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This page contains all entries posted to Hairdressers Journal Interactive - Business in May 2008. They are listed from oldest to newest.
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Locating the Perfect Site for your Hair Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 1, 2008 10:29 AM
Finding the right site for a new salon is one of the biggest challenges faced by anyone looking to launch an enterprise or expand an existing business.
There are a huge number of boxes that need ticking before it’s time to sign on the dotted line. For example, does a location have the potential clientele you are looking for? Does the site offer room for expansion as business increases? What competition exists in the local area – and will you offer something different?
Sites that fit all, or even most, of your criteria are hard to come by – especially if price is an issue, which is why it's essential to have a clear idea of what you are looking for and what will complement your vision for the salon before you begin:
Continue reading "Locating the Perfect Site for your Hair Salon" »
Tags: hair salons
Finding the Right Photographer for your Hair Shoot
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 9:24 AM
It takes more than a great hairstyle to create a beautiful image.
Everything needs to be taken into account - make-up, the clothes, the lighting and the shot. Is it a head and shoulders portrait or a full-length editorial image?
Choosing the right photographer can make the difference between a fantastic, eye-catching image, or a shot that is missing that certain something. And while you may be sticking to a budget, it's important that you don't scrimp on putting the team together. Photographers' fees vary, and you do get what you pay for - their vision, their experience and their style.
Choosing the Right Photographer
Before putting together a team, it's a good idea to research the photographer. Look through magazines and make a note of names whose style you like. Every photographer has a different style and although most can be adaptable, they will have a signature look. Here are a selection of photographers who regularly work in the hair industry.
Continue reading "Finding the Right Photographer for your Hair Shoot" »
Tags: hair photography , photographers
Beating the Credit Crunch in your Hair Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 10:53 AM
Dated: May 8, 2008 10:53 AM
Hellen Ward is managing director of the Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa in London’s Sloane Square.
She has introduced various schemes to ensure her successful salon in the centre of the capital is running at its full potential.
Here is her advice on maximising your business and how to fight the economic downturn.
Continue reading "Beating the Credit Crunch in your Hair Salon" »
Tags: Hellen Ward
Employers Duties and Staff Rights in a Salon Takeover
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:07 AM
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:07 AM
When buying their first salon, many owners purchase an existing business with an established turnover. Not surprisingly, the focus is often on their vision of the interior design, name and prospects for expansion. A similar situation occurs when existing salon owners buy a second salon.
The current staff, their terms and conditions and other rights are often forgotten. While business transfers are very complex and it is always advisable to obtain professional advice.
However, here is David Wright, who advises habia and a range of salons, answers to some frequently-asked questions about existing staff's rights.
Continue reading "Employers Duties and Staff Rights in a Salon Takeover" »
Putting Together a Winning Team for a Photo Shoot
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 6:57 PM
Dated: May 8, 2008 6:57 PM
With an idea of the perfect image in your head, bringing it to life means working with a team of people who share the same vision. With tear sheets, ideas and inspiration all put together on a mood board, it is easy for everyone to envisage the end result.
Despite the focus being on the hair, it is essential all elements of your collection work together, including the clothes and make-up.
A natural theme of nudes and beiges in floating chiffon-like material needs to be complemented by the make-up; thick eyeliner and bright red lips will look out of place. And although you might think you have a great style, recreating it on a model is harder than it seems.
Being a follower of fashion and great with accessories doesn't always qualify you to style on a photo shoot - a professional stylist can bring a valuable new dimension to a collection.
Continue reading "Putting Together a Winning Team for a Photo Shoot" »
Tags: Clothes stylists , hair photo shoots , hair photography
Boutique chic at Headlines Elite
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 9, 2008 10:28 AM
Dated: May 9, 2008 10:28 AM
The late Michael Charlesworth’s flagship salon venture Headlines Elite in the heart of Sheffield has proved a clever move – not only is there an absence of hairdressing competition in the area, but also the salon occupies a prime location in a city that’s riding high on a regeneration boom.
The potential of the first-floor shell with massive windows overlooking the mall was obvious, and Michael embarked on an ambitious two-month refurbishment.
