What makes a great hairdresser? Is it his or her technical ability, the school they attended, the sharpness of their shears or the brand of product they use? A successful hairdresser, according to Ryan and DeAnnalyn Teal of Teal Salon in downtown Portland, Oregon, is less about technical ability and more about listening…. Yes, listening. Making a conscious effort to hear and act upon a client’s wants, needs and desires.
“I don’t believe that there is a thing as a bad hairdresser,” says Ryan. “It’s not that hard to open and close scissors…. There are however bad listeners and question askers.”
Aside from technical ability, a hairdresser in today’s modern society is perceived as part magician, part mind reader and part psychologist. To get a better look into the mind of a client and touch down at least briefly upon their inner self, a hairdresser must find a non-evasive, yet highly effective tool. Something in which the thought process is kick started and the gears begin to turn once again. For Teal Salon, the tool of choice is a well-honed consultation style interview or “20 questions” as the Teals affectionately call it.
The evolution of the interview at Teal Salon began with a concept first seen at the school of the Teal’s daughter when she was very young. It was a game the kids would play in which they were allowed to ask up to 20 questions in order to arrive with the answer. For the salon, the concept applied beautifully. To achieve the goal of the client, which is to look and feel good about themselves, a hairdresser must use their intuition and knowledge of that person to accomplish the desired and positive result. The Teals adapted the same frame of mind and pared down a long list of questions to about 20, which were used as a starting point.
Customers sometimes are not aware of what they want, they just know that they are looking to make a change. It’s up to the salon professional to obtain the information without the client feeling uncomfortable, pressured into a drastic change or spending a lot of money. The interview, which was developed to get a better feel for what the client is looking to do, has since become invaluable at the salon. It has been implemented as a general practice with all new or referral clients.
“We won’t even consider letting the client fill out the questionnaire,” adds Ryan. “The individual hairdresser fills it in. It’s not just about the questions or the outward answers; it’s about their reaction, the body language and the afterthought. It’s an excellent opportunity to break down a few barriers and get right to the heart of what’s important to that person sitting in front of me. It is, after all, all about them.”
The Questions
The first question is:
What brings you to the salon today? or
Why is it you are inspired to try something different?
Although any savvy salon owner would love to track advertising, promotional or referral tallies, the question is really more geared toward the client and their individualized needs. Common answers to this inquiry include everything from being new to the area, never having been in a salon before, admiration for the look given to another Teal Salon client to difficulty with their regular salon. Some are just not comfortable or happy with the level of service at their present salon or they are simply bored with their current hairdresser or hairstyle. The reason the Teals examine the question so much is to learn what somebody else did wrong so that they don’t make the same mistake. It’s an important part of the learning process.
What do you do for fun? For work?
These two questions help to indicate lifestyle and very specific needs leading to how a customer can or will wear their hair. Are they in a creative or fashion-oriented field where they may need to have a trendier look? Is the dress code at the office as conservative as their after-hours club life is wild? Are they involved in a sport or line of work that requires them to pull their hair back and out of their face? It all works together to help set the limitations.
What are your goals with your hair?
Although most clients claim that they really don’t have a specific goal in mind, this question at least starts them thinking. Once the salon professional has had a chance to “read” the client better, then a goal can be both identified and achieved.
What challenges are you having with your hair? What do you hate about it?
Common answers are more likely geared towards the type of hair that they were born with, yet can’t or don’t want to deal with. Skinny or fine hair, not much hair, hair that is too straight, too curly, etc. To a client, these are specific and sometimes highly annoying problems. To a hairdresser, it’s an indication as to which way to proceed.
“I find it important,” states Ryan, “ when using the interview questions to turn every negative back around into a positive. For example, if a client complains of having overly fine hair, then I imply “fine like silk”. To illustrate the point further, I use the analogy that like fine hair, one can’t take raw silk and make fabric out of it. It needs to be refined before weaving a workable cloth. Not only did we turn the emphasis away from the negative, we established the groundwork for cut, style and product recommendations later.”
As a hairdresser, it’s all about educating the customer and getting them to understand the options when dealing with their hair dilemmas. Simply put, between product, service and tools most “problems” can be treated. It’s a matter of identifying the obstacle and applying the right solution.
What is the best thing with your hair?
Once again, the negative is taken back to the positive. It’s about trying to identify the strong points or what is “right” and trying to make them better.
What was the best service you have ever had in a salon before?
The question is basically attempting to find when the client felt that they looked their best. The response is then pulled apart as to why, while discretely attempting to recreate the positive aspects. Most likely the look was something hip going on at that time. They felt as if they fit in and looked really good doing it. What did it look like? How feasible is it now? Can it be updated? Why did it work so well for them? These are all good questions for a really solid foundation and positive step towards their new look.
What was the worst service you have ever had in a salon before?
This question can be very scary from a hairdresser’s standpoint. According to the Teals, at least 90% indicate a previous perm as the culprit. Many also admit to cutting their own hair or applying home color, which in some circles can be considered a temporary replacement to a salon service. In asking this question, the Teals advise salon professionals to be tactful and avoid any embarrassment to the client. They suggest trying to get them to make light of the situation and attempt to get them laughing again.
What does your hair look like in the morning? Is it flat and sunk into your face? Is it fat and sticking up?
Designed to find the “natural state” or starting point of the client’s hair, this inquiry has a profound, albeit obvious, purpose. You simply can’t start on a journey, let alone arrive to the destination unless you know where you originate.
Does your hair tend to be more greasy or dry?
This will help the hairdresser figure the appropriate products to recommend for cleansing, conditioning or styling the hair.
Would you say your hair is straight, wavy, and curly?
Although any decent hairdresser could tell by feeling the hair, this question is designed to see how the client views his or her own hair. What may actually be wavy hair is considered curly to a client that desires straight hair.
How much time in the morning do you spend on your hair?
Most of the success of a look is in fact achieved in the last five minutes of the finishing. It’s all the little details that make a good cut into a really great style. This question gives a general guide as to how much time and effort a client is willing to spend between blow drying and finishing each time. On average clients will admit 15-20 minutes, which is fairly normal. It’s up to the hairdresser to make sure that they don’t give the client a cut that takes much longer to style than they are willing apply each day.
In addition, if a client is spending more than 15 minutes styling their hair each day, it’s time for some guidance in working smarter. Hairdressers should identify what is taking so much time and try to help by recommending techniques, tools and or product to make the job easier each day.
Does it tend to hold its shape all day?
It may be common sense that fine hair goes flat and medium hair tends to hold it’s shape, but it doesn’t hurt to find out what that particular head of hair tends to do. This question indicates the tendency of the hair or how well a product or tool is or is not being used. Perhaps the client needs help learning to use a flat iron or isn’t using a strong enough hold styling product.
How much of a change are you looking for?
The crew at Teal Salon prefers to do only small to medium changes.
