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SEARCHWhen you’re the owner of your own business, there’s a challenge around every corner and it’s your responsibility to search for the solution. SALON TODAY wondered what’s top-of-mind for today’s salon and spa owners, so we asked: What’s the biggest challenge your salon currently faces?
When you’re the owner of your own business, there’s a challenge around every corner and it’s your responsibility to search for the solution. SALON TODAY wondered what’s top-of-mind for today’s salon and spa owners, so we asked:
What’s the biggest challenge your salon currently faces?
“Staffing. We have slipped a bit on our school presentations and it shows right now. We are getting back in the swing with more schools to keep our chairs full!”
—Sam Johnston
ABQ Hair Studio Albuquerque, NM
“Business has been slower and clients want fewer services or are spacing them further apart. Clients are apologetic about this and want to see us ‘when times are better.’ We have lost some clients to cut-rate salons, but they often come back dissatisfied with the lack of pampered quality that we offer. When they come back they are especially appreciative.”
—Mary Park-Smith
Scissors, Gainesville, FL
“We are a high-end, boutique salon in the suburbs of Dallas. The challenge we face is the large number of businesses that discount their services. It has created a demographic of clients who look for places that offer the deepest discount, regardless of quality. We are standing strong with our ‘no discount’ policy and continue to provide outstanding service and education to our clientele.”
—Lori Bhargava
209 Downtown Salon and Spa, McKinney, TX
“I am going to be out on maternity leave and my lead stylist is moving out-of-state at the same time—Scary! I’m not sure how I’ll overcome it, I’m having a hard time finding a stylist to help hold it down while I’m on leave!”
—Karen Kufahl
Vivid, Milwaukee, WI
“As the economy recovers and our staff becomes more senior, we see an increase in our payroll costs. Our biggest concern is keeping payroll costs in check. Cost versus worth is always a challenge! Obviously, as an owner, I ‘d like to see an increase in my salary for the amount of work that is expected from me as an owner and a working stylist, but the health of the company comes first.”
—Ian Marc
Imagine Salon and Spa
Bedford, Nova Scotia
“Facebook and social media has been the best marketing for us, however we must stay ahead of the tend and find out what’s next. Our challenge is to recognize and decipher early what the next trend will be.”
—April Lyn Graffeo
Indra Salon and City Spa, Andover, MA
“I think consumers are making more educated choices about where to have their salon services performed. They have less money to spend, so they want to make sure their dollars are spent in the best way possible. They are utilizing online resources, as well as print media, to help them make decisions,. I am adding more behind-the-scenes employees (in-house marketing and pr, as well as a graphic and web department) to keep my salon in front of the consumer.”
—Jenna Rabideau
Halo Salon and Color Lab, Fort Worth, TX
“Consistency, having every department follow five-star quality with every client, every day!”
—Angela Guido
Daryl Christopher Wellness Salon and Spa Waltham, MA
After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.
The company's Concealed Bead Method is raising the bar for what professional extension education can deliver.
Scott maximized her micro-salon by transitioning from stylist to strategic owner, focusing on recruiting and station-sharing. By prioritizing her ownership role over behind-the-chair work, she grew her team to six stylists within the two-chair, 150-square-foot space before eventually moving to a larger facility.
The former CFO of Perdue Farms and owner of Hardy Seafood, Terry Owens delivers a wealth of wisdom and strategies for entrepreneurs in his new book, "Business is Simple."
After scaling her single-location salon business, SALON TODAY 200 Honoree Amy Pal recently sold her six-location Whip Salon for seven figures. Using the six Ps for maximizing a business's value, she's ready to help her peers do the same.
Buried inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are federal solar tax credit changes that deserve your attention now. Two of the credits that matter most to commercial property owners, the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, are still available, but only if you move fast. A third, the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deduction, has a hard termination date that is closer than most people realize.
Up to 40% of hair stylists ghost the salon interview stage, leaving owners trapped playing endless phone tag with uncommitted applicants. This data-driven report breaks down why traditional job boards create recruitment friction and reveals the modern messaging strategies high-growth salons use to get pre-qualified talent to actually show up. Learn how to transition from cold calling to high-conversion conversations that protect your time and fill your chairs.
Sponsored by Beautista
Spit fests, hostile threats, and even an overachieving matchmaker--SALON TODAY readers share their craziest client tales and how their team handled these tough situations with professionalism and grace.
Keeping your appointment book full when clients are in vacation mode takes more than a good Instagram post. It takes a plan. The 2026 Summer Marketing Calendar from Meevo gives salon, spa & med spa owners a month-by-month roadmap with sharp themes, key opportunity dates, and campaign ideas specifically designed for the beauty & wellness industry. Here’s to your summer season working as hard as you do!
Sponsored by Millennium Systems International
AI is transforming the beauty and wellness industry, and the future is about empowering people, not replacing them. Discover how Phorest AI helps salons, spas, and med spas across North America respond faster, personalize every visit, and keep human connection at the heart of the client experience.
Sponsored by Phorest
Owner Michaella Blissett-Williams credits her General Manager Gloria Hortua with [salon] 718's year-over-year, double-digit growth and says she's been able to scale the company to eight locations because she can rely on Hortua to manage daily operations.
Shine Time: Aluram’s High Shine Line Delivers Moisture and Shine with Clean Ingredients
Sponsored by Aluram
Elyse Rogers is an uplifting presence at The Headroom who makes the team feel heard even in stressful situations. Owner Danielle Cherewyk sings her praises in this installment of Meet the Manager.
Despite a slight and predictable decline in client traffic for Q1, resilient pricing power is driving year-over-year revenue growth in salons. The KIM Report's Alain Audet reviews the data and what it's telling us about the state of professional beauty.
Same-store revenue grew just 2% for the second straight year—and new guest visits declined across every segment of the industry. The 2026 Benchmark Report reveals where growth is actually happening, which verticals are pulling ahead, and what the data says about where your business stands right now.
Sponsored by Zenoti
Hair restoration is entering a new era driven by regenerative science. This paper explores how Exosome technology is transforming treatment outcomes by targeting hair loss at a cellular level. Discover why EXOGROW is leading this shift.
Sponsored by Dermapenworld
A salon brand is much more than a logo. In this thought-provoking blog, Leon Alexander, Ph.D., walks you through the difference. SALON TODAY suggests sharing this article with your team and leading a discussion at your next huddle, asking the team to define your business's brand.
