Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Ellen
Check out these beauty side hustles. Learn how to make more money in the beauty industry without a full time job.
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Best Beauty Side Hustles
Whether you already have a full time job and want to earn a bit more or you just want to maximize your earnings, these beauty side hustles are just what you need.
Are you passionate about beauty and fashion? Do you find joy in enhancing your own look or helping others to look their best? If yes, then you’re in the right place. The beauty industry, with its vast potential and continuous growth, offers countless opportunities for individuals like you to earn extra income.
We’ve curated a list of the most popular and profitable beauty side hustles that can help you channel your inner creative spirit while earning some extra cash. Whether it’s makeup, skincare, hair styling, or nail art, there’s a side hustle out there that perfectly aligns with your skills and interests. So, let’s dive in and explore these exciting opportunities!
Tips For Starting A Beauty Side Hustle
Whether you want to become a beauty therapist or a mobile hairdresser, these beauty side hustles can help you earn extra money. Depending on your state, you may need to go to beauty school or at least have a license. Please check to be sure.
Identify your niche: In the beauty industry, specialization is key. Whether it’s makeup, skincare, hair, nails, or something more unique like organic beauty products, find a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise.
Get Certified: While not always necessary, certifications add credibility to your services and can set you apart from the competition. It also gives your clients trust in your skills.
Invest in Quality Products: Using high-quality beauty products not only ensures great results but also builds your reputation as a professional who cares about their customers.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work on social media platforms. Before-and-after photos, tutorials, and customer reviews can prove your skills and attract potential clients.
Market Yourself: Utilize social media, word-of-mouth, and local advertising to get your name out there. Networking with other beauty professionals can also lead to client referrals.
Stay Updated: The beauty industry rapidly evolves with new trends and techniques. Regularly updating your skills and knowledge will keep you relevant and in-demand.
Set Competitive Rates: Setting fair prices that reflect the quality of your services and the current market rate is crucial for attracting clients and maintaining a profitable side hustle.
Remember, starting your own beauty side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take one step at a time and remember that consistency is key.
Benefits of a Beauty Side Hustle
A beauty side hustle can offer both financial and personal benefits. It’s a great way to earn extra money and could lead to a full time job.
Financial Gain: The most obvious advantage is the extra income you can earn. Whether it’s for saving, paying off debts, or funding a lifestyle upgrade, the additional cash can significantly impact your financial situation.
Flexibility: Unlike a traditional 9-5 job, a side hustle in the beauty industry often allows for flexible scheduling. You can work around your full-time job, family responsibilities, or personal commitments, offering a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle.
Creativity: A side hustle in the beauty industry allows you to channel your creativity. It’s an opportunity to innovate, experiment with new trends, and express yourself through your work.
Networking and personal growth
Networking and Building Relationships: Whether it’s with clients or other professionals in the industry, a beauty side hustle can help you establish valuable connections and build relationships. These networks can open up new opportunities and contribute to your growth in the industry.
Personal Growth: A beauty side hustle can also foster personal growth. It can help you build confidence, develop skills, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. It’s an opportunity to learn, challenge yourself, and take risks, which can lead to both personal and professional development.
Passion into Profession: If you’re passionate about beauty, a side hustle can convert your hobby into a viable profession. It can be incredibly fulfilling to earn money doing what you love, and at the same time, helping others feel good about themselves.
So, if you’re considering a beauty side hustle, weigh these benefits against your personal circumstances and goals, and see if it’s the right fit for you. Remember, any venture begins with a single step, so don’t hesitate to take the leap if it aligns with your passion and vision.
Potential Challenges of a Beauty Side Hustle
Despite the appealing benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges that come with some of these beauty side hustles.
Time Management: Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and a side hustle can be demanding. You need to efficiently manage your time to ensure you’re meeting all your commitments without burning out.
Initial Investment: To start any of these beauty side hustles, you’ll likely need some initial capital. This could be for purchasing high-quality products, getting certified, or setting up a workspace.
Staying Current: The beauty industry is fast-paced with ever-changing trends and techniques. Keeping up to date and constantly improving your skills can be time-consuming and sometimes costly.
Finding Clients: Building a client base when starting out can be challenging. It requires effective marketing and networking, which takes time and effort.
Handling Business Operations: Apart from providing beauty services, you’ll need to manage other aspects of the business such as bookkeeping, scheduling appointments, and handling customer service, which can be overwhelming if you’re new to entrepreneurship.
Pricing Services: Determining the right price for your services can be tricky. Charge too much, and you may drive away potential clients; charge too little, and you may undervalue your work or struggle to make a profit.
Remember, each of these beauty side hustles has its trials and tribulations, but don’t let these challenges deter you. Instead, use these beauty side hustles as stepping stones to learn, grow, and become a successful beauty entrepreneur.
Examples of Beauty Side Hustles
Here are a few examples of beauty side hustles. The beauty business has lots of specialties so be sure to choose something that interests you. Many of these beauty side hustles require experience and training.
Freelance Makeup Artist: Offering makeup services for weddings, photoshoots, or special events can be a lucrative side hustle. Some makeup artists specialize in wedding make up. Or, you could also become a freelance hair stylist.
Beauty Blog: Share your beauty tips, tricks, and product reviews through a blog. Monetize it through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or ads. Beauty influencers often receive skincare products to review as well as extra cash.
