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Expert Answers to Biz Questions Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.
Hair Goes High Tech: The Modern Tools You Need to Open a Salon
The hair care industry has changed in many dramatic ways over the last few decades. Gone are many of the quaint beauty salons we remember from our youth. The simple chairs, sinks, and hood dryers of the old days have been replaced with sleeker, smarter equipment, salon specific digital tools, and revolutionary improvements in the science of hair care. Today the salon industry generates $2 billion per year in revenue, making it one of the most profitable business ventures for stylists and entrepreneurs alike. However, to be competitive in this market you need to embrace the modern aspects of a salon space and new hair care trends and techniques in order to be competitive and to see your new salon business prosper. From cutting-edge hair extensions and coloring techniques to hair salon software to make the backend of your business run seamlessly, these are three aspects of the modern salon you’ll want to pay attention to. 1. Highly Trained StylistsYou can have the most elegant salon space in town but if you don’t have top-notch stylists on your team you can’t attract clients. In addition to the fact that many great stylists bring their loyal clients with them, great stylists have also put in the time and work to stay at the top of their game. This means they’ve taken continuing education classes and have special training in high-end hair care techniques. Whether you choose to hire stylists as employees or let them work as subcontractors, be sure they can provide the services clients want and are willing to pay for. This includes services like the many types of hair extensions and their application as well as a deft hand with color. The education and training level of your stylists and their experience with hair care technology can be your path to success. 2. Hair Salon Hardware and SoftwareWhen speaking of hair salon hardware we don’t mean chairs and sinks, although you will need those too. We mean computers. Running a business is much easier today than ever before due to the digital tools available. You’ll need to ditch the appointment book for a computer system and keep your accounting and inventory on track by using specialized hair salon software. Another major bonus for salons is software that allows your clients to see a new style or color on themselves with virtual makeover apps and websites. These tools are a fantastic way for your stylists to upsell color treatments and other more expensive services like extensions and keratin treatments and will increase your profit margin dramatically. 3. Consider Adding Spa ServicesThe average customer at a high-end salon expects more than a simple haircut. They also prefer to have access to other services as well. If you have the ability to combine your salon services with spa treatments as well, you’ll have a one-stop shop that your new clients will love. Just like the hair care industry has changed, so have spa services. Simply having a nail technician is not enough. You should also consider adding staff that are certified estheticians who can provide skin care treatments and waxing, and even consider offering spray tan services as well. The more you can provide to your customers, the more likely they are to use your salon for all of their beauty needs. Many business experts agree that a salon is one of the most stable and profitable businesses to create. Even during difficult financial times most people consider hair and skin care services to be necessities that they’ll budget for. Creating an inviting space and offering in-demand services at your salon will draw customers, and then you keep them coming back with your team of talented stylists and a seamlessly run operation, thanks to innovative digital tools. Starting a new business is always exciting and a bit scary, but in terms of stability a salon is one of your best choices. As you’re creating your business plan, keep these tips in mind and utilize the modern salon tools that are now at your disposal. With those tools and your own ingenuity and hard work your new salon has every chance at success.
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