Thinking About Salon House Calls? Here’s What You Need to Know

Mobile Salons Vs House Calls – What’s the Difference?

• Mobile salons – For most states is exactly that, a one-chair salon on wheels that can be transported between locations.  
• Offsite services - Defined by most states as cosmetology or barbering services provided by a licensed professional at a location other than their licensed place of business. This covers everything from house calls to events and platform work at trade shows, fashion shoots, or film sites. 

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Make Sure Your State Allows Offsite Services

Each state has its own rules and regulations for offsite services and mobile salons, so before you begin to offer this service, make sure that it’s something your state allows. Many states have ambiguous language about offsite services, with exemptions for illness and home bound patients. Because of this ambiguity under pandemic circumstances, many states have relaxed their regulations – but before you start booking house calls, make sure that you’re not risking your license. Consequences for violations vary, and can include fines, loss of licensing, misdemeanor criminal charges, and in some cases, even jail time.  

Get a Permit and Keep Detailed Records

In some states, you’ll need to get specialized permits, or freelance operator licenses. There are often associated application and licensing fees associated with these permits. In other states, you may need to consult city ordinances to make sure that you’ve got the correct clearances. If you live in one of the numerous states permitting offsite services on a strictly case-by-case basis, be ready to provide detailed documentation to your state board. This can include everything from client addresses, services provided, disinfection and hygiene protocols, duration of appointment, mileage, and proof of liability and auto insurance. Many state boards additionally require regular COVID-19 tests submitted as part of offsite documentation. Make sure that your offsite services are done with respect to your license, through the proper channels, and in a way that can be tracked and traced in the event that you or one of your clients is exposed to COVID-19.  

Update Your Insurance

Traveling Equipment

Once you’ve made sure your offsite services comply with your state regulations and you’ve updated your insurance policies, it’s time to think about what equipment you’ll need to deliver quality services to clients in the home. You’ll also want to consider how to transport equipment and supplies from site to site, and what sort of system you’ll use to plan and pack everything you’ll need for the day. Here are some questions to ask yourself:  

• Will you ask customers to wash their hair before you arrive?_  
• How will you disinfect your work area in the customer’s home?_  
• What kind of lighting will be available?_ 
• If you’re providing chemical services, what sort of ventilation does their home have?_  
• What additional tools will you need to purchase, such as portable EMV chip card readers, portable shampoo nozzles, portable hood dryers, or disposable cutting capes?_  
• How will you pack and transport tools, equipment, and supplies between sites?_ 

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