Hair Salon Ideas

My salon has a kids room - TV with videos, toys, games (and she actually does kids hair in there, too - she deon't chare and arm and a leg for kid prices. I have a feeling it brings the moms in who then get their own hair cut there). When I bring my daughter, she plays in there and it's so convenient.

Also, I love that her hair washers give a neck and scalp massage as part of the shampooing. It will always get me to give them a few extra dollars. She can advertise that they do that. And word of mouth will definitely get out about something like that.

The front door person needs to be nice, warm, and welcoming. I'm black. I only go to non-black shops for brow tweezing or lip wax. Often when I walk in, the receptionist looks panic-stricken. She wanders if I am looking for someone to do my dredlocs. No. I want my brows done...

I love the online scheduling idea!

and was going to say, the quick service idea also seemed to replicate what was out there so I didn't understand that as her hook.

off hours Big plus,

cheap is good.

efficient front staff and pleasant people!!

takes credit card and with place to add tip, dont' know is that standard.

Offer for experience:
on-site sitter service
price- paying more than 200 for a color and cut is debilitating financially for many moms
Various times - be willing to meet clients at 5 am if needed
Online booking - I would love to be able to log in, and book a service or see my stylists availability without having to call her, let her check her book, then go back and forth with my schedule and my kids, etc.
Put numbers to "quick" if she can promise a 30 minute full highlight and cut, put that out there and provide some kind of guarantee incentive - Like "if we don't have you out in an hour, you next cut is on us!"

I don't understand the 123 station concept. It sounds like a regular salon (or a tony and guy model) not extremely innovative, but IF it really is and has some amazing results that I just missed, that would be a good service differentiator to highlight.

She has to be good:) I know that is silly, but a good stylist will always stand out and be in -demand.

Beauty Bars are a new trend and I quite like the idea of being able to go in and for 20 (tip included) have my hair washed and curled, flat ironed, braided or otherwise fashionably styled for a night out.

I cut, dye and style my own hair and before I began doing that I liked hair dressers that came to my home because most salons were too noisy.

My choice of salon is not based on the salon and any marketing techniques. Years ago, I started going to a high end salon due to word of mouth. That is where I met my current stylist.

I have sense followed my stylist because I go based on her, her experience, her expertise, and quality of products she uses. It does not matter how many bells and whistles a salon has if they don't have quality stylists.

My stylist is now based in a suite which houses different suite sizes for stylists, spa services, manicure services, etc. Basically, she has her own business and simply rents her suite which is private. Many salons rent a station.

When my daughter was small, I planned my appointments based on when daughter was at Mother's Day Out or with my husband.

My daughter has seen the same stylist I do since she was about 14 or so. She is now 18.

I am typically very loyal to 1 person, brand, etc. and quality is a priority. I do pay about $200 for a color and cut. You can see the difference with top quality.

All that said, the type of salon you describe is one such as Sport Clips, Fantastic Sam's, etc.. Am I correct? It sounds like your friend is looking for a quick in and out service place that has a higher level of service. If that is so, then her prices should match the quick service plan.

She could market schools.. get in the school directory via advertising for a small fee, offer gift certificates, participate in giveaways at the school to get people in the door. Also, our neighborhood HOA has a website and anyone registered on our site can advertise his/her business for free and set up a small "booth" at the yearly BBQ sponsored by the HOA to advertise services.

Again, word of mouth is a proven success for advertising.

Best wishes to your friend!

The salon near me, offers a choice of water, tea, coffee, coffee beverages, wine or mimosa to every customer, and a sweet or salty snack. It doesn't cost them much, and is a nice indulgence.

Despite being a mother, I have little patience for other people's children, and sometimes barely enough for my own. I wouldn't go to a salon that draws children, unless of course, they are kept away and kept quiet.

As for marketing, incentivize the word of mouth, give first time customers a break away coupon card, 15% off their next visit, and a 15% off coupon they can give to a friend for their first visit. Sally pays full price on her first visit, and 85% on her second visit. Sue pays 85% on her first visit, gets a similar card, and pays 85% on her second visit and brings in Shannon who pays 85% on her first visit. Sally and Sue don't get a discount for their return custom; but you've won Sue and Shannon as potential clients because of the pass it forward coupon.

Good luck to your girlfriend.
F. B.