“I don’t want clients waking up cursing my name,” says Ryan. “I want for them to be as happy with their hair each morning at home as when they leave the salon. Too drastic of a change can cause a client undue stress. I instead recommend getting as many hairstyles out of their hair before cutting bra length to the chin. This allows for a fun period in which they can try things that they normally would not have. If it all ends up back to their chin, then no harm done. That’s where they were heading anyway and in the mean time they just might find something they like better. “
Are you happy with the length?
A good basic question for those who want a change, but don’t know what. If someone really loves their length, a hairdresser doesn’t want to whack it all off and cause them to run screaming, never to be seen again.
Are you happy with the shape?
Changing the shape can be a good way to update a look or introduce a change without going too drastic.It’s important to remember that a truly great cut isnot about what is cut off…it’s about what is left on.
How much texture do you like?
According to the Teals, there are three different levels of textures: non-textured, medium textured and maximum textured. They suggest using photos of current trends to help clients answer this question.
If you could wear your hair as a sign, what would it say? or
What do you want your hair to say about you?
Sexy, sophisticated, wow! The Teals have heard every answer under the sun. This is a defining moment when reading a client. It’s where they really want their hair to be and how they want to be perceived by others. It’s a fabulous tool to define their overall goals. This is the answer to the 20 questions combined.
If I gave you a pair of scissors, where would you start cutting?
It may seem like an odd question to ask a client, but the Teals feel it gives them a great way to cross check previous answers. It reiterates what they really want in a cut and what area or length is important to them. If they barely touch the ends, then this client is nervous about losing length but if they grab a handful of hair and look to cut fistfuls off, then they are clearly ready for a major length change.
What products are you using on your hair? What appliances do you use?
When asking these questions, it’s important for the hairdresser to remember that they’re not reallylooking for brand, they’re looking at what it’s doing and how they, as a professional, can help make it better.
With either of these questions, one can wonder if a client holds back at all. It’s suggested that a disclaimer be announced at the beginning of the interview indicating that expensive services, product or tools are not being pushed on them, but instead they are being offered solutions to any problems with their hair.
“When it comes to product,” says Ryan, “I’m using what’s available in my salon. I chose to have these particular brands in my salon because I believe in them. You will find these same products both at my station or backbar as well as at my home in my shower. We are not a commercial, or a hard sell. I don’t want the client to have more products than we do. Instead of pushing a product on someone, I instead recommend it for next time or when they run out of what they are using now. Giving a brief lesson on how to style their hair, I show them how to use product and appliances appropriately and get the most out of their cut.”
Follow Up Questions
Once the client returns, or with any returning customer, the Teals have another set of follow up questions to see how everything went with the new look. It’s a much shorter series as the groundwork has all been done with the initial 20 questions. These follow up questions run the gambit from what they liked, even disliked about the cut, color, style, length, texture and ease of styling.
They also ask if the client is using some of the styling techniques, products and tools that were taught before and if so, how they worked.The answers paint a very precise picture of how well the client is doing with the new look and lets the hairdresser correct any issues that may need to be addressed.
“It’s about “Teaching Artistry”, adds Ryan. “My haircuts are technically free, it’s the lesson I charge for. I feel it’s important that when a client leaves my chair they need to be able to do the style at home themselves and it’s my job to teach them. To insure their satisfaction, I learn as much as I can about them, their wants and desires. Their lifestyle, specific tastes and level of effort to achieve the goals with their hair. In addition, I teach them what I can to style at home with only the product and tools that they really need. If they are happy, they’ll remember you in a positive way, thus invoking a significant emotional experience to cause them to remember for the next six to eight weeks until you see them again. That is, after all, why most of us became hairdressers…right?”
Successful salon management involves keeping a tight ship and making sure you know what your clientele wants. Here are several great tips to help you manage:
Trends
Keeping up on current hairstyle trends in your area is a must. Make it a priority to know what looks are trending so that you and your salon can stay current by learning new techniques to appeal to your market.
Look and Listen
Pay attention to your clientele. To what they say, and moreso what their body language says. What does it say if a customer says they love their new look, but you never see them again? Some people are hesitant to voice their opinion, so you have to watch them closely. If their body language is telling you something, or their facial expressions look concerned or disappointed, politely offer another option.
Pricing
While you may not want to offer your services at prices so low that customers see it as sub-par work, you need to make sure you aren’t charging so much that they can’t afford to come back a week or month down the road. Look for a balance between too high and too low.
Variety
Think about turning your hair salon into a full service salon. Look into offering facials and other spa services, as well as manicures and pedicures. Also, be certain you cover all of your bases with hair by offering cutting, coloring, styling, and texture services and even some specialties like extensions.
Dress Code
Set a dress code with clear and defined limits for your staff. If in doubt go for all black or even neutrals. In addition to helping hide hair color stains, black is a very universal color that is easy to fit into any wardrobe style.
Environment
Your customers are looking for a warm and inviting salon so that they feel comfortable. It’s important that you provide them with a welcoming environment that is clean and well kept. Remember that first impressions are everything!
Controlling Overhead
Another important factor in successfully managing a hair salon is to keep tight control of your overhead. Do your research and know what retail products your clientele will purchase to avoid having a surplus of merchandise.
Limit the number of employees your salon hires to just what’s needed and then hire accordingly as you grow. While it is sometimes a good idea to have stylists that specialize in a specific area, it is also important that most stylists have the necessary skills to meet most every customer’s needs.
You can also improve your bottom line by reducing office work or eliminating overly redundant employees. Ask yourself, are your stylists really too busy to take time between clients to tidy up themselves? That would lessen the need for a cleaning crew or for them to come as often. Also, consider salon scheduling software to help eliminate the need for a dedicated receptionist or as many receptionists.
What other ideas can you think of to help effectively manage your salon? 
If your dream is to open a hair salon, you’re in luck… the salon industry is growing. Since the most recent recession, the industry has rebounded and is expected to continue growing for several years.
While the timing might be right, you’ll still face a lot of competition, as there are nearly a million salons across the country. However, don’t let that number deflate your ambition…those salons are generating over $40 billion a year in sales.
If you’re committed to opening a salon, you’ll need more than determination to get started. Here are a few things you’ll want to do before you open your shop:
It’s easy to confuse the responsibilities and benefits of social media with that of community management. To help clarify the two entities and identify the best talent for the responsibility in your salon, take a look at this well crafted article by Sarah Judd Welch – CEO/Head of Community Design at Loyal Hello! as posted on American Express OPEN Forum.
The Difference Between a Social Media and Community Manager
Though they can overlap, social media and community managers serve two different business functions. Here’s how to maximize the efficiency of both roles.
If every other company seems to be hiring a community manager these days, it’s not your imagination. Demand for the role has grown 29 percent year over year. But a quick look through job descriptions for community managers may leave hiring managers confused. Isn’t this the same role as a social media manager?
Though the roles may overlap at some companies, they’re different job functions. Social media is an online marketing and communication channel defined by the ability of consumers to create their own content and directly interact with brands and other consumers. A social media manager manages this marketing channel and sometimes also manages the marketing content distributed on the channel.
The goals of social media are to:
While some are still struggling to figure out the Millennials, Generation Z is growing up behind the scenes. Is your salon ready to market to this new and emerging crowd, let alone to hire them?
