
You Don't Own a Salon. You Own A Business.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
Do you hear jingle bells yet? Most major retailers start debuting their holiday merchandise in October, and it’s the perfect time for you to solidify your special service and retail plans.

Do you hear jingle bells yet? Most major retailers start debuting their holiday merchandise in October, and it’s the perfect time for you to solidify your special service and retail plans. Consider this:
Set the Mood. Get your clients in the holiday frame of mind with some festive décor. Keep it tasteful and make sure decorations compliment your overall décor.
Plan an event. Black out days on the calendar for some holiday-focused, sales-boosting events. Host a Client Appreciation Day to celebrate your most important clients and encourage them to purchase gift cards or retail packages for their good friends. Or, play Santa’s helper and invite your guests to fill out wish lists then invite their spouses and significant others to a special shopping night.
Think Social. Social media expert Kelly Ehlers, of Evoke Brand Strategies suggests salon owners try some social media inspirations. For example, use Facebook to invite fans and followers to an impromptu low-cost, low-fuss holiday celebration. Leverage Foursquare to donate products or services to a local charity each time a guest checks in during the season. Or, post how-to updos on Pinterest and hide a holiday service coupon on your style board.
Feed the Impulse. Think like a retailer and make it as easy as possible for your guests to shop. Put together gift sets of products and wrap them in festive, non-denominational paper. Load your check out counter with easy-to-pickup Stocking Stuffers. Pair your salon and spa cards with a gift item to make the presentation even more appealing.
Create a Glam Squad. Brian Bode, KMS California lead artistic director, cautions that junior stylists and apprentices can get lost in the holiday chaos. “Partner your young stylists with make-up artists and create a Glam Squad, offering services to clients who are attending a special event or holiday party.”
Ramp up Support. Consider bringing in extra staff for the holiday rush or at least during special salon events. College students on holiday break can easily staff giftwrap tables or escort waiting guests to their service provider, lessoning the stress on your front desk team.

In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.

In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.

From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.

According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.

Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.

Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software

The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.

While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.

Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.

In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.

Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.

Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.

Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.