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This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Hairdressers Journal Interactive - Business in the Expert Advice category. They are listed from newest to oldest.
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Encourage Staff Loyalty - Show Them You Care
Posted by
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: March 19, 2010 1:45 PM
Dated: March 19, 2010 1:45 PM
How do we ensure that team members stay loyal to you and your brand? Listen, understand and value, says Simon Shaw.
Make time to sit down and listen to each team member. Ensure you do less speaking than listening, ask questions that are open-ended such as: "Tell me what you see as the salon's strengths and weaknesses." Let people know you are listening by maintaining eye contact and staying focused on what they are saying. The best way of letting someone know that you have understood them is to repeat back to them what they have just told you. Probe them for more information, and use the technique of repeating what they say back to them again.
Continue reading "Encourage Staff Loyalty - Show Them You Care" »
Tags: human resources
Retain Clients with Customer Loyalty Programmes
Posted by
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: March 19, 2010 1:24 PM
Dated: March 19, 2010 1:24 PM
Client retention is vital to the success of any hairdressing business, says Sarah Cross. So, what can you do to encourage clients to engage with your salon and visit more frequently?
Be innovative
Don't offer a 'me too' points programme - we're all fed up of loyalty cards that force us to pick tedious rewards from catalogues. Think brand clubs - your virtual community of followers; VIP mobile applications or personalised points programmes. Dare to be different and you'll capture people's imaginations.
Continue reading "Retain Clients with Customer Loyalty Programmes" »
Tags: customer care
Christopher Appleton's Top Tips for Entering Competitions
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 4, 2010 4:51 PM
Christopher Appleton is fast making a name for himself in the hair industry and was named one of HJ's ones to watch in 2010.
He won himself a coveted place on the F.A.M.E Team in 2009 and that team became the first to be nominated for Artistic Team of the Year in HJ's British Hairdressing Awards.
In 2009, he was also named BBC Three's Young Hairdresser of the Year and was also the runner-up in the Clothes Show Live Young Hairdresser of the Year, presented by HJi.
With a CV that already boasts so many credentials, we thought Christopher was perfectly equipped to share his top tips for entering competitions...
Continue reading "Christopher Appleton's Top Tips for Entering Competitions" »
Three Steps to Increasing Your Stylist's Income
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 26, 2010 2:20 PM
Did you know that the average hairdresser's basic wage is less than a kitchen porter or a shelf stacker? *
But Antony Whitaker, author of highly-acclaimed hairdressing business book GROW, says that the big difference is that hairdressers have plenty of scope to multiply their salary by making small changes to their everyday practices.
He believes that there are three ways to increase your income - by increasing the number of clients; increasing the frequency of clients and increasing clients' average spend - and by improving each area by just 10% you can maximise your earning power.
Continue reading "Three Steps to Increasing Your Stylist's Income" »
Kick Start Your Salon Business
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: January 21, 2010 3:10 PM
Alan Austin-Smith is founder of the Fantastic Hairdresser Academy in West London and his aim is to make all salons fantastic places to be.
He wants 2010 to be the year all hairdressers take action to and deliver the ultimate service.
Be fantastic - deliver more!
With consumer confidence set to return, 2010 is sure to be a critical year. But remember that even if clients are ready to visit the salon more frequently, their expectations will be very different so you'll need to deliver more for their money. Consumers have realised how much things are costing them and decided it's not how much they pay for something that counts, but what they get in return. What was once special will have become the norm, so delivering the expected or even going a little further will no longer cut it.
Continue reading "Kick Start Your Salon Business" »
Tags: Alan Austin-Smith
Meet the HJi Hairdressing Business Expert Panel
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 13, 2010 1:04 AM
As a salon owner or manager you may sometimes feel that you are on your own with noone to turn to for inspiration or to act as a sounding board for your ideas.
Of course you try to attend conferences and seminars to stay in touch with the industry and share ideas with other salon owners, but it can be costly and they don't always happen just when you need a helping hand.
That's why we have put together this esteemed panel of industry experts so that you can ask them for advice on key areas of the business whenever you need a bit of expert knowledge.
Each of the panel have their own area of expertise and a dedicated forum on the HJi Community where you can ask them questions or alternatively you can send an email with your question.
Experts will endeavour to reply with an answer as soon as possible.
Continue reading "Meet the HJi Hairdressing Business Expert Panel" »
Insurance: The Right Cover for your Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 7, 2010 5:44 PM
Insurance. It may not be the most exciting topics, but it has the potential to make or break your salon so it's worth giving it some consideration.