Born after the mid nineties, Gen Zers are very different than their Millennial counterparts. They are an upbeat and passionate group that wants to take an active role in their communities and their futures. Gen Zers are also independent, entrepreneurial and resourceful, courtesy of growing up during a recession.
Gen Zers are the first truly mobile-first generation, so they place a big emphasis on personalization and relevance. They seem to prefer in-person to online interaction and are educated in emotional intelligence from a young age.
These kids are so mature and eager to listen that they learn fast. Gen Zers are also curious and driven, investigating how to obtain relevant professional experience even before college.
Businesses, including salons, will have to rethink their recruiting and marketing practices to attract this group both as clients and as future salon professionals.
Those who want to take advantage of the Gen Z market need to develop relationships with teenagers in grades seven through 12. To cater to a new set of ever-evolving style trends and to always offer a fresh approach to any services, promotions or events.
On the recruiting side, the suggestion to salon owners and managers is to get into the schools, provide mentorship and education, and put themselves in a position to help shape the career decisions of Gen Zers. To harness the excitement high-school-age kids have about their careers and help them explore their options in the salon industry.
Here are some interesting facts about the next generation of workers and spenders:
The go-to hair and makeup guy for Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, Victor Paul, has over two and a half decades of experience making women look beautiful. Now, he’s co-owner of Victor Paul Salon in Costa Mesa, California, where he specializes in hair styling and color for the women (and yes, even the men) of the O.C.
Believing hair and makeup to be a highly expressive medium, Victor Paul has a wide spectrum of creative and technical abilities that has afforded him with many exciting and vast opportunities. In addition to working behind the chair at his namesake salon, he is also an accomplished session artist. A two-time nominee for the prestigious North American Hairdresser Awards or N.A.H.A., his work has been featured in countless hair and beauty publications worldwide.
Victor Paul has done hair and makeup for numerous advertising campaigns and editorial fashion shoots, with his most recent work being seen for Winston Jewelers. He personally has been written up in Orange Coast, Riviera and ENJOY Life magazines, and has been featured on Good Day L.A. with Jillian Reynolds.
With a refreshing down to earth sincerity, Victor Paul is truly one of today’s top talents. His positive and highly energetic attitude is both welcome and infectious.
“Hair and makeup touches a familiar cord in all of us,” says Victor Paul. “It is the fusion of art with life, and the medium that blends reality with emotion.”
He adds, “My passion with hair is seeing cut, color and style all come together to make everybody feel beautiful. I enjoy the process of figuring out what works on each person. I also believe that education is key and that you can never stop learning or enhancing your craft. I truly love watching new talent come up the ranks as I find the younger generation of hairdressers to be very inspiring.”
The state legislature reached an agreement on a law that would more strictly regulate the state’s nail shops, an expanding industry known for often operating without licenses and paying well under minimum wage, many times forcing workers to labor in deplorable conditions.
The bipartisan bills were introduced at the request of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo shortly after a report in The New York Times uncovered the out of control exploitation of nail workers, a vulnerable group made up largely of immigrants, many of whom are undocumented and thus readily exploited, and work for little or even no pay, existing only on tips.
Pending approval from the Assembly and the Senate, under the new law running an unlicensed salon would become a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. The New York Department of State would also be able to shut unlicensed businesses.
Immediately after The Times’ articles about nail salons were published in May of 2015, the governor convened a task force to address issues in the industry, such as unpaid wages, tax fraud and not carrying workers’ compensation, as business owners must.
According to the NY Times’ article, manicurists are often subjected to long 12-hour shifts and are paid as low as $30 a day, after an extensive learning period where the workers have to pay owners for the opportunity, as well as work for free until the owner deems the worker worthy of making a wage.
Under the new law, nail salons would be required to carry a type of insurance against wage fraud, so that in the event the employers are found to have underpaid workers, the owners cannot rapidly sell their assets and claim to be unable to pay — a tactic often used in such cases.
Several emergency regulations to protect the health of workers were also put into place, like making gloves mandatory when chemicals like acetone are handled by workers, many of whom suffer from burning eyes and throats, and even more serious problems like cancer and miscarriages that may be linked to the chemicals they touch and breathe every day.
In addition, manicurists have long been required to obtain a license in order to work but in reality a large proportion do not. The new law would create a trainee class, which would allow a new worker to register with the state and, for a period of time, practice the trade with hands-on experience and classes while working toward obtaining a license.
It is unanimous – The consensus is in and Premiere is bigger, smarter, prettier and even better than ever! Continuingly making it the most important show in the beauty industry! A standing ovation not only to the Premiere team, but to the attendees, totaling over 57,861, who came out to further their careers and make a difference as the professional beauty authorities!
In addition, Premiere Orlando represents the largest international beauty show in the nation with over 800 exhibiting companies on an impressive 7.3 acre show floor. Exhibitors came to launch products, reveal new collections and invest in the professionals who attended the show because Premiere Orlando is engaging and is the source of progression within the professional beauty industry. With a Show Pass to Premiere Orlando, industry professionals and students were able to experience Main Stage, Hair Color Stage, Educational Classes, Premiere DAYSPA and the Exhibit Floor.
Main Stage was filled with industry leaders and beauty professionals looking to enhance their careers. This year, the star studded line-up included: Paul Mitchell’s Robert Cromeans; Rock Your Hair’s Michael O’Rourke; Sassoon Academy’s Mark Hayes, Traci Sakosits and Richie Rivera; Sam Villa and Andrew Carruthers; Martin Parsons; Christopher Dove and John Simpson; RUSK Creative Team, BaBylissPro Team; and Farouk’s Anna Cantu. Paul Mitchell launched MarulaOil, embodying the line with beautifully styled hair featuring a golden aura of purity. Martin Parsons continues to deliver jaw dropping up-dos, with modern effortless style that brides are seeking this season. Christopher Dove & John Simpson joined forces as 2 industry icons debuting and uniting for the first time on stage with a creative urban street style of modern hair including a futuristic touch of dimensional colors to create the “New Normal.”
Hair Color Stage was sizzling with color enthusiasts looking to get serious education from the color experts. Some of this year’s hair color industry leaders included 2014 NAHA Colorist of the Year, MATRIX’s Chrystofer Benson; Redken’s Celebrity Colorists Tracey Cunningham and David Stanko; Industry Color Icon Beth Minardi; Kim Vo and the ‘Balay LamaTM’ Candy Shaw. Tracey Cunningham and David Stanko shared knowledge, not only working with an impressive celebrity clientele, but also shared their wealth of tips and tricks to answer the most pertinent hair color questions. As Kim Vo continues to create color trends in Hollywood, he presented professionals the latest sought-out colors and showcased his most signature blondes. Balayage, a resurgence of hair coloring technique, was no doubtfully the most sought out technique at the show, which Candy Shaw lead a highly anticipated demonstration that was standing room only on Hair Color Stage.
