Hairdressing Room Rental vs Salon Chair in London

Hairdressers can rent a private room at SSV Suites from £18 an hour or £68 a day at North Finchley and Holloway Road, and £20 an hour or £72 a day at Finchley Road in Hampstead. No VAT is charged on room hire, and bills, fibre Wi-Fi, cleaning, reception and 24/7 access are included. For many self-employed stylists, the choice is between a private room like this and renting a chair in an existing salon.

This guide compares the two so you can decide which suits your clients, your services and your plans.

How salon chair rental usually works

Chair rental arrangements vary from salon to salon. Some charge a weekly fee, some take a share of your takings and some combine both. You usually work on a shared salon floor, alongside other stylists, and may need to fit in with the salon's opening hours, products or prices.

Because terms differ so much, ask any salon for a written breakdown of what you pay and what is included. We do not quote other providers' prices, as they vary widely and change often.

What a private hairdressing room offers

A private room gives you a closed space for the time you book. Our rooms include a mirror, storage and professional lighting. Benefits for hairdressers include:

• Privacy: ideal for clients who prefer a quiet, one-to-one appointment, including those having colour corrections, wig fittings, hair loss consultations or bridal styling.
• Control: set your own prices, products, music and appointment times.
• Flexibility: hourly and daily hire need no deposit or contract.
• Branding: on a monthly room you can brand the space and leave equipment and stock in place.

Ask which rooms have an in-room sink, and tell us whether you need it for washing, colour or cleaning tools. Our salon room for rent page covers suitable rooms.

Comparing costs fairly

To compare a chair and a room fairly, work out the cost of the same number of client hours in each.

On top of room hire, consider products, insurance, card fees and any commission. With an SSV Suites room, VAT, bills, Wi-Fi, cleaning and reception are covered. Our article on salon chair rental vs a private beauty room walks through the same calculation for beauty practitioners.

Which option suits which hairdresser?

A chair can suit stylists who are newer to self-employment and want the salon's footfall. A private room tends to suit hairdressers who:

• already have a loyal client list that will follow them
• offer longer or specialist services
• want to build their own brand rather than a salon's
• prefer to set their own hours, including evenings and weekends

With 24/7 access, you can offer appointments early before work or late in the evening.

Practical set-up for a hair room

Think through your workflow before you view. Where will your styling chair, trolley and products sit? How will you manage hair clippings and towels? Do you need space for a portable basin or backwash? Bring measurements and a list of your equipment so we can discuss the layout.

Registration and insurance

Self-employed hairdressers usually register with HMRC for Self Assessment. Check current guidance on gov.uk. Make sure your insurance covers your services and branch. Hairdressing itself is not usually a special treatment, but if you offer services such as ear piercing or certain beauty treatments alongside hair, check with Barnet, Camden or Islington council.

Growing your own hair brand

• Ask loyal clients to leave reviews and refer friends.
• Share before and after photos with consent.
• List your branch on Google Business Profile.
• Offer packages such as colour plus regular trims.

Quick checklist

• Get a written breakdown of any chair rental offer.
• Compare costs for the same client hours.
• Ask which rooms have an in-room sink.
• Plan your chair, trolley and storage.
• Confirm insurance for your services and branch.

Managing the move from a salon

If you are leaving a salon, plan the move carefully. Check your current agreement for any restrictions on contacting clients, and give notice professionally. Tell clients where you are going once you are free to do so, with the new address, booking link and opening hours. A small welcome offer for the first visit can encourage loyal clients to follow you. Keep your first few weeks simple, with the services you know best, and add new ones once you are settled.

View available rooms

Thinking of moving from a chair to your own room? Browse every available room across North Finchley, Finchley Road and Holloway Road, filter by trade and availability, and send an enquiry or book a viewing when you find the right fit.