Many people don't put a lot of thought into whether their policy covers them for any eventuality that might arise or don't update them on any changes that they make to their career or the salon.
And when something goes wrong that can leave them uninsured and with a hefty bill to pay. Here Gary Crowder, director of ACM Broking, which offers a bespoke insurance package for hairdressing salons, Just Hair, gives his advice for some things that could mean your insurance is invalid.
Continue reading "Insurance: The Right Cover for your Salon" »
Tags: insurance
Business Survival Strategies for 2010
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 7, 2010 3:59 PM
There's no doubt that 2009 was a difficult year in business, and even salons that claimed their profits rocketed had to change their game-plans.
And while many believe that the worst is over, even the most optimistic analyst admits that there may be more struggles and tough decisions to be made in the year ahead.
So what steps can you take to make sure that your salon thrives in 2010? We asked some of hairdressing's brightest business minds to share their secrets of how they survived one of the most difficult years in business history and the changes they implemented last year could benefit you too.
Continue reading "Business Survival Strategies for 2010" »
Tags: recession , salon business
Making the Most of the Christmas Opportunity
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: November 26, 2009 2:22 PM
The months leading to Christmas are crucial for salons, as are the quieter months of January and February. This time of year is pivotal for salons looking to optimise client bookings, retail sales and generate extra revenue. Follow some essential pointers from early autumn to ensure your salon is ready to become a great salon. Take advantage of passing trade During the run-up to Christmas, the footfall in UK high streets will increase dramatically. Ensure your salon is ready to take advantage of this to attract new clients to the salon. 
Mark Wilson is business development manager at Nexus Revolution, a total salon management consultancy and he believes many salons could make far more out the pre-Christmas period.
Continue reading "Making the Most of the Christmas Opportunity" »
Tags: Christmas , Mark Wilson
Creating The Right Environment for Colour Clients
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 5, 2009 2:56 PM
Creating an environment your clients actually want to spend time in is a crucial part of running a successful hair colour business.
Uncomfortable chairs, no air-conditioning, bad coffee and dead plants in the window hardly make for a calm, luxurious environment.
Amanda Dicker from award-winning group The Chapel, which has salons in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and Islington, London, agrees that this is crucial. "These days we don't just offer colour, our guests want more. You either choose to compete on price or on quality of service and experience.
"Be different from your competitors and you will stand out from the crowd.
"If you give the right experience your customers will pay more and you won't have to discount. Creating the right environment and atmosphere is crucial," she says.
Continue reading "Creating The Right Environment for Colour Clients" »
Creating the Perfect Backwash for your Clients
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 2, 2009 2:48 PM
A visit to the hairdressers used to be a necessity - to get rid of split ends, cover up roots or just get a long, limp style back into shape.
Nowadays, however, as well as it being an essential appointment every six to eight weeks, it is also a place where clients can sit back, relax and forget about shopping lists, kids and the stresses of life.
Talking about the latest trends at the styling station might be a distraction from reality, but there is one area that all salons can capitalise on and ensure clients really do relax and feel pampered: the backwash.
Continue reading "Creating the Perfect Backwash for your Clients" »
Why Retail is Crucial to your Hair Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 8, 2009 4:13 PM
When it comes to the creative side of the hairdressing business, the key mantra is 'never stop learning', and it is just as important philosophy for the business side too.
With this in mind, we have asked some of the brightest business brains - the finalists of the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2009 - to share their wisdom.
Here Linda Evans of TIGI, sponsor of the Retail Salon of the Year category, asks:
"To what extent do you feel that retailing enhances the professionalism of you and your team and what are the 3 key benefits that retailing bring to your business?"
Continue reading "Why Retail is Crucial to your Hair Salon" »
Ten Ways to Attract Men to your Hair Salon
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: August 27, 2009 2:03 PM
As male clients continue to grow in importance to the professional salon and barber, it is important to actively identify the type of male client a salon wants to attract and why, says national sales manager for American Crew UK, Roger Snelling.
There is a lot more to men than many media clichés and stereotypes suggest. For example, 60% of guys are not interested in being labelled 'metros' or 'retros'; they live by a more traditional set of standards.
