Most industry competitions, including ours, recognize those at the top of their game. For example, the SALON TODAY 200 honors those who are excelling at business management, SALONS OF THE YEAR celebrates new salons and spas for their gorgeous décor, and STAMP (SALON TODAY’s Annual Marketing Program) recognizes the brilliant marketers and promoters.

Yet, SALON TODAY’s overall mission is to provide salons and spas, of all shapes and sizes, business information, strategies and best practices that helps them grow to the next level. So I’m happy to announce that we’ve recently partnered with three diverse companies—Keratin Complex, Takara Belmont and STX—to develop SALON TODAY’s Total Salon Makeover, a whole new kind of competition that lends a helping hand—or rather several helping hands—to a salon in need and to help it realize its best potential.

To apply, owners simply have to state their best case by writing an essay detailing why their salon is in need of a makeover and how a technology, product and design boost would help them improve their business. To increase their chances, we’re inviting salons to submit interior images and even a short video of current working environments.

Through the generosity of our partners, this competition promises some pretty sweet prizes, totaling more than $30,000:

Keratin Complex is gifting the winning salon with its full retail collection, fully stocked backbar, and full Color Therapy product portfolio, as well as a comprehensive marketing and education package to help the salon’s team be successful.

STX is pledging to deliver a complete salon management system, including hardware and software.

Takara Belmont is donating a new front desk OR other area in the winning salon along with interior design consulting services.

And, SALON TODAY editors will be following the winning salon’s makeover transformation through blogs, digital stories and through our magazine’s pages.

The entry deadline is March 31, 2014, so if you’re interested, don’t delay. For detailed information on how to enter and a complete list of rules, please visit salontoday.com/totalmakeover.

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