I cut my mom's hair when I was a teen, then added my own, then my sons and then my husband. I had started having issues with salons that didn't seem clean enough and hairdressers who would not cut my hair the way I asked or simply seem to forget what I had asked them to do. I bought books, especially good is "Haircutting for Dummies", nice scissors and have had been using Philip Norelco clippers (QC5340) on everyone's hair, including mine, since they have a guide that attaches rather than a series of combs and have a "contour" feature which I just love. I cut mine at the longest length which is almost 2 inches and my husband and son go with a different length depending on the season. The good thing is that these clippers leave no "steps". When my hair was longer in the spring, I bought the Crea Clip, a plastic guide, which was really helpful. Youtube also has a lot of clips on different cuts. I am a do-it-yourself" person. For nails, I keep them short and buffed. I had trouble, as did my husband, with my nails peeling and tearing but we started taking a hair, nail and skin supplement and that solved that issue. I had one nail that split in the same place month after month and now, no more. The last park we stayed in long term had 3 hairdressers and this was a small park so there are many out there.

See- THIS is really a VIP subject ... because I have been FB friends with Loretta (Jersey Girl) since they first came on the road and I had no idea she is a professional! Well, I know she's a professional RVer now, but cutting hair ?? I had NO CLUE!!!!

And getting a decent hair cut or (even more difficult) a STYLE!!! while on the road has been the hardest thing for me to acquire. It's hit or miss.... mostly MISS :(

My hubby wears a military flat top - and THAT can be difficult to get done well also - most of the "new" barbers won't use a straight edge blade. They all want to use clippers, and HE likes to be skinned on the sides, but nooooooo, they won't do that-even when he offers to PAY extra!

I haven't had a problem getting my acrylic nail refills just about anywhere - as long as they are open. Many salons are closed on weekends, so if there is a Regal Nails in a Walmart I head there. So far, after over 13 years on the road, I have been mostly pleased (at least more with nail services than hair cuts). Once a year, I go natural for about 3 months ... 1 of these I am going to just quit getting my nails done and be happy with my original version, vs. French or colors. Hey, if they would just grow longer, I can paint them myself!

This last time I needed a cut desperately, I had that week talked with a friend of ours who is a pro, and RV dreamer, and she suggested that after my next GREAT style or cut I am happy with, take pictures sitting in the chair. Both sides, back, front and top. THEN (hopefully) the next person who I sit in front of will have some idea of what the end result is supposed to look like when I show them my pictures.

I just wonder if Loretta and other pro hairstyle RVers could have a cute little graphic on their RV - nothing obviously commercial in neon green (wouldbn't THAT be obvious!) - but something to indicate to other RVers in the immediate area, that "Talk to me, I CUT HAIR!" ... there's nothing stopping them from doing that ... is there?

This will probably open a big can of worms, but here goes!

For most of my working life, I was employed by a state occupational licensing agency. Two of the professions we helped regulate were barbers & cosmetologists. Due to issues of cleanliness and basic competence, most states regulate these two professions, and many states have very specific laws about where, what and on who one can practice. Most states exempt immediate family (those living under the same roof) from the licensing requirements. Whether or not one charges or accepts payment or gratuity for services is often irrelevant in determining a violation of those laws, and many states attach criminal penalties of fines &/or jail time for violations. Anyone planning to provide hair or nail services (or any other profession) should research the requirements for said profession in the appropriate state before hanging up a shingle. As a previously licensed professional myself, I would love to make a few bucks on the side or just help someone who's in a spot, but there are times and places where its just not a good idea.

That said, everyone is still free to make their own decisions - and then accept responsibility for those decisions.

There you have it. By the way, I've already been called every name in the book

Olbahjr: I was aware of what you posted so I can only call you "informative" to those that might be unaware. I think most are reluctant to provide services because of not knowing the local laws/ordinances and the liability involved. As with everything, one has to make the decisions for themselves but maybe the info you provided will allow others to understand why a fellow RVer might not want to provide services.

I am a trained cosmetologist. I can cut and color hair. I can't charge people because I let my license go after my daughter was born 5 1/2 years ago. I still cut and color family and friends hair. But I could trade a service for a service.

what happens in the RV Park ,Stays in the RV park!!!!................I have the ladies cut my hair all the time!!! its part of work kamping...

I have bought pies and cookies.......paid to have my coach washed.......even had an RVer do laundry wash & fold........its not a business....its a way of life!!! and word of mouth travels fast if your good


good luck!!!!!

Do most RV parks have a central area with a bulletin board that folks can perhaps put up a note about services they want or offer?

Alot of times your better off using word of mouth do one good job and several will follow.......post an advertisement and you might as well send one to city hall...................each place is different

I put my sign up in my windshield......or I work a deal out in the office....each place is different again.

I would love to be a "pet sitter" or a "pet walker". Maybe I'll put a decal on a window or just talk to people when I see their pets. As Lucky Mike says, if you provide a service people need, you'll have customers. My slogan may be "If you cook for my DH, I'll walk your dog."

NW... I know this post is a little late. Sorry that you had a bad experience with a hairdresser. I know I am working on getting my license in several states so when my b/f and I are able to go ft and somewhere for a few months I will be able to work at least part time. (shhh...dont tell him hes a little older than I am and I still have to work). That being said...if you get a "bad" haircut and/or color you have no way to rectify the situation because they were not licensed in the state you were in. When I first moved to Fl I found out I had to go back to school at 42ish years old because things have changed so much and I let my license go years back even though I still cut and colored hair throughout the years.

If you go to someone in a park... ask for a look at their current license and also a look at all thier current classes they have taken as far as continuing education. Everyone has to have them to re-up their license.

I just went through the same experience you did... I went to a new hairdresser with great hesitation!!! I do heavy highlights in my hair...I asked the girl doing it what volume she was using: 20 all around. I laughed at her and got up and walked out...inexperienced. A good hairdresser will give you the cut and color you want. If they try to convince you that this would look "better with your face shape" run do NOT walk out of the salon. They know only a few haircuts!!

I know its harsh words that I am saying and very sorry if I have offended anyone. But when I stand in front of a new client with a bad haircut and color/highlights on myself...it does not look good on me. That is why I am so picky.

As far as nails...I used to do them also (Michigan you were licensed in both at the same time). I dont know if you use tips or just gel. I went from tips to just using gel. Yes I am going to break them here and there....but in my honest opinion I would let them go until you are ready to go out on the road for your business trips or ur DH art shows. Do a self mani: hot water and a tablet of fixodent then soak your nails... your natural nail tips will go back to white after a few days. When you get ready to go to all the trips: I now go to just a regular nail salon and 35.00 later you have a mani/pedi. I

Sorry so long winded... hope this helped

I can cut hair. I can also do nails. I had a license about 7 years ago; but let it go when I was pregnant with my daughter. But I still trim my husband's and friends and family. I can also do nails. Just need to get new supplies. If you are in the dreamer's group on RVillage you can follow where we are at. Or read our blog. I am going to update our blog as soon as the pic of our new baby come in.