Continue reading "Ten Ways to Attract Men to your Hair Salon " »
Tags: American Crew , Men's hair , Men's hairdressing
Robert Cromeans Tips For Surviving the Recession
Posted by
Kate
Dated: August 11, 2009 3:31 PM
"The economy has taken a step back so we need to take two forward," is the hairdressing philosophy of Robert Cromeans, global artistic director for Paul Mitchell.
Robert runs five salons across San Diego, Las Vegas and Tulsa and has implemented a variety of new strategies to deal with the current economic climate.
Here is his advice for surviving the recession, as revealed at the Paul Mitchell Gathering 09.
Continue reading "Robert Cromeans Tips For Surviving the Recession" »
Sean Hanna Advises on Opening A Second Salon
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: July 24, 2009 3:24 PM
Sean Hanna has one of the most successful salon groups in the UK and is ideally placed to advise on what to consider when opening the next salon in a chain.
Continue reading "Sean Hanna Advises on Opening A Second Salon" »
Secrets of Hair Photos' Success
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 10, 2009 4:07 PM
Akin Konizi and his team explain why this image, part of his British Hairdresser of the Year 2008 award winning collection, has been so successful.
Continue reading "Secrets of Hair Photos' Success" »
How to Make a Good First Impression
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: June 26, 2009 2:42 PM
Creating the right impression is vital in any business but particularly so in the hair and beauty industry as we are not only in the service sector but also in the image industry. Julie Eldrett is an expert in customer service and salon management. Here she advises on making that first impression count.
Continue reading "How to Make a Good First Impression" »
Tags: Client care , Julie Eldrett
Five Things You Didn't Know Your Salon Needed
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: June 26, 2009 12:02 PM
As a salon owner or manager you have numerous responsibilities, and with so much red tape and extra demands on you, it can be easy to let certain obligations slip through the net.
Here are five must-haves that sometimes get missed.
Continue reading "Five Things You Didn't Know Your Salon Needed" »
Tags: contract of employment , drinks licence , Music licences , risk assessment
Interpreting Stunning Hair Photos
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 16, 2009 2:19 PM
A great hairstyle photo can be used for multiple purposes; from being an awards entry to appearing in trade and consumer press to being used for salon artwork.
But for an image to be the most versatile it will need to tick all the right boxes for a variety of people - from the hairdresser to journalists who will publish the work.
In a new series, we asked Lisa Shepherd, photographer Andrew O'Toole, a PR and a journalist to share their verdicts on this classic photo.
Continue reading "Interpreting Stunning Hair Photos" »
Creating a Buzz with In-Salon Client Evenings
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 15, 2009 1:45 PM
Inviting loyal customers to your salon for a night of pampering or an informal gathering is a great way of thanking them for their business, while promoting your salon in the best possible light.
Be it a select few clients welcomed to a VIP evening, a fashion show or something a bit different, such as a make-up party or a clothes swapping event, they can make sure you stay in your clients' mindsets and ensure that they mention you to their friends.
Catherine Mcmahon, portfolio accounts manager - artistic, PR & events for L'Oréal Professionnel, regularly liaises with salons to assist them with organising client events. Here are her top tips for organising a night to remember.
Continue reading "Creating a Buzz with In-Salon Client Evenings" »
Making a Success of Loyalty Schemes in your Salon
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: May 14, 2009 11:19 AM
A loyalty scheme is becoming a prerequisite in today's increasingly competitive market - with practically every major high street brand offering some form of incentive scheme. And the hair salon is no different, with clients expecting to get a little thanks for their loyal custom. If you don't already have a salon loyalty scheme that encourages clients to keep coming back and even increase the amount they spend each visit; here are some of the industry's successful schemes.
Continue reading "Making a Success of Loyalty Schemes in your Salon" »
Tags: Loyalty Schemes
Spotlight on . . . Jon Withrington - Senior Director
Posted by
Alice
Dated: May 6, 2009 4:37 PM
Name: Jon Withrington
Job Title: Senior Director
Place of Work: Rush Worthing - 8-10 Montague Street BN11 3HA- 01903 218 942
Continue reading "Spotlight on . . . Jon Withrington - Senior Director" »
Tags: Jon Withrington
Fresh Ideas To Help Salons Beat The Crunch
Posted by
Alice
Dated: May 1, 2009 11:08 AM
The fraught financial climate might put you off any plans to invest in new ideas or initiatives; but in difficult times, standing out from the crowd becomes imperative and a USP can make all the difference to your salon.
Make-up bar, nail bars or beauty treatments are just some of the add-on services that might help tempt new customers through the door, inject some life into a tired salon and ride through the economic downturn.
