Hairdressers Journal Interactive - Business

Everyday Legal Issues Affecting Salon Staff

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:15:57 +0000

Managing a team can be one of the most challenging and time consuming aspects of your role as a salon owner or manager.

We asked David Wright, who advises Habia and a range of salons on legal issues, to answer some of the everyday queries that can arise in any salon.

Quality and Detail at Gary Ingham Hairdressing

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:52:37 +0000

Step ino the Gary Ingham salon and you're transported into a world of boutique charm. Nestled in a quiet cut-through in leafy Hampstead, London, the salon has been transformed into an elegant, tranquil environment designed to appeal to actors, American ex-pats and wealthy professionals.

"We very much wanted to create a space that had the feel of a high-end boutique - something that would complement and reflect Gary's obsession with quality and detail in hairdressing. We didn't want anything trendy because it dates as soon as you open your doors - and we didn't want anything too funky, but something elegant, timeless and tranquil."

Sean and Gary are delighted with the results. Says Gary: "Just like one's hair or clothes, the spaces we create are a reflection of ourselves. We hope the design of the salon will appeal to the client who gets what we are doing here - creating a high-end, high-finish, boutique-type space where we can practise the art of hairdressing in luxurious, intimate surroundings."

Fresh Salon Design at Cream in Cheltenham

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:13:12 +0000

Earlier this year salon owner Scott Smurthwaite decided to revamp the salon interior of his Cheltenham-based salon, Cream.

Scott's intention was to create a more modern environment, with an airy, open plan, rather than a compartmentalised design.

"The project was inspired by a desire to make more money," he says. "The funny thing is that we're actually down a chair since the refurbishment, but this has resulted in a far better ambience in the salon and enhanced client and stylist comfort, so business has improved rather than dipped."

By presenting local company Isherwood Design of Cheltenham with a blank canvas to work on, Scott was able to cherry pick from a raft of fresh ideas put forward by a team with a reputation forged outside the hairdressing sector and he is more than delighted with his new-look contemporary salon.

The Secret of On-Trend Salon Design

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:22:51 +0000

When it comes to designing a hair salon, Charlie Hearn of salon design and shopfitting company, Signature has some killer advice: "Visiting the hair salon should satisfy clients on an emotional as well as a physical level.

"Whatever theme you give your salon it should reflect your personality, attitude and philosophy, ensuring it is interpreted with conviction, otherwise it just becomes a
pastiche."

Charlie, who has an impressive list of cilents that includes Cheynes, Lisa Shepherd, Saks and many independents, is an expert in salon design and has some easy-to-follow tips for any salon looking to adopt one of the four key trends - boudoirs, modern and minimalist, classic and contempory and unique.

Offering Beauty Services in the Hair Salon

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:56:27 +0000

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...

How Stylists Can Cope with a Busy Column

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:29:27 +0000

Every salon owner knows the scenario: a stylist starts off producing brilliant work, gets recommended to new clients and before long their column is constantly full. Then suddenly the salon's most successful stylist becomes complacent and standards drop.

Coping with a busy column is a skill that doesn't come naturally to every stylist.

Yesmin O'Brien is manager of the seanhanna salon in Sutton, Surrey and a seasoned pro when it comes to keeping her clients happy.

These are her top tips for coping with a busy column.

Keeping Staff Motivated in the Credit Crunch

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:55:30 +0000

It can be tough to keep your salon staff motivated at the best of times, but during times of finanicial hardship it's even more challenging.

HJ's Business Director of the Year, Andrew Phouli of Rush, London, offers his top tips for motivating staff during the credit crunch.

Keeping Staff Motivated in the Credit Crunch

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:55:30 +0000

It can be tough to keep your salon staff motivated at the best of times, but during times of finanicial hardship it's even more challenging.

HJ's Business Director of the Year, Andrew Phouli of Rush, London, offers his top tips for motivating staff during the credit crunch.

Classic meets Contemporary at Shine Hair Salon

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:45:46 +0000

In December 2007 after being self-employed for six years and with numerous awards under his belt, Jason Paget, a hairdresser since 1986, and a veteran of the most prestigious hair salons in Bristol including Central Studio and Toni & Guy, decided the time was right to start his own business

Shine Hair Salon's high-end contemporary look has been influenced by Jason's personal tastes as well as practical considerations alongside; interiors magazines, the internet and the current vogue for boutique hotels. He's been careful to position the salon so that it appeals to a broad demographic, male and female, old and young.

"Our clients' age range is from seven months to 70," says Jason. "I've attempted to appeal to everyone by mixing design decades, materials and textures in quite a bold way, while still keeping things clean, functional and above all welcoming."