In order to function effectively as the group’s flagship salon and the Headlines Elite Training Academy, it was essential to create a flexible space."We wanted a theory and demonstration area that could convert back into a salon format in minutes," said Michael.
"We achieved this by utilising the centre of the salon and installing ingenious, bespoke, moveable units linked to flexible electricity points, a retractable screen linked to a DVD, and computer links into a central pod."
For the look, Michael was inspired by his experience of boutique hotels worldwide and has created a balance of indulgence, luxury and wow factor tempered by classic design considerations.
The salon attracts a diverse clientele including yummy mummies, silver surfers, metropolitans, metrosexuals and students. Strategic viewing spaces are incorporated around the salon for displaying images from recent photographic collections.
This haven of luxury and contemporary hairdressing has a tasteful, but distinctive décor. Off-white walls showcase the ambient lighting effects, and combine with imagery for an art gallery feel. Retro-patterned wallpaper contrasts perfectly with cream, painted walls while the porcelain floor combines polished beauty with hard-wearing properties.
Continue reading "Boutique chic at Headlines Elite" »
Tags: Headlines Elite , salon interiors
Fun and Eclectic - Adee Phelan Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 14, 2008 12:44 PM
Dated: May 14, 2008 12:44 PM
Adee Phelan has led a varied hairdressing career. After starting at Lee Stafford and winning HJ's 2000 Men's Hairdresser of the Year, he was a star on TV's The Salon and one of the founders of the award-winning Bloww salon, before setting up his own eponymous enterprise in London's Covent Garden.
Adee spotted the former Duffer of St George clothing store and stripped it back to its bare bones.
"I wanted to move away from the corporate look and create a fun, eclectic and modern interior where clients could enjoy their salon experience," he explains.
Adee knew exactly what he wanted to achieve and spent a year planning the project. Taking inspiration from boutique hotels and stylish loft apartments, Adee incorporated interesting design elements to create a quirky space.
An old-fashioned bed was cut in half to create a sofa, a pink lacquered piano acts as a hair station and mannequins were turned into light installations. One of the biggest jobs was designing the ceiling around the reception chandelier.
"This salon was designed to appeal to everyone as there are so many elements to suit every discerning taste," he says.
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Fact FileName: Adee PhelanAddress: 29 Shorts Garden,Covent Garden, London Owner: Adee Phelan Size: 3,000sq ft Staff: 17 Styling stations:16 Budget: £750,000 Financing: Private investment Design: Ryan McElhinney Furniture: Antiques and Ryan Features:Bespoke, antiques How to Achieve the LookDesign: Ryan McElhinney - 07764 450775 |
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Tags: Adee Phelan
Going Digital: Software in your Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 19, 2008 12:57 PM
Dated: May 19, 2008 12:57 PM
Computers strike fear into the hearts of many salon teams, but today's systems and software are uncomplicated and offer business-boosting solutions.
We've asked IT experts from leading salon technology providers for advice on why embracing technology is easier than you think.
What support will I receive when setting up my salon software?
Depending on the package you go for, your software supplier should offer extensive support to ensure you feel confident with your new technology from the outset. Initial advice ranges from in-salon training on installation, to comprehensive handbooks, manuals and checklists.
Where can I go for advice if I get stuck?
Any reputable salon technology provider will issue a helpline number, so you can ask for advice whenever you need it. Some even offer a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service.
What kind of training will I get for myself and my team?
Leading software suppliers will always ensure you, as the salon owner, are fully trained in using a system before going live with the new technology. Many also offer training courses for salon teams, to help brief your colleagues on mastering the programs, as well as training DVDs or the opportunity to attend workshops or bespoke courses.
I'm not good with computers. Are these systems difficult to use?
Salon management programs have been designed with you in mind, and the companies behind these systems realise your skills are far more likely to lie in hairdressing or business management than in technical wizardry. As a result, they're kept simple and are clear and intuitive, often with large icons, easy-access charts and sometimes touch-screen technology so you don't even need to master a mouse.
Will investing in technology pay for itself in the long run?