Continue reading "Fresh Ideas To Help Salons Beat The Crunch" »
Tags: Barrie Stephens , Dermalogica , Errol Douglas , Lisa Shepherd , make up bars , Nail bars , skin care
The Importance of Staff Training During the Recession
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: April 15, 2009 12:25 PM
In these difficult financial times, some salon owners may decide to drop staff training right down their priority list.
As well as the cost of the course (or courses) it can mean time out of the salon - and that's extra expense that the salon owner chooses to avoid.
However, some believe that this is a crucial time to invest in training.
Steve North of Span Training and Development offers five reasons for continuing to train staff during a recession.
Continue reading "The Importance of Staff Training During the Recession " »
Tags: recession , Span Training , training
Common Questions About Maternity Leave
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: April 7, 2009 2:36 PM
A pregnancy is usually great news for the mother-to-be, not always so welcomed by a employer - especially in these difficult financial times.
And with proposals to extend maternity leave even longer, the issue has once again come to the forefront of the minds of employers as well as would-be mums.
David Wright, who advises Habia and a variety of salons in the UK, answers some common queries relating to maternity leave
Continue reading "Common Questions About Maternity Leave" »
Tags: legal , maternity
Top Tips on Recruiting New Salon Staff
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: April 7, 2009 2:31 PM
Recruiting the perfect staff who have the right skills and will fit in perfectly with your salon team can be something of a minefield
Hairdressing business growth strategist Mick Say, founder of the Full Column says that it doesn't have to be a challenge if you know what you are looking for and where to look.
Continue reading "Top Tips on Recruiting New Salon Staff" »
Tags: Mick Say , Recruitment
Creating a Customer Care Plan
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: March 27, 2009 12:48 PM
Customer care specialist, Julie Eldrett offers advice on creating a loyal client base
1 Implement a customer care plan
There are certain areas that all businesses need to concentrate on whether the country is in a recession or not. Research has shown that customers come back to salons following a pleasant experience and because they have been made to feel important within the salon. A simple way to achieve this is to implement a customer service plan, which will nurture every customer that comes into your salon.
Continue reading "Creating a Customer Care Plan" »
Tags: customer care
Making The Perfect Moodboard
Posted by
Alice
Dated: March 27, 2009 11:56 AM
Competitions are great for inspiration and getting your work noticed. Many ask for mood boards as part of the entry process or within the competition itself.
But even if it isn't a compulsary part of the competition moodboards are a great way for you to formulate your ideas or really pin down the concept you want to create.
Continue reading "Making The Perfect Moodboard" »
Tags: competitions , Errol Douglas , mood board
Lisa Shepherd's Top Tips For Photographic Collections
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 27, 2009 11:23 AM
When it comes to putting together a collection it can be difficult to know where to start. But it's all in the planning, according to 2005 British Hairdresser of the Year Lisa Shepherd.
This is her step by step guide for anyone planning a shoot this awards season.
Continue reading "Lisa Shepherd's Top Tips For Photographic Collections" »
How to Give the Salon a Spring Makeover
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 18, 2009 1:54 PM
It's that time of year when home owners up and down the country clear out the house, dust things down and start a fresh with the annual spring clean.
But why should a hair salon be any different? Award-winning salon owner and creative colourist Amanda Dicker from The Chapel believes that an seasonal refresh can reignite your salon for the summer.
And with the salon spruced up, the chances are it might ease clients into a new spring/summer style too.
Continue reading "How to Give the Salon a Spring Makeover" »
How to Master Perfect Hair Photography
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 18, 2009 1:41 PM
Photography has become one of the most integral tools of the hairdressing trade.
From creating eye-catching salon art work, to forming awards entries and appearing in magazines; a great collection is a showcase for new styles, trends and techniques, and of course, the ability of the hairdresser.
But how do you get the best out of your shoot? Former British Hairdresser of the Year Lisa Shepherd and top hair photographer Andrew O'Toole debate the key issues surrounding hair photography.
Continue reading "How to Master Perfect Hair Photography" »
Revamp Your Hair Salon on a Budget
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 26, 2009 3:26 PM
Updating your hair salon might seem like a low priority in the current economic climate, but rethinking your salon spending could really make a difference.
Now that everyone is tightening their purse strings, an investment in a key area of the salon can not only improve the clients' impression of the salon, but can also some glamour to gloomy days.