Classroom Education respectfully is the foundation of what makes Premiere Orlando the most important beauty event of the year. With over 430 complimentary educational class options this year, beauty professionals were able to plan a custom education itinerary that fits their educational needs. Premiere Orlando is a yearly mecca for salon owners, beauty instructors, cosmetologists, nail techs, estheticians, massage therapists and beauty students to enhance their careers.
Nail World continues to grow globally attracting the best in exhibitors, educators and beauty professionals. Optimizing the experiences for Nail Techs, Premiere has added additional complimentary classes, hands-on workshops and larger presences on the exhibit floor. Also, CND continues to provide professional innovation celebrating 5 years of CND Shellac and launching the new CND LED Lamp and CND’s new Shellac Xpress5 Top Coat. We also welcomed the stars from Nail ‘d It, a hit reality competitions series, winner Ashley Craig and semi finalist Lauren Wireman, who offered star studded education and workshops.
Premiere DAYSPA provides unique opportunities for esthetician’s, making it the spa event of the year. With focused education in medestethics, wellness, anti-aging, spa business, massage therapy and make-up, face-to-face and hands-on workshops enriched these professionals skills, techniques and careers. Premiere DAYSPA was the location to launch new products, equipment and technology and offered the latest trends and innovations for the leaders in the spa industry.
Beautiful Experiences is a way for Premiere Orlando to give back to attendees providing exclusive opportunities to meet, learn and mentor from the beauty professional leaders they look up to most. This year’s experiences included an adventure with Robert Cromeans, besties for the day with Candy Shaw, the ultimate hangout with Jan Arnold, stardom with Patrick Starrr, a VIP experience with Anna Cantu and a private Q&A with Beth Minardi.
Save the Date: Premiere Orlando co-locating with free admission into Premiere DAYSPA, will be held June 4, 5 & 6, 2016. Education Days: June 4, 5 & 6. Exhibit Floor Open: June 5 & 6. 
Owning a successful salon facility is a journey and the learning process simply never ends. David Bickle of The David Salon in up-scale Orange County, California knows from first-hand experience and is a shining example of how well the evolution can work.
After much research and consulting with others David found that his already busy salon could improve its color business, both in eliminating color waste and in providing a more efficient facility to accommodate the growing market.
To minimize color waste, David decided to become a certified HeadMapping salon. The HeadMapping system specifically defines areas of the head into sections, creating a “map” that determines exactly how much time, product and cost is required to perform each service. Stylists can then dispense the right amount of color for specific color techniques as well as amounts of hair being colored. In addition to minimizing waste, it helps clearly define pricing for color services.
As far as improving the facility itself, David found that the space allocated for a large color dispensary, nails and spa treatments could instead be used to allow expanded and more effective color services. It made sense to his bottom line to drop nails and part of the spa services to accommodate the growing color market.
The plans were drawn up and David moved forward with the renovation. He had the 217 square room foot enclosed color dispensary room, employee break room and laundry facility that originally floated in the center of the salon removed and instead opened it up into a spacious color bar. The laundry facility was moved into a former massage room and the break area into an enclosed nail space. Three of the walls of the dispensary were removed completely and in its place a seven-station, island-style color bar was added.
“Years later we’re still very pleased with the change,” states David. “ The color bar was the perfect solution for us not only offering the best use of space, but also opening the salon up visually and offering yet more opportunity to interact with our clients. The place looks so much larger and we are so much more efficient even on our busiest days.”
He adds, “Doing our homework, seeking the professional advise of others and always looking ahead has really made a difference in the effectiveness and profitability of the salon. The lesson here is that we as salon owners are never done growing and changing. To be successful in any business one has to evolve as needed and should always be searching for how to make improvements. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. Being in the beauty business we proudly preach change to our clients, but must lead even this part of business by example. Our business is a living, breathing entity and like our clients, is in need of a new, fresh look once in awhile.”
Photo credit: 
Do you find yourself at a loss when it comes to effective ways to promote your services, sell product and build your business? The truth is that learning how to do effective marketing promotion is essential to keep the salon doors open and to maintain a clientele hungry for your salon’s offerings.
Own it
Before you start promoting anything, make sure to choose an idea, product, or service that you really believe in—not something that you just find interesting or that a product manufacturer is pushing.
Also be certain in whatever you promote before you start singing its praises. If you’re not ready to believe in what you’re promoting, then how can you expect anyone else to believe in it?
A Better Offering
One of the best ways to make marketing easier is to offer something that is simple to promote, and if you’re lucky, sells itself to some level. Consider enhancing an existing salon service, adding to your color line to accommodate trends or expanding your retail – all simple ideas that build on existing offerings and increase your value to your clients.
Value First
If you want to be a great promoter, start by showing clients how your product or service can provide value.
For example, you want to bolster your referral business (and bottom line) and you are willing to offer a free conditioning treatment for every referral that leads to a booking. You don’t start by asking your clients to serve up their friends and family as referrals, instead lead with the reward or benefit, in this case the free conditioning treatment. Something like: “How would you like a free conditioning treatment? Simply refer a friend and I’ll add it to your next service.” Simple stuff!
Problem Solve
Instead of offering a service or product and looking for a way to sell it, be on the lookout for problems to solve. Listen to clients when they mention an issue they are having with their hair and then find a way to offer a solution.
For example: You are having an especially humid season and your clients complain about frizz. The solution may be to amp up your promotions for smoothing services and to offer more retail products to smooth and seal hair. Use the problem to your benefit with well-positioned “Frizz-Busting Solutions” in your advertising and salon promotions. Consider aptly designed point of purchase (POP) displays, mirror decals or signage at each station, mentions on social media, as well as in direct marketing pieces such as email blasts. In such a case, you effectively identified the problem and offered a solution, not get the word out there! 
Known in the Southern California area for their precision shear sharpening skills, Nick Cutter and his daughter Nicki were the first father /daughter sharpening team in America. They enjoyed working together in the mobile aspect of their family-owned business where Nicki, the first female Master Sharpener in the nation, was quickly growing her own territory. When not in the field Nick, a seasoned industry veteran and a Grand Master Sharpener, worked the home office along with his wife Ramona, a licensed Cosmetologist, where he serviced mail-in orders.
For five years Nick was also president of the National Shear Sharpeners Guild (NSSG), a respected and longest running association for educating and board certifying sharpeners of professional haircutting scissors. During much of that time Nicki proudly assisted along side her father for meetings and events, and was heavily involved in the education process. The father / daughter duo seemed to find the perfect balance between family and business, and flourished in a field they loved so dearly.
On a fateful day in August of 2012 37-year-old Nicki found herself in the hospital facing a deadly diagnosis of advanced cancer. She didn’t even have time to get her affairs in order before she lost her battle in a matter of a month. Sadly Nicki left behind her parents, a new husband, two teenage daughters, and a very loyal, stunned and heartbroken clientele.
Salon professionals are no strangers to long workdays, and during some seasons, even long workweeks.
The business atmosphere for salons is very competitive and many have to offer more value year after year just to survive. And more value for the customer can translate into longer hours for salon owners, managers and employees alike.
Extended workweeks may be necessary to meet the need and to produce results, but they can also add stress and strain for workers, not to mention cause other issues. This is where management and leadership come into play.
