How To Keep Your Hair Salon Recession Proof
Hair salons are known to be recession proof, after all, everyone needs to cut and color their hair especially if it is grey! The recent pandemic showed us a lot as far as the hair industry is concerned; being we are not entirely recession-proof! Many salon guests took to youtube to learn how to cut, buzz cut, and color their families' hair, after all, they had no choice since salons were closed for several months. Astonishingly, many guests never returned to the hair salon for these "bread and butter" services. Many even tackled the difficult task of highlighting their hair at home. Businesses such as "Madison Reed," known for at-home hair color, thrived during the pandemic, and their hotline was flooded with inquiries as to how to color match, balayage, and foil hair at home.
During the Great Recession of 2007 through 2009, the hair industry was barely affected this is because people still scraped up the money to do their hair in salons. The pandemic proved that people were willing to learn how to upkeep their color and cuts, but our clients with hair extensions, hair loss systems, and intricate colors learned to appreciate our services. The takeaway is to educate your salon staff on learning new services that are impossible to replicate at home.
Advice
1). Add hair extensions to your menu of services, particularly boutique brands such as Veila Hair which offers a unique pull-thru method that will never damage a guest's natural hair.
2) Give your guests value by using high-quality hair like "virgin" hair, in a reusable technique. When money is of concern, I know firsthand that my clients prefer reusable hair of great quality. In most cases, they can re-use the hair extensions for up to 1 year!
3) Do not overpay for high-quality hair, our Veila line offers many methods of hair extensions made of virgin hair at an affordable price. This will keep your guests in your chair and appreciative.
4) Sharpen your coloring skills, and take advantage of the education offered by your hair color line. Guests will spend for their hair color which is next level. Many of my salon clientele prefer the balayage technique with exposed hair roots since they do not have to come to the salon every 4 to 6 weeks.
5) For your cut and one process clients; add a gloss or hair treatment and blow dry their hair meticulously. Offer a curling iron set free of charge.
6) Offer hair loss services such as hair toppers, and hair loss hair extensions. Many of these services are covered in full, or partially by insurance companies. In most cases, they will need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. Advise your guest to call their insurance provider to verify what is covered. You will then give them a receipt for a wig or hair topper a.k.a "scalp prosthesis." This will take you a bit of extra time but will help both you and the consumer.
7) Never skimp on your hair consultations, in fact, be sure to offer consultations. This is a foolproof way to understand your guests' wants and desires as well as a realistic outcome.
8) Be mindful of salon products you are stocking since many may collect dust on your shelf. Amazon, grocery stores, and discount stores may be offering the same product you are promoting at a better price with a more convenient way to purchase. I stock my key products for hair color, hair extensions, and hair loss systems, and that is it.
9) Ask your guests to post your work on their social media platforms, as well as providing you with a great online review.
The hair industry is evolving, salons and stylists must be aware of their bottom line, and their guests' budgets. After all, we are a creative group and we are also business people, the balance has to be perfect. Staying on top of your skills, and adding unique services along with expert customer service will set you apart and allow your business to ride out the downturn in our economy.
Hair Extensions Background
Noelle Spinosa owner of Noelle Salon and Veila Hair Extensions, evaluates your natural hair, and listens to her the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. She's used human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, and Keratin enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.