Whether it's an injection of colour, a new piece of furniture or a fresh window display, you only need to change one item to give your hair salon a fresh look.
What would the experts recommend you change? Here are their suggestions.
Continue reading "Revamp Your Hair Salon on a Budget" »
Tags: Salon Design , salon interiors
Recession Busting Advice For Hair Salons
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 20, 2009 11:35 AM
Open any newspaper or switch on any news bulletin and you are can't help but be sucked in to all the tales of financial doom and gloom, reduncancies and companies going out of business.
And while recession is not a new phemonenon, many believe that the current economic slump feels very different to previous downturns.
We spoke to some of hairdressing's most respected business brains to find out what is different this time round and what advice they have for salon owners and managers, based upon their experiences during the last recession.
Continue reading "Recession Busting Advice For Hair Salons" »
Tags: credit crunch , recession
How Hair Salons Can Beat the Recession
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 20, 2009 11:01 AM
The Jo Hansford salon may be situated in the affluent London district of Mayfair, alongside some of the most extravagant fashion names in the business, but managing director Joanna Hansford knows that nobody is 100% recession proof.
Here are her top tips on keeping both your clients and your bank manager happy and above all, keeping your salon open in a challenging financial climate.
Continue reading "How Hair Salons Can Beat the Recession" »
Tags: credit crunch , recession
Offering Beauty Services in the Hair Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: December 5, 2008 10:56 AM
In these difficult financial times, every savvy hair salon owner is looking for ways to maximise client spend and encourage clients to linger longer and return sooner.
A perfect add on to your repertoire are beauty services that offer cash-rich, time-poor clients the opportunity to incorporate a manicure during the colour development process, or take a make-up masterclass after a re-style or seasonal colour change.
And it's become big business. Today more than 40% of UK salons provide beauty treatments and the hair, beauty, nails and spa industries are collectively worth more than £4.8bn a year.
So what can you do to get in on the act? Experts in the field give their advice on adding services from make-up to botox...
Continue reading "Offering Beauty Services in the Hair Salon" »
Top Tips for Offering Afro Services in your Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 20, 2008 4:47 PM
The rapid growth of the Afro hair sector may make you considering adding services for Afro and mixed race hair to your service menu; but does your hair salon have the demand for ot and are you equipped to appeal to this new market?
Simon Russell-Roberts, franchisee of TONI&GUY, Gloucester Road, London, offers his top tips for introducing Afro services to the salon.
Continue reading "Top Tips for Offering Afro Services in your Salon" »
Beverly C's Advice For Handling 'Best Age' Clients
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 18, 2008 10:07 AM
The UK is getting older... in fact the average age is now 39 and it is rising all the time. But while we're a nation getting older in body; we're getting younger in spirit.
And in a culture that has become obsessed with the concept of looking 10 years younger; today's women - and men - want their appearance to reflect that they feel longer without the dramatic mid-life crisis measures of yesteryear.
No aspect of the appearance can have as bigger impact on the way they look than hair; so it's little surprise that a recent survey by Mintel found that women aged between 45 and 54 were the biggest spenders in the hair salon.
However, unlike their average client, almost half of all hairdressers are under the age of 24 so can they really understand the needs of the 'best age' woman , who if treated with care will be a loyal and profitable customer?
Beverly C, Goldwell Ambassador for their new Triflective Naturals range, which promises grey coverage while offering multi-depth tonal colours, gives her top tips for helping you to offer your middle aged ladies the best possible service.
Continue reading "Beverly C's Advice For Handling 'Best Age' Clients" »
The Art of Body Language in the Hair Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: August 14, 2008 10:57 AM
Both you and your clients' body language can speak volumes, but too many people let those unspoken signals pass them by unnoticed.
We caught up with Scott Smurthwaite, founder and director of Cream, which has salons in Cheltenham and Gloucester, who has grown to appreciate the power of body language in his 22 years of running a successful salon business and training academy.
As part of his staff training programme, Scott encourages team members to use body language to improve the client experience and to recognise when clients are using their own body to communicate. Here are his top tips.
Continue reading "The Art of Body Language in the Hair Salon" »
Launching Own Brand Product Ranges
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 28, 2008 12:38 PM
With manufacturers spending billions of pounds each year promoting their products and brands, the message is clear - branding is big business, and if you can create a brand people trust you are on to a winner.
One way of raising brand awareness is by stocking your own line of products with your salon name splashed across the packaging, which might not be as pricey as it sounds.