To strike a balance and stay competitive without burning out your salon employees, consider these tactics:
Expectations
Be clear about how much you expect employees to work. As a salon owner or manager you want to make sure that employees realize you don’t expect them to put in the kind of hours you do. Otherwise they may assume that you expect it, which may weigh on their happiness and productivity.
Minimize Stress
Burnout from extended hours may can come from the work itself or even more so from the stressful environment in which employees find themselves working.
Consider holding quick debriefings each week to ask employees what stressful problems came up that could have been avoided, and put systems in place to prevent those problems from reoccurring.
Offer Flexibility
Flexibility in the work environment can be an important asset individual salons can offer over their corporate chain counterparts. Consider allowing flexibility in hours whenever possible for doctors’ appointments, to pick up children at school / daycare and to attend school functions or to run a few errands over an extended lunch break during quieter times. Also, take time off during slower business seasons or whenever possible and urge your employees to do the same. It will help prevent burnout.
Be Fair
If you want to keep talented employees, treat and pay them fairly. Overworked employees can be understandably sensitive to an imbalanced workload where some employees work longer hours or on more complex tasks than others. This is a surefire way to upset your best workers, so be sensitive to the issue.
Be Appreciative
When employees do an exceptional job, such as work extra hours during a busy season, acknowledge it. The appreciation can come in any form but stepping up to give them a verbal acknowledgement in always appreciated.
Regardless of how you handle your salon work schedule, remember that a happy worker (at any level) makes for a happy work environment!
Do you have any suggestions for finding balance? Comment below… 
Do you really need business insurance for your salon? Absolutely! You know the saying… crap happens! Well, that’s the cleaned up version anyway. Unexpected mishaps are the worst enemy of any type of business and making plans to deal these situations in advance is just a good business practice.
Why Have Insurance?
Not only are most businesses required to have some form of coverage by law, the idea of preparing for the worst just makes good business sense. Fire, theft, and employee, let alone client accidents or lawsuits can destroy a business and even tap personal assets, like your home or savings.
Outweighing the Costs
Insurance costs should be considered from the initial concept of opening a salon and factored into the overhead expenses. Nobody wants to pay high premiums, but having to pay out-of-pocket for any claims (which DO happen) can cost much more in the long run. One small disaster, let alone a major catastrophe, can cause the quick demise of a small business that is not insured.
A common misconception is that small business insurance is expensive, however in the grand scheme of things, not having insurance could be MUCH more expensive.
The Basics
Go for insurance solutions to at least cover basic property and casualty risks (liability) and then decide what sort of deductable is right for your situation. The higher your deductable, the lower the premiums. However, don’t shoot yourself in the foot with an unreasonable expectation should something go wrong. The best suggestion is to not have a deductable higher than your business savings account. An account with a balance that you never draw from, except in the case of a claim.
Managing Risk
Risk management, in the realm of insurance, is the process of understanding, evaluating and addressing possible risks in your business that may cause an insurance claim. Managing risk is also the key to successfully keeping insurance costs under control.
Recognize and act upon areas of concern including potential risks to both employees and clients. Install safety precautions as needed, provide regular monitoring and claim evaluations to help prevent future claims, and examine all reoccurring claims. If something in your salon causes injury, property damage, or any other claim that costs you money, it needs to be identified and corrected right away.
Insurance Types
There is no standard answer for the types of insurance a business should carry but as a business owner, you are liable for what happens in and around your business. Therefore, at the very least, liability insurance should be a top priority to protect both your business and personal assets.
As far as workers’ compensation insurance, requirements vary from state to state so do some research in your area. Regardless, some form of workers’ compensation coverage should be in place to cover employee medical and disability expenses, but also to cushion the complications of employee claims. According to the insurance industry, employees versus clients make the majority of claims. Make sure you are ready for the proverbial rainy day with the right insurance.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is honored to announce the highly anticipated finalists for the 2015 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). As the most prestigious photographic beauty competition in North America, NAHA celebrates the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry. Becoming a NAHA winner is a pinnacle achievement for licensed beauty professionals. The industry’s greatest talent in hair, nails and makeup continue to push the boundaries of trend-setting style year after year. Drawing from leading editorial, celebrity and platform artists whose work graces top fashion and beauty magazines, runway shows and red carpets, NAHA is the culmination of style, beauty trends and sheer artistry.
NAHA trophies are awarded in 14 distinct categories including Avant Garde, Contemporary Classic, Editorial Stylist of the Year, Haircolor, Make-Up Artist of the Year, Master Hairstylist of the Year, Men’s Hairstylist of the Year, Nail Professional of the Year, Newcomer Stylist of the Year, Salon Design, Salon Team, Student Hairstylist of the Year, Texture, and the highest and most coveted award, Hairstylist of the Year. Additionally, a 15th NAHA award will be given to the People’s Choice Award winner. Finalists for the People’s Choice category will be chosen from the top five finalists who accrue the most “likes” on their collection through PBA’s Facebook page.
As part of this year’s NAHA celebration, PBA is encouraging finalists to post their respective “I’m a 2015 NAHA finalist!” graphic with #NAHA2015on their social media pages as a way for their followers to support them on their journey to NAHA. The 2015 NAHA Awards Ceremony is open to ALL and will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. This is an evening filled with high-energy, creative expression and artistic presentations by Matrix, Redken, Aveda, and 2014 Hairstylist of the Year winner, Alain Pereque.
Fashion stylist and TV personality, Brad Goreski, has been chosen as the 2015 NAHA host. Goreski is a fashion stylist, lifestyle expert and one of the new hosts of E!’s “Fashion Police.” He is the former star of Bravo’s “It’s a Brad, Brad World” and currently serves as the Brand Stylist for Kate Spade New York for which he has styled a number of print and digital campaigns, as well as numerous fashion presentations at New York Fashion Week. Some of the clients Goreski has worked with include Jessica Alba, Demi Moore, Christina Ricci, Rashida Jones, Sarah Hyland, Jordana Brewster and Jenna Dewan Tatum. Goreski’s work has been featured in a number of publications, including InStyle, Details, Redbook and LA Confidential, among other outlets, and he has been featured twice on the cover of the New York Times style section.
The 2015 NAHA Red Carpet Reception and Awards Ceremony will be broadcast live, via streaming video, courtesy of PBA. Those interested in watching the live broadcast will need to register at probeauty.org/naha/live.
NAHA continues to draw judges from a diverse and internationally renowned list of hairstylists and makeup artists from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, and Switzerland. Judges included Robert Lobetta, Sam Brocato, Tabatha Coffey, Sam Villa, Sharon Blaine, just to name a few. Via a blind judging process, entries were narrowed down to five finalists per category, and only one winner in each category will be chosen. To view the work of all the NAHA finalists and to learn more about NAHA, visit 
Communication is a simple concept and in theory should be easily achieved, however in reality it’s one of the most difficult skills to master. More of an art form than a science; communication is about knowing how to express ideas.
When done verbally, as we usually do in salons, communication is more about how to listen, understand, encourage, and influence. Here are several techniques to help improve your communication skills.
