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ONLINE HAIRDRESSING TRAINING AND EDUCATION FROM THE WORLD'S BEST HAIRDRESSERS

Feature - 7 Simple Ways to Beat the Downturn

Text / Images by Jamie Harrison // Published Friday 7 January 2011
 

Hard times are still upon us and it doesn't look like we'll be out of the woods any time soon. The good news is that, while spending on large luxuries such as cars, and holidays is down, people will still splash out on little things to make themselves feel better, and that includes hairdressing. 
 
When times are tough, people will still spend occasionally on things that make them feel better to give themselves a psychological boost, and it’s cheaper to spend £100 on a new haircut, than £30,000 on a new BMW. However people are presently being careful and frugal, so value for money is key.

Here’s 7 ways for your salon or hairdressing business to cash in on the cuts and make sure you’re salon stays full of clients: 

1. Make the customer feel special
Hairdressing is about pampering and making the client feel special, so ramp up your customer service to the max. Even small gestures, such as a drinks menu, current magazines and a free smile and chat will make your client feel comfortable, special and take them away from their troubles. A pleasant day will ensure repeat visits and free word of mouth advertising. 

2. Keep your salon clean
Make sure the salon is a pleasant environment: wash the paint-work, clean the windows and fix any shabby elements. It"s cheaper to do it as you go, and a lick of paint is cheaper than a salon refurbishment! 

3. Invest in hairdressing training
It’s expensive to send all your staff to a two day hairdressing workshop or seminar, but online hairdressing training websites such MyHairDressers.com offer an affordable way for your staff to learn new techniques and the latest styles. Not only will this educate, inspire and motivate your staff, their enthusiasm will show to the clients. And enthusiasm is infectious.  

4. Use the best kit
Make sure your equipment is up to date and working properly. We all know how difficult it is to work with the wrong or deficient tools. If it takes longer to look after a client's hair, you can book fewer appointments and you are therefore losing money. Buy the best you can afford and look after it. 

5. Increase your retail
The majority of consumers buy the wrong hair products from supermarkets and have a bathroom full of useless, half used product. You and your staff have the expert knowledge to advise your clients on the right products to keep their hair beautiful. Coincidentally you also have a cabinet full of those hair care products! As you wash, cut and style the hair, tell them which products you are using and why. Once you’re done and they love their hair, they’ll be rushing to your sales counter to buy. 

6. Offer loyalty schemes
It works for Starbucks, oil companies and supermarkets - so it’ll work for you. Offer a free treatment after six visits, or a discount if they introduce a friend. The increase in business will soon compensate for any losses. 

7. Become a local hairdressing star
Publicity needn’t cost a fortune. Enter hair competitions; work with local photographers, make-up artists and stylists to produce collections to send out to magazines. Find young upcoming talent willing to work cheaply or for free or for a haircut. Inform local press of your activities and successes and let the community know what a great hairdressing talent you are.

Some of these measures are easy to implement and you can do them immediately, some may need a little work and time to maximize. But all of them will cost you little and the potential to attract and retain clients will ensure that while your competitors are struggling, you’ll be going from strength to strength.

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