Martin Unerman, director of personalised branding company, Brand-ID, believes salons have nothing to lose and everything to gain by retailing their own branded products.
"Stocking your own-brand products means a salon will be truly independent, and not merely a clone of many other salons in its area," he says.
Having your salon name on your retail products, means that when clients are washing or styling their hair at home, your salon's name will be on display, which reminds them to make an appointment to visit your salon and reinforces the message that yours is a professional business with its own product line.
"Another important advantage of a salon stocking its own-brand products is profit," adds Martin. "The profit margin made in selling own-brand products is typically much larger than traditional suppliers. The larger profit margin is not achieved by sacrificing quality, but by having a much shorter supply chain with fewer people involved."
Stocking personalised products doesn't mean you should stop supplying popular brands, it can be an additional range which gives your clients more choice.
If you are considering stocking own-branded products it's essential to do some research and make sure the product is of superior quality; putting your name to something that doesn't work or isn't good value for money will be detrimental to your business.
"The most important consideration for the salon owner should be the quality of their own-brand products. It must be as good as, if not better than, other comparable products and must be a true reflection of the salon's goals and values," concludes Martin.
Continue reading "Launching Own Brand Product Ranges" »
Creating a Luxury Experience in the Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 21, 2008 12:10 PM
In the current economic climate, with interest rates soaring and the housing market in a slump, it's more important than ever that your salon stands out from the crowd if you're to win a cut of your clients' income.
Far from slashing their prices and trimming their overheads, an exclusive and successful set of salon owners are specialising in offering their clients unbridled opulence and the opportunity of unrivalled pampering. And their investment in indulgence is paying off.
Continue reading "Creating a Luxury Experience in the Salon" »
Peter Lunn Reveals the Art of Presenting
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 7, 2008 1:50 PM
Most of us will have to get up and make a speech at some time in our career - whether it's saying goodbye to a departing team member, holding a training seminar or making a presentation - and yet appearing in front of an audience isn't a skill that comes naturally to everyone.
There are, however, techniques that can help overcome the fear of public speaking. Peter Lunn, the hair industry's inspirational business coach, gives some pointers which can help improve your public speaking.
Continue reading "Peter Lunn Reveals the Art of Presenting" »
Tags: Peter Lunn
Enticing Male Clients into the Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: June 9, 2008 5:14 PM
Forget the wash-and-go culture of yesteryear; the noughties man is prepared to invest serious time, effort and money on making himself stand out from the crowd.
In fact, Professional Men's Grooming Research carried out last year found that the male grooming market is growing at a rate of 10 per cent a year.
Despite the change of attitude, men still aren't flocking through salon doors, with as little as 20% of revenue coming from male clientele.
So what can you do to increase the number of men coming into your salon? Award winning barber Chris Foster from Gentlemen's Tonic, Mayfair, shares his suggestions:
Continue reading "Enticing Male Clients into the Salon" »
Tags: Gentlemen's Tonic , male grooming
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
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
Lisa Shepherd on Maximising Your Colour Business
Posted by
Kate
Dated: April 1, 2008 10:34 AM
Lisa Shepherd has created a business with a colour culture where clients are generally converted to colour and only 10% of her clientele DON’T enjoy some form of colour service.
She's in the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame as Colour Technician of the Year and has earned her title as Hair Colour Doctor; here are her tips on how to give your salon a colour check-up:
Continue reading "Lisa Shepherd on Maximising Your Colour Business" »
Tags: hair colour , Lisa Shepherd
Creating an Environmentally Friendly Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 14, 2008 3:16 PM
Every one of us has a responsibility to care for the planet, but business owners have an additional responsibility to ensure their enterprise is not damaging the environment.
The good news is, for most salons, there are plenty of ways to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, and the best way to start is to assess your business.
Waste management | Water Usage | Electricity Consumption
Continue reading "Creating an Environmentally Friendly Salon" »
Tags: Environment , recycling
Top Tips For Creating a Blissful Backwash
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 12, 2008 5:24 PM
As general manager of luxury brands Kérastase and Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Helena Sampson knows all about creating a perfect backwash area for your clients.
According to Helena a well executed backwash can also be the ideal place to maximise your clients retail habits.
"All too often hairdressers miss out on the opportunities that creating a blissful backwash can offer," says Helena. "It's the ideal place to spoil and pamper your clients, and win their retail business too."