Always Be Positive
Communication can be positive or negative through both verbal communication and body language. Listeners can sense negative thoughts and feelings and will tend to react accordingly, so think before you speak. Also, be conscious of your body language, as it’s more obvious than you think.
Be Enthusiastic
Passion comes through when a person is really excited about whatever they are talking about. It’s not really possible to win favor with someone when you are not excited about the topic yourself. Engage and enthuse your listener with your own excitement.
Side Step Being Condescending
Make every effort to avoid talking down to anyone, no matter your position or rank. Remember that employees are your greatest assets and for them to be enthusiastic for you and your business, they need to feel appreciated and part of the daily operations. Unhappy employees move on or become negative in the work environment, which in turn affects your daily operations and eventually your customers.
Listen, Listen, Listen
In order to communicate effectively, listening must be a big part of the equation, even if you disagree with the other person or persons. If you are not truly listening to the other side, you’ll miss opportunities to consider another perspective, but also to allow employees to contribute to the business and feel appreciated.
Keep an Open Mind
There is usually more than one opinion on any subject or way of doing any task. Being open-minded during the communication process means that you are considering the best option to whatever you are discussing. Effective communication also allows others to be heard and their ideas to be considered.
Be Thoughtful & Say the Right Thing
In business, people often forget the feelings of others. We all like to be treated in a certain way and employees and customers are no different. In addition to listening to contributions that others may have, also take the time to say; “please, thank you, and you’re welcome” at every possible opportunity (and mean it). A little appreciation really does go a long way!
In a nutshell, effective communication can improve your employee relations, your salon’s daily operations and your bottom line. It does not always come easy, but the end result is well worth the effort: Happier employees, happier work environment, happy clients, and eventually a better bottom line. Simple stuff! 
We all know that more retail sales equals more profit but do you know that your conversation with your client is where the sale starts? It’s true! Initiating conversion when a client is having their treatment / service allows you to gain their trust while analyzing their at-home hair care and styling needs.
It’s also an opportunity to subtly plant product suggestions for easier or better at-home care. It just takes a little time and effort to master the process while jump-starting your retail sales bottom line.
Product Informed
First, get to know the products your salon offers and their capabilities so you can effectively recommend the best solutions for your clients. Read the labels, visit the brand’s website, try things out to get a feel for what it can do and then make note for later. This is part of the education process that will help you become a better retailer.
Assumption Free
Dismiss any personal beliefs you may have about pricing for the salon’s retail offering or make assumptions about what the client can or cannot afford. Your responsibility to is to recommend the best possible solutions for their needs, to point out the differences over less expensive or “drug-store” brands and then let the client decide from there. Your attitude and enthusiasm for the product does play a factor so make sure you are conveying the right message to your clients.
Pay Attention
It’s always important to understand as much as you can about the client rather than make assumptions or offer a generic sales pitch. Make an effort to get to know their hair, how it behaves, problem areas or even struggles the client may have when styling at home. Ask your client what’s important to them when it comes to product performance or what their specific hair care needs may be, that way you can unlock their key reason for accepting a sale. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their styling and daily care regime and what areas they feel could use some help.
Subtlety is Key
This is where problem solving comes in. Offer styling tips, techniques, as well as products and tools to help solve any issues they may be having. Show them the steps you use to style their hair and offer better ways they can do the same thing for themselves at home. Now that you’ve offered up some (free) advice, it will be much easier for them to step up with purchasing retail when they check out.
Also, remember to communicate the importance of using high quality products on their hair and why it’s vital to buy products from the salon versus online or at the drugstore / supermarket. And when clients do make a purchase, thank them for supporting a local (likely small) business. A little thanks really can go a long way! 
Salon owners and booth or suite renters, do you ever wonder how you can tell if your business is a success? Is it enough to put in 12-14 hour days or to promote your services endlessly? While only time will tell if a business is successful or not, here are five simple ways to determine whether or not yours is on the right path.
In the Black
Profitability, or running your books “in the black,” is probably the first thing people think about when measuring success. Basically, is the business making money? If there’s any money left after paying your monthly bills, then you are doing something right. However, if you find that your bottom line is always running “in the red,” your chances of success become much less likely.
A Growing Clientele
Having a clientele that is growing is a sure sign of success. It says that you are reaching your target market. The long-term growth of your salon is tied directly to your ability to not only reach your target market, but to expand your clientele to accommodate your long-term goals. Without an ever-expanding customer base, your success will be limited, at best.
Customer Satisfaction
The satisfaction of your customers is an indication that your company understands the needs of your salon clients, which is crucial to the strength of your business. Just remember: Happy clients tell a few people about their positive experience while unhappy ones tell at least 20. Having strong customer service polices will help insure the success of your company.
Employee Satisfaction
If you have employees, it’s important to do everything in your power to keep them happy with their job. Employee satisfaction spills over into the work environment and is contagious to others. Unhappy employees, on the other hand, become a major problem for moral. Develop a work environment that rewards employees for their hard work and let them know that they are appreciated, that way they are much more likely to go the extra mile for you.
Owner Satisfaction
Much like with your employees, if you’re happy, the work environment is happy. On the other side of things, if you’re not pleased with your business, it won’t be long before your dissatisfaction affects everyone else, including salon customers. Every once in a while do a reality check to identify the source of any dissatisfaction and then make the needed changes before it’s too late.
Surprisingly, few salons take full advantage of social media and its potential reach. In today’s day and age, that’s simply shocking! It just takes some time, effort and upkeep to allow it to work for you.
Although most salons do have a website, their social media presence usually remains scattered at best. Too many times an old Facebook page sits dormant, twitter account remains tweet-less and Pinterest goes unpinned, while younger staff dabbles instead on Instagram and other platforms for their own benefit. In such a case, there may be an occasional makeover or up-style posted, but those are usually found on personal accounts mixed in with food posts, cute puppy snaps or what should be private rants. Not exactly the most professional presence for a business!
If your salon does not already have a social media presence, it’s time to step up with one. And if they do have social media accounts, it may be time to fine-tune the existing presence to be more professional looking and effective. Here are a few suggestions:
Handle This
Much like a business is all about location, location, location, social media is about being found, liked, followed and, hopefully, shared. In order to be shared, your business profile must be easily found. If you don’t already have them, set up accounts on all major social media platforms using easy to remember and, if possible, consistent handles (@YourSalonName).
Brand Power
Consider setting up your profile with your actual logo, not just a picture of your logo, and a “hero” or beauty shot of your salon or the benefits from your salon (hint: it’s great hair). Align your profile if possible with brand colors and make sure your logo and or signage appears occasionally in posts to keep the profile / page branded.
In the case of your salon Facebook page, fill in the section that allows you to post your salon hours, location, summary, etc., and then swing around and add pricing information as a note. If the salon pricing changes, be sure and update this section right away. In addition to the summary “about us” for all social platforms, be sure and add links whenever possible to other social media platforms, as well as your salon webpage. That way everybody can find more information about your salon, maybe even book an appointment, with little effort.