The neutral colour scheme, selected because it won't date, is illuminated with energy-saving lighting. The contrast between the gold, textured wallpaper in the front reception area and bathroom and the expanse of white paint introduces an element of luxury, but the overall impression is brilliantly businesslike. The building's original wood flooring has been painstakingly restored; both beautiful and practical it blends seamlessly with all the other elements of the scheme.

Jason's first foray into salon ownership has been a positive experience on all levels. "My best decision was opening the salon, my worst, not doing it sooner," he says.

Calm and Comfort at Ego Hair and Beauty

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:49:55 +0000

The moment they strolled past the empty shop, Carly Ryder and Lorraine Haskins knew they had found the site for their first hairdressing business venture. Situated near a university, in an up-and-coming area with nearby parking facilities, the empty shell was ripe for transformation.

"We loved the natural light coming into the space as there are so many windows, it really was the deal clincher for us," says Carly. "Everything just seemed to fit and, most importantly, it felt right."

Beauty rooms were built from scratch and all the plumbing and electrics had to be installed, as well as a new floor. But creating a comfortable, stylish environment was important to Carly and Lorraine, who ensured the salon boasted plenty of features.

"We wanted a calming ambience so that our clients would have the ultimate experience - a modern yet chilled salon," explains Carly.

Legal Considerations when Employing Salon Staff

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:35:24 +0000

Employing members of your salon team can prove to be an unnecessary headache if you don't follow the right channels.

There are several potential claims that might arise during the recruitment process including discrimination in the arrangements for an interview and by failure to offer employment. There is also the possibility of harassment claims.

Employers need to be particularly wary as there is a potential for liability through the acts of staff members involved in the recruitment process. For this reason each step of the process must be in line with the employer's recruitment and equal opportunities policies.

Graeme Perrey, trainee solicitor with City Law firm Sykes Anderson Solicitors LLP explains how you can ensure fairness and reduce the chances of claims against you.

Promoting Your Photographic Awards Entries

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:37:41 +0000

Putting together a photographic entry for hairdressing awards is a huge investment, not just financially but also of time and emotions. So it goes without saying that you'll want to get maximum mileage from your investment.

An award-winning collection will give you all the satisfaction and return for your investment that you could hope for but even if you don't win or get shortlisted for the award you can still use your entry to generate positive PR.

Sharleen Hunter, founder of Unleashed Potential, a consultancy specialising in marketing and PR for the hair industry gives her top tips for making the most of your photographic awards entries - from international competitions to in-salon challenges - whatever the outcome.

Hush Hush - Beautiful Hair Boutique: Chic and Unique Style

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:49:18 +0000

Creating an environment for a broad range of clients isn't easy. From students and professionals to ladies who lunch - designing an appropriate atmosphere is a challenge, and one that salon owners Jeni and Nicolas Aldridge took in their stride.

"We wanted the salon, Hush Hush, to be different from all the corporate businesses we see on the high street," says Jeni. "Our aim was to create a place where clients could relax, be pampered and indulge their senses."

Jeni and Nicolas are delighted with the new salon, and describe their business as chic boutique.

"The most important element was to offer a salon where the clients are taken away from the stresses of everyday life and given an experience, not just a haircut - and we've done just that!"

Staff Issues with Running your First Salon

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:46:38 +0000

Even in the difficult current economic climate; salons continue to open across the country. But what issues do the owners face and what legal issues should you consider if you are considering opening your first salon business?

David Wright, who advise Habia and a range of salons, gives his advice on some of the pitfulls to look out for.

Monochrome Manpower at essensuals MEN Billericay

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:35:47 +0000

Men's grooming has come of age, with destination barbershops and exclusively male salons making their mark in London and beyond.

The latest convert to the cause is HJ's 2007 Men's Hairdresser of the Year, Jim Shaw, who is responsible for opening the first-ever essensuals MEN, not in the midst of the urban jungle, but in Billericay, Essex.

Committed to bringing a West End feel to the suburbs, Jim has a wealth of experience and a well-respected reputation in the town through his other essensuals salon.

"With the unisex salon doing well, opening essensuals MEN was a logical step for me," explains Jim. "My aim has been to create a complete grooming experience in an exclusive, luxury environment for the style-conscious male in search of more than a quick trim."

Settling on a former travel agency in a prime position on the high street, and conveniently located almost directly opposite his unisex salon, Jim put his masterplan into action.

Six weeks later, after the refurbishment overseen by project manager Nick Pay, he was open for business.

As the first-ever essensuals MEN, Jim had design carte blanche, with the bars, clubs, salons and sleek hotel interiors of Hong Kong the inspiration for a masculine colour scheme of black gloss, cappuccino and stone; ultra-cool, minimalist and high impact, but with warmth and character.