Continue reading "Top Tips For Creating a Blissful Backwash" »
Waste Management and Recycling in the Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 12, 2008 3:09 PM
No matter how economical you think your salon is, you can always do more to reduce waste and recycle.
The Environment Agency says that consumers and businesses produce too much waste – more than 400 million tonnes – and send too much of it to landfill. We need to reduce, reuse and recycle!
New rules that were introduced in October mean that all businesses have to make more of an effort to recycle some of their waste before it goes to landfill – such as simply keeping your paper or plastic waste separate from the rest of your rubbish and getting it recycled.
Speak to local waste management contractors for more advice, or check out the Environment Agency’s factsheet.t
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Energy Efficiency in the Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 12, 2008 3:04 PM
Going green doesn’t mean pedalling for power or cutting hair in the dark; there are ways you can cut down on your electricity consumption, which in turn will have a major effect on the planet.
The Environment Agency says most energy in the UK comes from non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.
However, these resources are pollutants – and are running out. Burning fossil fuels contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and to global climate change. But what can your salon do to limit its electricity consumption?
Continue reading "Energy Efficiency in the Salon" »
Reducing Water Consumption
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 12, 2008 2:46 PM
The latest news from the Environment Agency is that we are facing increasing pressure on our nation's water resources. The good news is there’s plenty you can do to crack down on your consumption levels.
Continue reading "Reducing Water Consumption" »
Tags: Environment , Going green
Offering Beauty Treatments in your Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: December 18, 2007 2:27 PM
Offering beauty alongside hair makes business sense as you already have a captive market.
Introducing skincare treatments and products into a hair salon means you maximise the profit on every client who walks through the door, without needing to increase your client base.
Meanwhile, time-strapped clients looking for a one-stop shop that offers hair, beauty and nails under one roof will inevitably head for your door.
However, before introducing beauty into your salon you need to take a number of factors into account if you want it to be a success.
Setting Up | Choosing The Right Brand | Drawing Up Your Treatment Menu | What to Put on the Menu | Marketing and Retail
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The Secrets of Successful Branding
Posted by
Kate
Dated: November 13, 2007 10:53 AM
We're always hearing the word branding and about the importance of building a brand, but what actually is a brand and how important is it to a salon? A solid salon business is just about great hairdressing isn’t it? Or is it?
BJ Cunningham is the man who launched Death cigarettes and turned it into a brand that remarkably, people wanted to buy. He has since established a hugely successful brand marketing agency and is a renowned expert in branding.
According to BJ, most people think of a brand as an external image and a façade for business. For example, in hairdressing, most salon owners think their brand is about their logo and image representing the kind of hairdressing they deliver.
However, to really understand what a brand is, BJ says you need to think of it as a promise, not a logo or a name.
Continue reading "The Secrets of Successful Branding" »
Tags: BJ Cunningham , branding
'Never Stop Learning' - Joshua Galvin
Posted by
Kate
Dated: November 5, 2007 12:00 PM
In a hairdressing career spanning more than half a century, Joshua Galvin has travelled the world.
As Hollywood legend Judy Garland’s personal hairdresser in New York, and one of Vidal Sassoon’s top stylists in London throughout the swinging 60s, he’s reached the pinnacle of the profession.
In recent years, Joshua’s time has been focused on his chain of training academies across London and Essex and he feels that it is essential to make training work for your business.
Continue reading "'Never Stop Learning' - Joshua Galvin" »
Tags: Joshua Galvin , training
The Art Of The Consultation
Posted by
Kate
Dated: August 14, 2007 12:17 PM
Kérastase scalp and hair specialist Jane Barnett offers advice on conducting the perfect consultation when looking at the hair and scalp.
The consultation is the first part of the client journey and it is vital that it is conducted in a professional and assured manner.
A good consultation will:
- Instil confidence in the client
- Enhance your credibility with them
- Allow you to give the client the correct product recommendations
- Ensure that the client leave the salon satisfied.
By following this five-step process for consultations you can re-affirm your position as a true hair expert, keep clients loyal to the professional market and influence your retailing power.
Continue reading "The Art Of The Consultation" »
Tags: consultation , scalp care
Planning Overseas Travel
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: April 30, 2007 11:48 AM
Travelling abroad for work can be a great adventure or a nightmare - how it pans out can depend hugely on the early planning stages.
Planning is everything when organising a business trip - whether you're travelling alone or taking charge of a team excursion.