Consistency is Key
Once a presence has been established, set up a regular schedule of posts at least a few times a week. Don’t just wait for something to happen…Plan ahead: Like a month at a time. Also, assign others the task of keeping up the presence if you are too busy. It can be the regular duties of your receptionist, a responsible assistant or anyone on staff who has the desire. Or, perhaps you assign it on a rotating basis so you get the benefit of multiple admins. You can also hire an outside social media specialist to do it for you. Regardless, just remember to set standards and to give them the needed ammo to keep up the posts.
Here are some ideas for possible social media posts that salons may wish to consider:
In honor of National Hairstylist Appreciation Day on April 30, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is honoring all beauty professionals throughout the month of April as part of their “I Am Licensed” movement and dedicating April as #IAmLicensed Month. To celebrate the hard work and dedication of all those in the beauty industry, PBA is asking all licensed professionals and licensing supporters to post 15-second videos to their respective social media accounts about the importance of licensing and how it has impacted them, using the hashtag #IAMLICENSED. PBA will then repost these videos through their own social media platforms. Licensed professionals also have the opportunity to choose from two social graphics to repost and help celebrate #IAMLicensed Month.
“Our goal is to create a social media revolution in support of licensing. While we’ve made great strides as an industry, this issue remains an obstacle in various states. Social media is a great tool to continue the efforts of the “I Am Licensed” movement and to reach licensing supporters across the country. Bringing clients and consumers into the conversation is an important component of the movement, and #IAMLicensed Month will help to reach more clients and consumers via their licensed professional whom they trust. Together we can not only honor hard-working, dedicated beauty professionals, but continue and grow our fight against deregulation,” said Bridget Sharpe, PBA’s Manager of Government Affairs and Industry Relations.
PBA’s “I Am Licensed” movement is already gaining momentum in 2015. In February, PBA received the Public Affairs Council’s (PAC) 2015 Grassroots Innovation Award for Social Media Innovation for the this campaign. PBA was honored for its unique approach to engaging, empowering and activating their grassroots advocates. In response to threats of deregulation within the professional beauty industry, PBA created a visual grassroots plan to appeal to its unique audience. At the cornerstone of the campaign was the “probeautyiam” Instagram account and the #IAMLICENSED hashtag. PBA encouraged its members and social media followers to post photos of themselves or other “I Am Licensed” collateral using the hashtag.
Launched in 2013, the “I Am Licensed” movement aims to build a stronger, more united front of licensed professionals, and arm them with information to share with their clients on why licensing is important to protect the public from potential harm and the spread of communicable diseases. Many states across the U.S. have or are considering measures to deregulate occupational licensing, often focusing on the cosmetology industry. However, if the beauty industry were deregulated and licensing requirements removed at the state level, manufacturers, distributors, salon owners, licensed professionals, and most importantly, consumers would be negatively affected. To combat deregulation and its repercussions, the “I Am Licensed” movement also seeks to arm all licensed professionals with information to educate law makers in their states on the importance of maintaining state cosmetology boards and regulations. For additional information, including tips on how to get involved in the “I Am Licensed” movement, please visit 
Have you always dreamed of owning your own salon? Before signing that lease or ordering your business cards, ensure your success by avoiding the risks and pitfalls faced by many small businesses during the startup phase.
Here are some of the main reasons small businesses fall short right out of the gate:
Not Enough Capital
Many new salon owners launch their businesses with the misconception that the business will grow and profit despite major under-funding. Without proper funding, you will not have all of the needed resources to help your business properly launch, let alone prosper and you risk potential failure.
To acquire the required resources, capital will need to be raised from various sources. Beyond your own savings, consider financing through a bank or private funds, and even from family and friends. Do be careful not to put all of your funds into the salon, as you’ll have nothing should things go south, so to speak.
Lack of Planning
Informed planning is essential in starting your salon so begin with market demographics and cost estimates, which can be resourced from your local chamber of commerce.
Bad Location
For a salon, location is everything! Lower rent payments mean nothing if you don’t have any customers or if clients, let alone staff, have nowhere to park. Before deciding on a location, check into what major draws are around you (for walk-in traffic), how secure the area is at night, what sort of issues or even planning the city or shopping center has for any developments that may affect you and your location.
Not Knowing Your Competition
You have to be prepared to deal with competition, which can be tough when you’re the new guy on the block. It’s best to know what you’re up against, so take the time to get to know your competitors. Take note of what they’re doing right, and how you can position your business to get a piece of the same market.
Not Getting the Word Out
Even though word-of-mouth promotion is the most credible way to grow a loyal clientele, it does not pay your rent while trying to initially build. Be sure and allocate funds for advertising, promotions and social media to spread the word even faster.
Not Anticipating Growth
Although you shouldn’t count on it to happen right away, you do need to be ready with a plan in case your business grows quickly. Otherwise you could have chaos on your hands or, even worse, it could cause your business to self-destruct from the inside out. The only way to avoid this problem is to plan early on for growth so you will be prepared for it when it does come.
Do you have any other words of advice for those looking to open a salon?
Whether you are just launching your website or have been online for years, here are some ways you can easily take your business to the next level.
Continued from
So, you’ve finally decided to create a salon website. Good for you…And welcome to the 21st century, by the way. Having a website for your business is a valuable tool that not only informs existing clients, but is also a draw for potential clients.
Here are some suggestions for getting the project going and marketing it once the site is up and running.
Research
Prior to building your website, check out what your competitors are doing for their online presence. Analyze what does and does not work and then, short of copying the look and feel of what they are doing, draw on the experience to make your site the best it can be. After you’ve launched, revisit competitor websites at least once a month to see if they’ve updated.
Simplicity
Today’s web user wants information quickly but does not want obstacles on the way. Instead of an elaborate site that has many levels and a ton of information, consider a simple structure that’s easy to navigate with visuals that speak to your market. In addition to pretty images of hair and even shots of your salon, be sure and include the following information on your site: Salon contact information including how to book an appointment, a simple “about us” statement, pricing for your services, and access to press pieces, testimonials and reviews.
If you want to include information about the talent within the salon, do individual headshots of your crew and assemble a quick bio or statement for each one. Be sure and list experience and areas of specialty for each one.
Access to social media is also important on your site. Be sure to include a “follow us” or “like us” button and link for each of the various social media platforms in which you have a presence for your salon.
Copy
Although there needs to be enough written information to make your site useful, avoid the temptation of long blocks of copy or a writing style that does not suit your market. Since the wording is how search engines call up information, you want any wording on your site to be readable (versus just in a graphic) and well targeted so your salon can be found. In addition to using a voice that your market will appreciate, make sure you are using terms in the copy that reflect how a client might search for your services.
Market
Your salon website will be useless unless your market knows it exists. To attract visitors, market your site through search engines, on your business cards, in your salon (like at the front desk, on receipts, etc), and on every business listing or form of advertising you do. To reach further, consider setting a budget aside for online advertising and or to consult with a digital marketing professional.
