How to get hair and makeup artist clients.

• Photographers and planners are asked for hair and makeup recommendations constantly. Be the artist they can send without worry.
• Brides and bridal parties search by location and style. Show up in local search and Instagram with your service area clear.
• Proms, graduations, photoshoots, pageants and formal events bring a steady stream of single bookings.
• Offer a mini bar at a market or bridal event so people can see and try your work.
• Salons and suites: ask about booth or chair rental and walk-in clients if you want a base.
• Show before-and-after on a range of skin tones, ages and hair textures, in natural light and in flash.
• Show how makeup holds through a day, with photos from the end of an event.
• Separate looks by occasion: bridal, glam, natural, editorial, mature skin.
• Say which products and brands you use, and which skin concerns you can and cannot work with.

Time the services you offer, per person, including prep, application, touch-ups and cleanup. For parties, multiply by the number of people and add travel, setup and any early start. Add kit costs, replenishment, sanitation supplies, assistants and insurance.

• Make a clear package for the bride, with separate prices for the party and for extra services such as lashes.
• Charge a travel fee for on-location work, and a premium for very early start times.
• Set a minimum number of services for a party booking, so a trip is worth it.
• Offer a paid trial that is credited toward the booking.

A deposit holds the date; the date is hard to resell. Build in the schedule: start time, who goes first, when the photographer needs the bride ready, and what happens if people arrive late (your later clients cannot wait).

Ask about allergies and sensitivities when you book, and keep a record of the products you use. Note what you do if a guest drops out of the group, and your cancellation terms. Rules about mobile beauty services are set by state cosmetology boards, so check yours. This is not legal advice.

• Ask date, location, number of people and photos of looks they like, in your first reply.
• Send the timeline for the morning at least a week before, so everyone can confirm it.
• Ask for a review with a photo, and ask the photographer to tag you.
• In slower months, take proms and graduations, photoshoots, lessons, holiday-party looks and brand work.

Optional tools.

• A storefront with your looks, packages and a booking link.
• Customers request a date and pay a deposit online.
• Ask allergies, party size and location at inquiry.
• Keep your licenses and insurance on file.