Continue reading "Planning Overseas Travel" »
Tags: Antoinette Beenders , Aveda , BCD Travel , Trevor Sorbie
City Gent Gets Transformed
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: April 30, 2007 11:07 AM
HJ's salon doctor helps a men's salon to pull its business model into shape
Steve Beever set up City Gent in 1991 and now has five salons with a turnover of £1million. He felt there was a fantastic opportunity to do something different in the industry and wanted to expand - his ambition was to open nine new company salons by 2009.
But to achieve this, energy and skills had to be channelled in the right direction. He needed help in identifying this direction, realising that his salon's business model needed to be tweaked and developed.
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Expert Advice on Holidays and Physical Contact
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: December 12, 2006 3:41 PM
I want to go on holiday but my boss has refused to give me the time off. I haven’t had any holiday yet this year, so can he stop me going?
Holiday entitlement is a statutory right, but time off must be taken with the approval of the employer.
This is in most contracts of employment, but the employee’s notice to take leave must be at least twice as long as the holiday to be taken.
If the employer wishes to object to that date he must notify the employee within the time requested for holiday, starting from the date that the request for leave is received.
So, if you want a two-week holiday then you must give at least four weeks’ notice. If he does not want you to take that holiday then he must, in this example, tell you within two weeks of receiving your holiday request.
If you disregard your employer and take the holiday even though no time off has been granted, then you can face disciplinary action for unauthorised absence and for failing to comply with a lawful instruction, in this case to attend work.
Such wilful disregard for the employer’s instructions is normally viewed very seriously and could lead to dismissal on the first offence.
Continue reading "Expert Advice on Holidays and Physical Contact" »
Tags: discrimination , employees , employment law , harassment , holidays , leave , managers
Expert Advice From National Hairdressers' Federation
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: December 7, 2006 2:59 PM
National Hairdressers' Federation general secretary Ray Seymour answers your questions.
"In January last year my bus service was unreliable and I was often late for work. Because of this I received a written warning even though it wasn’t my fault. Last week I was late two days in a row because of the bus and I have already been warned about this and my boss says if it happens again I will be sacked. Can he do this?"
In general, you are responsible for getting to work on time and if the bus service is erratic then you have to take that into account. However, you are only required to take reasonable steps and not be clairvoyant or exceptional.
Warnings should come with a time limit attached, which would normally be six or 12 months. A warning issued 15 months ago can’t now be used in a disciplinary hearing today, even if it is for the same reason.
If an employer wants to dismiss a person for breaking or ignoring a warning then it should be a final written warning, and action should only be taken after a proper investigation has taken place and a disciplinary hearing held.
Continue reading "Expert Advice From National Hairdressers' Federation" »
Expert Advice from National Hairdressers' Federation
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: December 7, 2006 2:18 PM
Ray Seymour, general secretary of the National Hairdressers' Federation answers your questions
"How can I employ apprentices under the age discrimination legislation as I believe it is illegal to ask a person’s age? I can’t afford to pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and meet the training costs."
From 1 October the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 prohibit unjustified direct and indirect age discrimination, and all harassment and victimisation on grounds of age, whether against the young or old. Effectively it:
- bans any discriminatory procedures in recruitment on the grounds of age, at any age, not only older workers
- outlaws age-related harassment in the workplace on the lines of current gender equality legislation
- outlaws workplace benefits that are age-related (which could be bad news for some older workers)
- sets a default retirement age of 65, thereby outlawing arbitrary earlier retirement ages. This does not prevent a person electing to retire early.
While you may not select your employees on the grounds of age there is no restriction on where or how you advertise the vacancy.
This means you could advertise in the media that school leavers would read and that might attract young applicants.
However, if another reader saw the advert and applied for the job then you would have to consider them for the position using non-discriminatory criteria.
If you select future apprentices by way of an age criteria, for example, they must not be older than 18, then this would be discriminatory and actionable through the Employment Tribunal.
Should the claimant establish a provisional prima facie case, then the onus is on you to prove your innocence. Should the complaint be sustained there is no limit on the amount that may be awarded to the claimant by the Employment Tribunal.
There are exemptions from the NMW for apprentices, and those deemed to be apprentices because they are on certain government-funded training programmes.
The exemption covers all apprentices under 18, until their 19th birthday or, for older apprentices, the first year of their employment. Once the exemption has expired the NMW must be paid. Under current regulations there is nothing to stop you having a 60-year-old apprentice.
Continue reading "Expert Advice from National Hairdressers' Federation" »