Monitor
To monitor traffic on your site, be sure and use any number of free web analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
Update
There’s nothing worse than building an online presence and then, no matter how beautiful it is, not updating it. Your salon’s website is a valuable tool that needs to be kept up to be truly efficient. Set up reminders on your schedule to revisit and update your site on a regular basis.
Looking for ways to help market your site? Check out part 2 here!
Newsflash! Most of your clientele does not come to you solely because of your talent as a hairdresser. They naturally expect good service and a great end result, but what keeps them coming back is, well….YOU! In truth, it’s your witty conversation and ability to listen. To them, you are their salon therapist.
Even if you are the best hair cutter, colorist or even finisher, if you can’t chat it up with your clients and engage them in conversation, you will never be as successful as other salon therapists who can. Why not make the most of the time you have with them and keep them coming back for more in later “sessions”?
Get Them Talking
Ask questions about your client’s day, their family, work, special plans for the weekend, etc. Anything that gets them talking. As much as possible, go for the type of questions that require more than a yes or no answer, that way the conversation keeps going and it’s not just you talking.
Research Topics
Keep up on current events, pop culture and what’s trending so that you have something to talk about. If nothing else it gives you a way to initiate a conversation based on your client’s interests.
Keep Notes
Try to keep records of your client’s interests as well as topics of any conversations you have had with them. That way the next time they come in, you have a better idea of where you left off.
Truly Listen
To live up to the honorary therapist title, you must be able to keep the conversation going with a client. That means intently listening to their answers to your questions and reciprocating, making sure the conversation is about them, and not you (unless they ask). Don’t work too hard to roll out the next question. Instead, roll with the direction they take the conversation.
Bonding Moments
Forming a relatable bond with your client will keep a relaxed and friendly conversation rolling. However, sometimes for whatever reason, the conversation simply stalls or never truly develops a good rhythm. If things are not going well, consider subtly mimicking body language and speech patterns. The tactics, if kept under the radar, are ways of making yourself seem more like your client and therefore more relatable. The key thing to remember is that conversation is a two-way street and if nothing is working, you may simply just not click with this specific client. Learn from these experiences and work to target the type of client you want in your chair. That way the 30-90 minute service flows along nicely, like the conversation!
Do you have any other ideas that have worked to spark up a client conversation? 
Ever wonder why your employees are not as motivated or dedicated to your business as you are? As a salon owner, you want your enthusiasm to carry over but your employees simply see things differently. Not being the owner or having a stake in the business, there’s just not as much in it for them as there is for you.
It is, however, possible to motivate your employees without giving them a share in the company. Here are some suggestions:
Teambuilding
Employees want to feel like they’re part of a team, as it gives them a sense of worth that goes far beyond the paycheck. Make sure they know that you understand that every contribution counts and that it takes all members of the team for the salon to function effectively.
As the salon owner, you also take on the role as a coach. It’s your responsibility to clarify each team members’ role and to help them understand how they fit into the overall team.
Also, involve employees in the decision-making process and truly listen to their input. This sort of teamwork mentality encourages everyone to reach for the salon goals together.
Reaching Goals
Just as you have goals for your business, your employees have their own goals for their careers. Encourage them to develop a career plan and do your best to help them accomplish their goals. Usually their goals can be incorporated into the company’s goals, which present a winning situation for everybody.
Props and Perks
Although you don’t want the financial side to be the only form of motivation, do consider some sort of a reward to employees for hitting a personal or salon goal. If nothing else, be sure you acknowledge each of them for their contributions and successes. Gratitude really does go a long way.
Leading by Example
The best way to motivate your staff is to be enthusiastic and a positive role model. A positive team-oriented attitude becomes infectious in a nurturing environment, especially when everybody is working toward the same goals.
What would help motivate you (as an employee) or your team? 
We all shutter at the thought of an IRS audit but sometimes it’s unavoidable. To lessen your chances of this nightmare happening to you, study up on the practices that make the possibility of an audit more likely.
Salon owners and booth renters: Consider the following to help reduce your chances of the A-word:
Cash Transactions – Businesses that have a lot of cash transactions, including tips, are among the most audited. Be sure and keep detailed records, including your tips and don’t forget to declare income.
Unprofitable Businesses – If your business doesn’t earn a profit for three out of five years, the IRS may consider it a hobby.
Business Expenses – As tempting as it is to write off personal expenses as business expenses, don’t do it. The IRS will dig even deeper if the records aren’t clearly separated.
Round Numbers – If all your amounts have zeroes at the end, such as $2500, etc., it may be a red flag, as the IRS may think that your business is estimating versus using actual figures.
High Deductions – If your business has relatively high deductions compared to the amount of income it generates, it might raise a red flag. Keep careful records to show all such deductions are legitimate.
Home Office Deduction – For some reason, the IRS is particularly interested in enforcing the provision that involves the deduction for a home office. Carefully weight the benefits of such a deduction over the increased likelihood of an audit.
The Right Help – Other suggestions to help avoid an audit include hiring professionals to help. A certified accountant is worth the expense and using a good bookkeeper and payroll service will make the recordkeeping and tax preparation a breeze.
Have you ever been audited? Any suggestions to help others avoid an IRS visit?
Gotta love this time of the year when every creative in town shows up for New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The designers, makeup artists and hair gurus come out in force all looking to shape the next season’s trends.
This week witnessed well-crafted coifs topping the creations of every top designer whose work graced the catwalk. A great opportunity to pick up a little creative inspo to take into the salon, here are some of our faves from NYFW so far.
Mara Hoffman paired her super-flow-y, printed designs with lived-in, destroyed desert braids (pictured above). Created by CATWALK by TIGI Global Creative Director Nick Irwin, these styles offered a mixed metaphor of texture with mostly swingy lengths and highly textured, cinched and interwoven finishes.
In today’s market, having a successful business has less to do with basic marketing and positioning (although you do need those things) and more to do with building a lasting impression so that others want to share the experience.
Chances are that at least once in your life you’ve had such a great experience at a local business that you felt the need to tell others about it. Why not position your salon to be so share-worthy that clients can’t resist telling others about your service?
Word of Mouth Influence
The great thing about word of mouth influence and people talking about your salon positively is that it the most influential form of marketing available to you. It’s easy for you to talk about your business being great, but when someone else does it, it carries a lot more credibility.
Social Sound Off
With the vast array of social media platforms in use these days, people have the ability to easily talk about what is on their minds. It’s a perfect platform to sound off about how great your salon is, so why not make it easy for them to do so.
Opportunities for Impressions
Salons are a service-based business, so if you make your service exceptional, people will remember and comment accordingly. The moment they step foot in your salon, they are critiquing everything: The first impression of the facility, the way they were greeted, the coffee that was served, music that was played, the conversation, the cleanliness of the stations, and, yes, even how they liked their hair. It’s not just about the service they came in for, it’s the attention to detail that they remember. It’s all the little things combined that matter…And how welcomed and comfortable they felt while in your salon.
Be Memorable
Make sure that your entire salon is on board with this service-first attitude so that your team can work together towards the common goal….Great comments, reviews and LOTS of shares!
What are some ways your salon works hard to ensure a memorable experience? Do tell!