In many states this is illegal. (PA is one of them.) Stylists may not go to homes unless it is written on the salon books as an appt. They would be there on behalf of the salon. Otherwise they are just "kitchen hairdressers" and could be fined by the state and lose their jobs. In states where "booth rental" is legal, (TX & FL I think are 2 of them) I guess the stylist can do whatever they want. But here in PA, your suggestion is illegal.

I've paid overhead bills, advertising, and given up hours of my free time to get clients in the door for my stylists and you are suggesting that the clients I paid for cut my salon out. How do you expect me to pay those bills let alone make any profit to live on?

In most states, it is illegal for an esthetian or a manicurist to work outside of a licenced salon.

This is not only illegal, but this could put small struggling salon out of business! I am disappointed that this would be featured on this site. This takes $$ from businesses trying to pay rent, utilities, taxes etc...

Its like anything if you have the money you can do or get anything. That old saying Money Talks.

....and prices are usually higher because the service provider has to cart around equipment, and create a suitable space in an unfamiliar location.

I go to super cuts. I am poor as hell...must be nice to be able to pamper yourself.

I've taught cosmetology and worked in a salon for years, and in most states this is illegal. When you enter someone's home, there's no way to ensure you are operating in a sanitary, safe environment. Everything we as cosmetologists do, from the disinfecting chemicals we use, to the products in our first-aid kits, to the wattage our plugs are able to handle, is regulated by the state we are licensed in. And for good reason, as many "kitchen beauticians" are people who are NOT licensed. They can run to any beauty supply store and pick up chemicals for under 10 dollars that can ruin your hair if formulated wrong.

Special events do happen, and sometimes people want on-location stylists. In that case, a special event permit can be obtained from the state for around 20-25 dollars, along with specific guidelines on how to keep things sanitary. Ask to see it.This helps ensure that if something goes wrong (let's say they burn you with a curling iron, or your hair falls out from a chemical straightener.) that you are covered by that stylist's or salon's insurance policy.

Secret? I have been asked by many hair stylists, about 90% of the ones I have seen, about coming to my house to give me a hair cut there. They make more money like that.
Calling this new is like saying that prostitution is a new profession.

Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants have been making beauty "housecalls" for over 40 years....this is nothing new! Some of us are also licensed cosmetologists;/estheticians. Go to :www.marykay.com, then to the Consultant Locator tab to find one in YOUR area!

Anyone trying to do chemical treatments at a patron's home is nuts! How do they expect to rinse? Hair cuts or sets are no problem, and I've done house calls for shut-in's and people recovering from surgeries. Mani's and pedi's get messy and complicated with sanitation at residences, so I've never done them. Use common sense when asking your stylist about house calls, and know the laws of your state! And remember, they have to pay for the gas to get to your house!!

For coloring/highlights or a cut I go to the salon but for extensions my hairdresser comes to my house. It takes about 4-5 hours to do the extensions and I refuse to sit in the salon for that long. My home is much more comfortable. I don't see the big deal, she has been doing it for years.

The legality has NOTHING to do with 'writing on the appt. book'. YOU do not license your stylists, and IF you do not pay half of their Social Security, workman's compensation, and other fees as an official employer, they are independent contractors.
Furthermore, the state licenses barbers/stylists/nail techs/etc. as well as the salons and they have the jurisdiction as to whether or not it is allowed to 'do' whatever profession outside the salon/in a private home. YOU, nor any other salon owner OWNS their staff!!
Let me stress to the public, that no matter what the professional, from your doctor, barber, nail person, pool cleaner. If you would prefer THEM, you need to be certain you have their contact info (in case of them leaving where you know them) and for them to have yours.
Ask and exchange the info quietly, as professional jealousy is horrible. As with this salon owner who feels they own their staff...when they are in and out of her establishment.

I thought this was illegal? Because of health violations?

I guess that is why is was so hush, hush. If a beautician wants to bad enough and if the clientele he / she has is devoted to their work, then I imagine it goes on a lot. It is just not talked about by most folks.

In re. to Sherry's comment: Again, a salon owner does NOT own either their staff or those who come into their salon. Not even if it is a 'client' that YOU have had that you feel is 'yours' over a period of years. No one owns anyone.
Always have contact info from the specific person you like who does your hair...if a salon owner is fair, intelligent, keeps a nice atmostphere while being the owner, no one will want to, or be made to, leave due to whatever pettiness.
If the stylist or whatever professional you prefer DOES leave, you have a way for them to contact you and visa-versa.