Relocating your beauty business: 10 tips for a successful salon move
By Guest Writer | 27 August 2026 | Techs & Salons
Suffolk-based nail tech & Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year finalist 2026, Jessica Hales, has been in the nail industry for 14 years. Her career has taken her from working in salons and department stores to renting a space as a self-employed nail technician.
After finally purchasing her own space and renovating it into her dream salon, Jess shares her relocation journey and top tips for a successful salon move…
As I settle my business into a new location, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on both the journey and challenges of relocating a beauty business.
My journey into self-employment began in May 2021, when I made the decision to leave my employed position in a busy salon. While employment offered security, I felt it was time to take the next step in my career and build something of my own.
Just one month later, I opened the doors to my beauty room. Starting with very little, I relied on social media, word of mouth and local curiosity to attract clients. Before long, I had built strong relationships and developed a loyal client base.
Five years later, I decided it was the right time to relocate my business. I made the decision to move 30 minutes away from my previous space, and while I was excited about a fresh start, I couldn’t ignore the concerns that came with this. Although half an hour may not seem like a significant amount of time, I was worried that my clients wouldn’t travel further to see me.
Knowing how convenience often influences decision making, asking them to change their routines felt like a risk. After spending years building a loyal client base, the thought of potentially losing it was terrifying.
I’ve now been working in my new location for just over a month, and the response I’ve had from both new and existing clients has been overwhelmingly positive. My previous clients love the space, and I’ve gained so many new clients too. My diary is looking as full as ever!
I know how daunting relocating a beauty business can be. So, I wanted to share my top tips to help anyone thinking of taking the leap…
1. Don’t assume the worst.
You’d be surprised who will be willing to follow you. Some of the clients I assumed would say no to travelling further for my services have made it work, because they value what I offer.
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2. Re-evaluate your services.
Is your current service menu enough? Adding new treatments might help bring in extra business during uncertain times.
3. Rebrand.
Make the move as exciting as possible by switching things up with a new logo and different colour scheme – fresh branding for a fresh start.
4. Freshen your social media.
Don’t be too shy to use social media to share the news of your move. Create countdowns to the opening date and document everything from start to finish: before and after pictures and progress videos help create hype.
5. Make your presence known.
If you have access to the new space, print out posters containing QR codes, information about you, your price list and photos of your work to intrigue passers-by before you launch.
6. Refresh old or dated equipment.
The importance of professional equipment and products cannot be overstated. Use your relocation as an opportunity to carry out an audit, and update your kit where needed. Don’t forget to showcase your amazing new equipment on social media to help entice clients and build excitement around your space.
7. Share reviews.
Add a ‘Reviews’ tab to your Instagram Highlights. This will remind current clients why they should continue to book with you, while encouraging potential clients to place trust in your services.
8. Join online communities.
Relocating is never easy, and it may mean losing some clients – but that’s completely normal. It’s important to remember that you’ll soon gain new ones. Joining local social media groups and regularly posting about your business can help raise your profile and increase awareness within your new community.
9. Important admin.
One thing that can easily slip by the wayside during a relocation is admin. Remember to update your salon’s address across your social media platforms, Google Business profile and website. And definitely don’t forget to do this for your insurance, licensing, HMRC records, suppliers and business bank account.
10. Be brave.
If relocating my business has taught me anything, it’s that taking a chance is worth the risk. For me, it has paid dividends, and I hope my journey can inspire others who are also thinking about taking that leap into the unknown.
