Basics:

GlamSquad enlists freelance cosmetologist to ply their trade on the road, going to client homes and events

Expected pay: $23 – $28 per hour

Husl$core: $$$

Commissions & fees: NA

Where: New York, Long Island, Boston, Washington D.C. area, South Florida, Southern California, and San Francisco Bay Area

Requirements: Appropriate licenses and skills; pass a skills assessment in person or online; undergo a week-long skills assessment

GlamSquad Review:

GlamSquad, like Priv, recruits beauticians to go to client homes and other locations to do hair, make-up, nails, etc. for special occasions.

But, while GlamSquad charges clients hefty fees — particularly for special events — it doesn’t appear to pass on much of that pay to the cosmetologists who are providing the service. If the pay estimates on Glassdoor can be trusted, cosmetologists working here earn between $23 and $28 per hour.

How it works

Unfortunately, GlamSquad provides precious little guidance to the beauty professionals that it urges to sign up. They’re simply told to sign up and the site will get back to them.

When we previously reviewed the site, it required appropriate cosmetology licenses and a week-long skills assessment to be approved to work with the platform. You are apparently notified about jobs in your area and can claim the ones you want. You’re then expected to show up, with whatever materials you need to complete the job.

Given that you’re paying for your own transportation to get to the clients and your own supplies, which in this industry are substantial, the pay estimates here seem pretty stingy.

Recommendations

Competitor Priv appears to be a better place to work, if you’re willing to take your cosmetology skills on the road. You may also want to check StyleSeat, which can help you manage your styling business.

What their users say: (from Indeed)

The pay is low. Beware, they will lie to you to avoid paying you correctly for hourly work. VIP clients can treat you poorly cause they have little to no respect for the talent. Majority of the time you’ll have little to no travel time to make it to your appointment. Their business model with their talents is divide and conquer.

Getting around and parking can be difficult. But management is great, opportunity is abundant and your schedule is completely up to you. The compensation isn’t bad, and this job keeps you in your toes literally and metaphorically. It’s all about styling so no cuts or color is involved. You literally get paid to beautify people and go on to your next client. Clients range from housewives and mothers to celebrities, politicians etc.

This job is great for freelancers and for those freelancing for the first time. Receiving clients isn’t always consistent. With the company growing it is hard for them as far as their client experience team to have a connection with the stylists or artist.

(From Glassdoor)

The commission doesn’t reflect what they are actually charging clients They just don’t pay enough. If a blow-dry is $60, they are charging the client $78, but paying the hairstylist about $46 including tip. Communication with CE is not always the smoothest. The company doesn’t always have your back, they take the client’s side. CE has the burden to clearly state all that the beauty pro has access to, it should not be a negotiation or an option but a requirement as we are required to show up and provide the best service.

This company is horrible to work for. They take advantage of their artists in every way possible. I have worked for them for years and finally had to quit because it just kept getting worse and worse.

Low rates

As a freelance artist on the Glamsquad network, you get to control and own your schedule as a self-employed freelance artist. It is what you make it, so if you want more, you can get more, and if you want less, you can have as little as you want. But compensation is below industry standard and effectively undercuts the industry of freelance makeup rates.

Terrible pay for all the traveling I do.

Travel hassles

Lots of job opportunities if you keep your books open. It’s like the Uber of beautiful so you create your own schedule and the rates aren’t bad. It’s a great way to make extra cash if in between clients/ salons/ or projects but also a great full time job as well. But not all jobs are arranged for easy commuting especially in the greater NY area. You may not have time to get from one appointment to the next because of the time it takes to travel and your appointments are determined by a computer. Traveling with your kit can be difficult going up 5th floor walks ups and up and down subways all day. The physical impact can be substantial.

Updated 1/23/2023

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