When you think of a mobile business, you’re probably thinking of a food truck or a mobile truck for a butcher or cheesemonger, as is often the case at markets. Is your passion hairdressing? Why not set up a hairdressing salon on wheels?
This innovative concept is growing fast, so why not give it a try? Whether you already have a physical hair salon or you’ve decided to take on a new project and become an entrepreneur, a mobile hair salon will offer you many opportunities to develop your network of customers.
The essential steps for fitting out your hairdressing truck
Also known as a “hair truck” by professionals, the mobile hairdressing salon has many advantages for hairdressing enthusiasts and their customers. Both intimate and cocooning, this local service is now indispensable in certain remote rural areas where there are no hair salons, or for customers who don’t necessarily have the time or means to travel. Before finding out more about fitting out such a vehicle, here are a few steps not to be underestimated.
Research the market and set up your business
Thorough market research is necessary to ensure that your business project meets a demand. If you live in a region where there are many villages without a hairdressing salon, get in touch with the local population to find out what they think, and which areas or people need this service the most. A questionnaire for the general public can help you do just that.
At the same time, we can identify your strengths and weaknesses, so that we know in detail your competitive advantages in the event of competition. A solid business plan will enable you to launch your entrepreneurial project with confidence.
But, legally speaking, how do you open a mobile hairdressing salon? If you don’t already have a business, you’ll need to choose a suitable legal status for your future mobile hairdressing salon, and apply for a travelling salesman’s card. Once you’ve done this, the real work begins!
Search for a vehicle
The price of a hairdressing truck, the hairdressing truck models for sale… Each element needs to be analyzed to carry out your research. The price of a hairdressing truck varies enormously, depending on your layout requirements and the model you choose. As a general rule, however, the price ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 euros.
Get inspired with examples of travelling trade shows
In recent years, many professionals have decided to set up their own hairdressing truck to meet the needs of rural areas, and for the freedom that this way of practicing hairdressing offers.
When it comes to organizing your business, but especially when it comes to outfitting your vehicle, there are a number of inspirations you can consider by taking a look at hairdressers who have already taken the plunge. A single mirror for one customer at a time, two mirrors for two customers or even three mirrors – it all depends on your needs and the capacity of your truck.
Likewise, since managing water and electricity in a hairdressing salon is no mean feat, it’s essential to learn from experience to avoid making mistakes. Professional outfitters like Ecomag can also provide you with all the information you need to perfectly fit out your truck.
Contact a professional truck fitter for mobile businesses
The best way to avoid mistakes in this project is to seek support. A mobile hairdressing salon is not like any other. With a Hair truck or even a barber truck for men, you can offer high-quality hairdressing services on the road, thanks to our advice.
Our trucks are fully equipped and can be customized to meet the specific needs and expectations of hairdressers and barbers. Get a quote now to set up your mobile hairdressing project! We can also help you set up your mobile marketing by customizing the exterior of your truck to your image. It’s the competitive edge you need to get noticed by passers-by.
Essential equipment for a hair salon on wheels
Would you like to have in mind a list of the equipment you’ll need to get started on this original project, and get an idea of how much it will cost to equip your future vehicle? Read on!
Essential equipment for every hair salon
The first step is to install the basic fixtures and fittings found in a traditional salon:
- Hair-washing tub with seat;
- One or more mirrors to welcome customers;
- A comfortable armchair in front of each mirror;
- A cart or other storage system to keep accessories close at hand;
- An adjustable rolling stool for you (this should have a designated place in the truck for safe storage when you move the vehicle).
With this set-up, you have a good basis for meeting the demands of your future clientele. However, it doesn’t stop there, as you’ll need to add other facilities to your mobile hairdressing salon.
Other equipment to include in a mobile hairdressing salon
There are several points to bear in mind when it comes to comfort and safety, and they have a direct impact on customers:
- Sound insulation ;
- Air conditioning ;
- Air purifier or aeration ;
- Water heaters.
The soundproofing of your truck is of paramount importance when fitting it out. It reduces noise pollution, ensuring your customers’ comfort and peace of mind while you work. Appropriate acoustic panels need to be installed.
Air conditioning is another essential element. It must regulate temperature, filter and preserve the quality of styling products.
A powerful, silent air purifier or numerous air vents are essential to eliminate the pollutants emitted by the products.
The water heater is also an essential piece of equipment for the mobile hairdressing salon, providing a pleasant water temperature for hair washing.
Regulatory and technical considerations
Setting up a mobile hairdressing salon is not something you can improvise. These vehicles are regulated, so here’s everything you need to know about the laws governing the layout of a mobile hairdressing salon.
VASP certification: a compulsory step
All vehicles weighing less than 3.5 T, even trucks for itinerant trade and trailers, must be VASP-approved. Never heard of the term? Here’s everything you need to know about VASP regulations. This concerns several aspects of the layout: electricity, gas, water management, weight distribution and other details such as emergency exits.
The VASP label on your vehicle registration certificate makes it easier to pass the roadworthiness test, and above all, avoids problems with insurance companies in the event of an accident. It is therefore not only compulsory, but also recommended to avoid any problems and to be able to continue using your vehicle legally. Without up-to-date VASP approval, there’s no roadworthiness test, and without a valid roadworthiness test, your vehicle can’t be driven legally.
A hair salon on wheels with VASP approval is a truck that meets all safety and hygiene standards. This is essential to validate the power supply for heating or the use of other hairdressing equipment inside your converted vehicle.
The DREAL (Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement) carries out a thorough inspection of the vehicle. The objective? To make sure that every feature meets current safety standards . Only when this body has validated the first stage of approval can you register the vehicle as a VASP.
Gas and electricity regulations for trucks
Other steps need to be carried out at the same time to ensure that your vehicle meets current technical regulations, particularly for gas and electricity in the salon truck. Among other things, the Qualigaz organization ensures that all gas-related installations have been carried out correctly, and are therefore safe for the vehicle’s occupants.
Don’t overlook risks without registration
What are the risks if you don’t register? You will certainly be penalized if you don’t take this crucial step in your living room layout. In the event of an inspection, you could be fined or have your vehicle impounded . Of course, as mentioned above, you won’t get a valid roadworthiness test without this approval, which will prevent you from driving your work vehicle legally.
And that’s not all: if you have an accident with your converted truck, your insurance company may refuse to reimburse you. A vehicle of this type without approval is a commercial vehicle in the eyes of an insurance company, which means that no equipment is included in your contract. A problem caused by these facilities, or an accident affecting them, will therefore not be covered. The insurer may also file a claim for breach of contract.
Ecomag France, a trusted partner
The good news is that all the vehicles offered by Ecomag are VASP-approved. You won’t have to worry about this all-important detail, and you can get on with the adventure of becoming a nomadic hairdresser!
Ready to style on the road?
Setting up a mobile hairdressing salon is much more than a design project: it’s a daring entrepreneurial adventure, yes, but above all one that’s full of meaning. By opting for a mobile business, you’re responding to growing demand while offering yourself a unique freedom to operate. With a solid market study, a well-equipped vehicle and the appropriate certification, you’ll have everything you need to launch your business with peace of mind. Need a helping hand? At Ecomag, we’re with you every step of the way to make your project a reality. So, are you ready to get started?
