in the fall. That would be 6 months of practice if I get the kind of practice I hope to get.