In trouble with my boss... weird situation, any advice appreciated.

[Ginismedicinal]

I'm a hairdresser with 30 years experience, I'm employed in a salon and FULLY booked up til the end of November, not even room for a cut and blow dry... but, my boss sat me down yesterday to say I'm not earning her enough money, she's having to 'carry me'!
I've been here 2 years and, strangely, they charge about £40 for a full head highlights, toners and cut and blow dry!! I've NEVER worked anywhere that charges less than £90+ for a service like this.
Obviously they can't be charging enough to cover wages/overheads etc, and suddenly, out of nowhere I've been taken asside for this chat that there's not enough money coming in.
I'm the only stylist here, I open up, I close etc, just me. How am I to earn them more money if I'm fully booked up months in advance? I don't even have ANY breaks etc.
Is there something I'm missing? I'm so confused by this sudden 'problem' where the solution is in the owners control, not mine... charge more for the services! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Your boss is an idiot.

Find another job and hand your notice in as soon as you possibly can.

OP, you are selling yourself way too short. GET OUT NOW.

I have different hairdressers for colour and cut (long story) but pay £55 for a full head of foils at home. (I wash the bleach out because I put a crazy colour over the top.). She’s at my house for 90 mins and spends at least half of that having a cuppa and a chat.

Then I pay between £25 and £40 for a wash, cut and blow dry. (The £25 is a hairdresser that works from home and the £40 is a middle level stylist at a local salon.). Usually takes about an hour either way.

If you’re the only stylist, what happens when you’re away?

Please stop being the scapegoat for this woman’s awful business sense. Value your skills and time appropriately. There are ways to take your clients with you too.

Honestly set up independently…

Use this as your catalyst to leave. It sounds like the business might go under anyway. Go and work for someone who deserves you or rent a chair in a salon yourself.

Absolutely it's the only answer, What does your present boss expect you to do. Control is in her hands as long as you work for her,

Op, gently, but what the fuck are you doing? You are making a pittance. You should be bringing home A LOT more money than this. Why have you just accepted this? It's bonkers, honestly.

And where might I find this very cheap salons...?!

You could definitely make much more by yourself OP!

I was a hairdresser in the 80s and I charged more than you’re charging now. Leave, your clients will follow you and you’ll be earning much much more!

Wow where in the country are you?
Since covid I always pay a deposit with all cuts and colours. I think like other people have said you need to find another salon.

Sorry guys - got rather busy.
Thank you so much everyone - some of these comments have made me laugh - funny how you can't see the madness right in front of you sometimes isn't it... I needed all your fresh perspectives 🙏
Yes, I've been thinking for quite some time how exploited it all feels. How bizarre it is that she charges so little... I'll be honest - it's crossed my mind that maybe there's potentially something dodgy going on, but I could be wrong of course. There just seems absolutely no logic in charging such low prices ??
I've just got into a mindset of turn up, get my job done, ask no questions etc. I always arrive early, quite often leave late, work my a**e off, and out of the blue, the first time I see her, in weeks I might add, she tells me I'm not doing enough!
Think I should go out on my own yes... never done mobiling before, not sure where I'd start 😬

Get some cards printed up. Give them out at work if your boss isn't around anyway.

My hairdresser was in a similar situation and moved to another salon to share with a nail technician friend.

Too cheap, it's £200 odd here

Get some cards printed, good idea!
£200, wow. Yes my sister lives near a big city and pays nearly $600 for her full head highlights etc.
I'll never understand why this place charges so little - absolutely baffles me.

Why don't you go to another salon where you're self employed but part of the team? You'll earn far more and not be treated like an idiot!

I'd be looking to rent a chair in another salon. You'll surely earn far more money.

My friend gave the best part of 18 years to a salon that ultimately was taking the piss. She has now gone self employed in a different role but still in touch with her old clientele for business. You are really just being exploited.

She sounds like an idiot, you definitely need to change jobs.

If you have few or no complaints about your work, it is time to move on. Your boss is exploiting you and be careful she is not trying construct a blame on you that you are not earning the business enough and then use it as an excuse to get rid of you. Watch your back and please try to find some new venture.

Is she laundering drug money or something? Low prices, but everything gets put down as more in her books?

Thinking of Skyler White in Breaking Bad putting non-existent full valeting services through the till at the car wash 😂

Thank you - you're all really appreciated 🙏
I've definitely had a good self-reflection today. Time to move on... 🤞🤞 X

I really recommend getting a portfolio of before and after pictures, and joining a group on Facebook, there's two in my city called something along the lines of "hair and beauty recommendations CITY' and ' hair and beauty cancellations CITY'. My hairdresser is really busy and she said she built up her client base through posting in these groups. Get a Facebook profile set up for your business and share on the groups. Maybe set up a instagram page too and be active.

Become a mobile hairdresser

That's a really good idea, thank you!

You could contact Lucie who run a mobile styling booking agency through their app for advice. I've used them for my home haircuts the last year or so. Very good service.

My mobile hairdresser was here last week. Full head of foils, cut and dry, plus one dry and one wet cut for the DC while my colour was on.
£100. We really value her.
You’re running a salon, chief colourist, stylist, and taking minimum wage? Please know your worth and find somewhere better or go self employed. Very best with it. 💐