How to go self-employed as a beauty therapist in London
Last updated: October 2026
Going self-employed lets you set your own prices and hours and keep what you earn after costs. Here's what to sort out, in order.
1. Register with HMRC
Register as a sole trader for Self Assessment. You must register by 5 October in your business's second tax year. Your tax return and any tax due are then due by 31 January after the tax year ends. Keep records of what you earn and spend from day one, including room hire, products and training.
2. Get insured
You'll need public liability insurance, and treatment risk (or professional indemnity) insurance that covers each treatment you offer. Most hosts ask to see it before your first booking.
3. Check your qualifications match your treatments
Keep copies of your certificates for every treatment you offer. Hosts and insurers will ask for them.
4. Understand London licensing
Most London boroughs licence premises for "special treatments" such as massage, nails, tattooing, piercing, acupuncture, electrolysis and laser or IPL. The licence belongs to the premises, and the licence holder must make sure everyone working there is suitably qualified. In practice, when you rent a room, the host holds the licence and you show them your qualifications. Rules differ between boroughs, so check the treatments you offer are covered by the host's licence.
If you offer injectables such as Botox or fillers, the government plans a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. Check the current position before you start.
5. Find a room
Start with hourly or daily bookings while your client list grows. You pay only for the time you use, with no lease or deposit. When you're busy enough, move to a monthly room, or share one with another practitioner to split the cost.
On Roomki in October 2026, a beauty room typically costs about £29 an hour, £128 a day or £1,400 a month. A general treatment room is about £21 an hour, £139 a day or £875 a month.
6. Get booked
Set up online booking, a Google Business Profile with your treatment room's area, and an Instagram account with before-and-after photos (with clients' permission). Book your room around your clients' best days.
Questions
Do I need a licence to be a self-employed beauty therapist in London?
Usually the premises needs the licence, not you. The host holds it and checks your qualifications. Some boroughs have their own rules, so check with the host.
When do I need to register as self-employed?
By 5 October in your business's second tax year.
Can I work from a rented room by the hour?
Yes. Many London rooms on Roomki can be booked by the hour or day.
Can I share a room to cut costs?
Yes. Roomki's split booking lets two practitioners share a monthly room and split the rent.
Browse beauty roomsBrowse aesthetics roomsHow split booking worksStart your own practice
Sources: HMRC Self Assessment registration deadlines; London borough special treatment licensing guidance (e.g. Wandsworth, Kingston); DHSC proposals on non-surgical cosmetic procedures (August 2025).