The big debate: should you offer more services than hair?
Published
19th Jul 2022
by charlottegw
We’re back with another big debate from our June issue of HJ. In this big debate, two salon owners share their vision on whether you should try to be all things to all people. What do you think?
Dale Hollinshead, Hazel & Haydn[/caption]
At Hazel & Haydn we're so much more than a salon. We're a community hub, working hard to support and better our local neighbourhood, alongside making our clients look and feel great.
As a salon based in a busy city centre, our clients are spoilt for choice so it's important for us to stand out. From the outside we are not recognisable as a salon, which creates curiosity. Our interior is industrial, but warm with an abundance of plants and local artwork. Set over two floors, our ground floor is sociable whilst upstairs is a quiet retreat.
Yes
[caption id="attachment_89283" align="alignnone" width="700"] Dale Hollinshead, Hazel & Haydn[/caption]
At Hazel & Haydn we're so much more than a salon. We're a community hub, working hard to support and better our local neighbourhood, alongside making our clients look and feel great.
As a salon based in a busy city centre, our clients are spoilt for choice so it's important for us to stand out. From the outside we are not recognisable as a salon, which creates curiosity. Our interior is industrial, but warm with an abundance of plants and local artwork. Set over two floors, our ground floor is sociable whilst upstairs is a quiet retreat.
We're a welcoming community hub, working hard to support and better our local neighbourhood, alongside making sure our clients look and feel great.Yes, we are a renowned colour salon, but we like to offer more. Alongside hair services we offer holistic beauty treatments, including a bespoke essential oil service. Our in-house barista in our coffee shop, Hatch, provides complimentary drinks to clients and passers-by via a... hatch! This acts as a talking point which has helped us generate new clients and an additional revenue stream. We have attracted 600 local followers in just over six months! We love collaborating with local businesses. Our retail area offers dog treats, skincare and candles made by our own therapist, Claire. And of course we have my dog, Alan. Clients love to take him for a walk - he's another addition to the community we've created.
No
[caption id="attachment_89284" align="alignnone" width="700"]
Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio[/caption]
The way salons operate and the services offered has drastically changed over the past few years. Post-pandemic, businesses have come together in order to survive, reducing costs and overheads. There is absolutely nothing wrong with offering additional services in the salon, however it is not something I personally would do.
As a salon owner, my space is set up purely for hair, the size of the salon is perfect for the amount of clients coming through the door.Hairdressing is my niche, it's what I excel in and what Taylor's Hair Studio is known for within our local area of Skegness and further afield. I offer professional hairdressing services only - I wouldn't feel right offering other services, such as beauty, to my clients. My salon space is set up purely for hair, the size of the salon is perfect for the amount of clients coming through the door. Our salon is suitable for the team who work in it and the client journey has been adapted to ensure it is seamless at every step. As well as this, bringing in another service from another industry also changes your business. It may be that the insurance rises or new insurance is required, new legal contracts and business documents need to be created and this would likely mean overheads, electricity and water bills would rise. Many salons have brought in different services which is fantastic, however for myself and Taylor's Hair Studio, it's not something we wish to look at. You can see the full article in the May issue of HJ. Which side of this debate do you agree with? Have you read our big debate on whether all stylists should wear a uniform?