Many systems give you the opportunity to raise your average client spend, by remembering details that help win customer loyalty, such as their favourite treatments, their birthday, or even how they like their coffee. Programs designed to record appointment and contact details can also identify clients who haven't visited the salon for some time, giving you the chance to win them back with targeted marketing and enticing offers - often through automated emails or text messages, all processed online.
What advantages does technology have over pen and paper?
Rather than scribbling sums in a notebook and wading through your notes, by computerising your stock control, you can see in seconds which retail products are selling the quickest, when you need to place orders and, with certain programs, how much profit you're making from every bottle. Other programs remove the time-consuming calculations from wages and balance sheets. And by keeping digital databases of your clients - current and lapsed - you can tailor your marketing to target specific groups, keep up-to-date with your customers' styles and ensure you're in touch as often as necessary.
Which companies offer salon software?
Ikosoft: 0845 094 2606
i-salon: 01628 488900
Kitomba: 0800 085 6122
Millennium Software: 08703 504410
Mutu: Call 0844 445 7500
Premier Software: 01543 466580
Rage International (RAGE, TES and StockIt): 0870 005 6557
Salon Advantage: 0870 240 3929
Salon Genius: 0871 424 0151
Salon Iris: 0121 314 4402
Shortcuts: 0161 972 4900
Style Salon Solutions: Call 0845 871 6456
Tags: salon management , salon software
Putting Together your Team for a Hair Photo Shoot
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 19, 2008 1:11 PM
Dated: May 19, 2008 1:11 PM
There are so many elements to consider when putting together a photo shoot that having a professional team behind you is essential. With photographer, location and stylist booked, the next expert you need to consider is the make-up artist.
Whether it's avant garde or natural, the make-up can make a huge difference to the overall image. A professional make-up artist will decipher the type of make-up, and will interpret the theme with bright colours and creative strokes, or a natural, fresh feel.
"It's really important to use a professional make-up artist who works on shoots regularly," says make-up artist James O'Riley. "This will enable you to talk the same language and allows them to offer a look that will ultimately work with the hair style, while being sympathetic to the photographer's aesthetics."
James recommends meeting a new make-up artist to discuss the direction before the shoot. "I find the best pictures come from a team that is willing to try something new. You need to have the confidence to know when it is right to be directional or classic, but ultimately it is a hair shoot and the make-up should never distract from that. The make-up should complement the hair."
Using Body Art
If you are looking for an eyecatching and daring effect then body paint is an option. This isn't for everyone, but can be very effective.
Kay McIntyre from McIntyres, Dundee, used body art for her 2007 HJ British Hairdressing Awards Scottish collection last year.
"We had worked together before which gave us confidence to involve body art," she says. "It is a creative art form so you have to ensure that is doesn't overshadow the hair.
"It was more expensive to use body art as it required more than one make-up artist. It is quite easy to work with although any changes can be quite time consuming."
Top Tips
- If there is a lot going on with the hair, make-up should be kept clean and complement the colours and style
- Body art is a great alternative to clothers, but if it is intricate ensure it isn't fighting against the hairstyle.
- Make up can be used to create a feature on the face
- Clean, fresh, neutral shades will keep the style natural and commercial.
More information on Putting a Hair Shoot Together
- Choosing the right clothes stylist
- The importance of a hair photographer
- Darren Ambrose's Top Tips for entering competitions
Tags: hair photo shoots , hair photography , make up
How Mystery Shoppers Can Help Your Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 19, 2008 2:34 PM
Dated: May 19, 2008 2:34 PM
Today, the real battle for clients is being fought over the client experience.
Salons that can create an emotional connection with their clients will benefit from higher retention rates, increased profit margins, and improved revenue.
So can you really afford not to audit your client's journey?
Industry business coach Peter Lunn, who specialises in CRM programmes, looks at the importance of using mystery shoppers to stay in touch with your business.
Continue reading "How Mystery Shoppers Can Help Your Salon" »
Tags: mystery shoppers , Peter Lunn
Giving Quality Customer Service in the Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 19, 2008 5:26 PM
Dated: May 19, 2008 5:26 PM
A great haircut just isn't enough to keep a client any more. The country is saturated with salons and, for most, there's a competitor only yards away who is also well equipped to offer a technically accurate and fashionable haircut. So, why would anyone visit your salon above anyone else's?