Laser Hair Removal: Becoming a certified laser hair removal technician and providing the service can offer a steady income, especially considering the growing demand for such services.
Hair Extensions: Providing hair extension services can be profitable. This can be particularly successful if you specialize in certain techniques or types of extensions.
Beauty Baskets: Create and sell curated beauty baskets. These could contain a variety of beauty and skincare products, tailored to specific needs or themes.
YouTube Beauty Tutorials: Create a YouTube channel where you share beauty tutorials. You can earn through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing.
Direct Sales: By joining a beauty company’s direct sales team, you can sell products directly to consumers and earn a commission on sales. This can really be a money maker depending on the company you sign up with.
Eyelash Extensions: With proper certification, providing eyelash extension services can become a significant side income especially with repeat customers.
Nail Technician: Providing nail services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail art can attract a steady stream of clients, making it a great beauty side hustle. Make sure you do your own nails to show off your skill. A good nail tech is hard to find.
Each of these side hustles offers a unique opportunity to explore your passion for beauty, improve your skills, and generate income. Choose the one that best suits your interests, skills, and long-term goals.
What jobs are in the beauty industry?
The beauty industry is vibrant and diverse, providing a myriad of job opportunities. From hands-on roles to behind-the-scenes positions, there is a career path for every interest and skill level. Here are some examples of beauty side hustles.
Freelance Hair Stylists: A hairstylist specializes in cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They keep up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, ensuring their clients always look their best. This is one of the most common beauty services to offer.
Esthetician: Estheticians focus on the health and appearance of the skin. They provide treatments like facials, body wraps, and skin analyses.
Cosmetology Instructor: These professionals train aspiring beauticians in a range of skills, from hair styling and makeup application to skincare and nail care.
Beauty Writer or Editor: Beauty writers or editors create content on beauty trends, products, and techniques for magazines, blogs, or websites.
Brand Representative: These individuals represent beauty brands, demonstrating products, providing information to customers, and often traveling to different locations for promotional events.
Product Developer: People in this role work on the creation of new beauty products, from concept to execution.
Choose your passion
In the beauty industry, the possibilities are endless. You could work directly with clients, helping them to look and feel their best, or you could work behind the scenes, shaping the trends and products of tomorrow. Whether you’re passionate about skincare, makeup, hair styling, or something else entirely, there’s a role for you in the beauty industry.
Choose a path that aligns with your interests and skills, and you’re bound to find a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Tips for being a freelance makeup artist
As a freelance makeup artist, it’s crucial to remain passionate and persistent. Embrace your creative spirit as you enhance your clients’ beauty and boost their confidence. Start by building a solid portfolio. This could involve offering complimentary services to friends or family to showcase your talent. You can then use this portfolio to attract potential clients.
Networking plays a significant role in expanding your client base. Attend industry events, connect with professionals and clients alike on social media, and don’t shy away from asking for referrals. Always remember to stay informed about the latest trends and techniques in makeup artistry. Continuous learning will not only improve your skills but also keep your services fresh and in-demand.
Tips for starting a beauty blog
Starting a beauty blog requires passion, consistency, and an understanding of the audience you intend to cater to. Begin by choosing a unique and catchy blog name that resonates with your content theme. Design your blog in a way that is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Remember, first impressions are crucial in the digital world.
Content is king when it comes to blogging. Regularly update your blog with quality content that is informative, entertaining, and engaging. Product reviews, makeup tutorials, skincare tips, and trend analysis are popular content types in the beauty blogging realm. Always stay authentic and genuine in your reviews and recommendations, as trust is the foundation of a loyal readership.
Best beauty business to start with no investment
Starting a beauty business with no investment might seem like a challenging endeavor, but it’s not impossible. It mainly requires creativity, resourcefulness, and a genuine passion for all things beauty. Here are five beauty side hustles to consider:
Beauty Blogger: Start a beauty blog where you review products, share makeup tutorials, skincare tips, and trends. All you need is your existing makeup kit, a camera, and a creative flair for writing. Once you have a following you can become a beauty product tester.
Makeup Artist: Offer makeup services for events, photo shoots, or weddings. You can start with a basic makeup kit and gradually upgrade as you earn. Rarity Nails allows you to join and begin selling nail wraps with very little investment.
Social Media Influencer: Build an audience on platforms like Instagram or YouTube where you share beauty tips, product reviews, and tutorials. Once you have a sizable following, you can earn through brand partnerships and affiliate marketing. Being a beauty influencer can take time.
Beauty Advisor: Use your knowledge of beauty products and skincare to offer beauty advice and personalized solutions. You can be a beauty consultant online or in-person.
Handmade Beauty Products: If you love DIY and have a knack for creating natural beauty products, consider selling your handmade soaps, bath bombs, or facial masks.
Beauty Consultant: Use your expertise to provide consultations, helping clients choose the right beauty products or develop a skincare routine. You may want to become a makeup consultant.
Remember, every beauty business starts small. As your reputation grows, so will your business and you will earn extra money.
Which of these hustle ideas appeals to you the most? Check out these weird side hustles.
Ellen is a serial entrepreneur who owns 9 profitable blogs, two printable stores, an online vintage jewelry business, and a variety of other work at home endeavors. She shares tips for working at home successfully.