The answer is simple, if somewhat old-fashioned. It all goes back to customer service that's not just good, but is so impressive, your customer will stick by your side for life.
Continue reading "Giving Quality Customer Service in the Salon" »
In the Comfort Zone - Andrea Beers Salon
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 20, 2008 2:45 PM
Dated: May 20, 2008 2:45 PM
Open-plan yet offering privacy; spacious but comfortable - these were the priorities for Andrea Beers when she and co-owner, Jennifer Smith began planning their first salon venture together.
They began with a brand new building that was little more than a concrete shell and spent six months realising their vision. The result was exactly what Andrea and Jennifer had imagined.
"Our main aim was to create an area that clients would feel comfortable in, but with lots of space so they wouldn't feel over-crowded."
Continue reading "In the Comfort Zone - Andrea Beers Salon" »
Tags: Andrea Beers , salon interiors
Habia Appoint African Hair Ambassador
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 22, 2008 11:11 AM
Dated: May 22, 2008 11:11 AM
Habia has appointed Sandra Webb, one of the industry's most respected and talented African Caribbean hairdressers to be its new ambassador for the new standards in African type hair.
Sandra, a senior technical consultant for AVLON and a member of the KMS artistic team, will be the spokeswoman for the standards and will be encouraging employers, industry professionals and new entrants to take up existing and new qualifications.
Speaking of her new role, Sandra said, "I am both honoured and flattered to become the Ambassador for African Caribbean hair, and intend to fulfill the role to the best of my abilities."
Continue reading "Habia Appoint African Hair Ambassador" »
Tags: habia
Kevin Murphy's Tips For Becoming a Session Stylist
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 28, 2008 11:49 AM
Dated: May 28, 2008 11:49 AM
Kevin Murphy has been an editorial and session stylist for over two decades since having his first work published in Australian Vogue in 1984.
After training at Vidal Sassoon in the UK, Kevin has made a real impact in his native Australia where he has worked with major fashion houses and graced the covers of all the major global print publications, often with his trademark unstructured, beach-hair look.
We caught up with Kevin, winner of the 2008 Australian Master Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards to find out his secrets for people wanting to follow in his footsteps and make it as a session stylist.
Continue reading "Kevin Murphy's Tips For Becoming a Session Stylist" »
Tags: Kevin Murphy , session styling
A Heavenly Hair Experience at The Chapel
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 28, 2008 12:27 PM
Dated: May 28, 2008 12:27 PM
The Chapel has a reputation for style and ambience and its interior design showcases an appreciation of English heritage. Its first salon in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, does brisk business in a former place of worship - the eponymous chapel.
In December 2007, a former butcher's shop in Islington was extended to include the next door pub, in the trendy environs of Upper Street, and became the site for The Chapel's latest venture.
Billie Crago and Georgia Denton, along with co-owners Amanda and Toby Dicker, are confident that their new salon delivers The Chapel concept without compromise, with the inclusion of a spacious colour studio and open planning.
"We've taken our existing salon design criteria and added a London edge. In doing so we've succeeded in creating something in tune with the metropolitan mindset," Billie says.
Continue reading "A Heavenly Hair Experience at The Chapel" »
Tags: salon interiors , The Chapel
Salon Staff's Holiday Entitlement
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 28, 2008 2:48 PM
Dated: May 28, 2008 2:48 PM
The legal requirement for staff to receive paid annual leave was only introduced in 1998. The minimum paid leave rose from 20 days to 24 days on 1 October 2007 and increases again on 1 April 2009 to 28 days.
This represents a 40% increase in under two years and a significant increase in salon running costs. It is worth remembering that initially paid leave was introduced under the European Working Time Directive to ensure staff took rest away from the workplace for health and safety reasons.
David Wright, who advises Habia and a and a range of salons on issues from contracts to sets of policies and salon handbooks, looks at some of the key questions surrounding this subject.
Continue reading "Salon Staff's Holiday Entitlement" »