MENU
SEARCHWe asked three industry experts, "What should salon owners stay on top of to keep their decor fresh, and how often should salons plan for a major renovation?"
Maintaining Appearances
Image is everything. That doesn't just apply to the finished looks that walk out your door but also the impression your salon interior makes when the clients walk in. To find out how to maintain appearances, SALON TODAY asked, "What should salon owners stay on top of to keep their décor fresh, and how often should salons plan for a major renovation?"
Paola Hinton
Owner
Five Senses Spa and Salon
Peoria, Illinois
“In our industry, visual appeal is the core part of our business. People come to us because we offer ways for them to look and feel good.
"Guests are drawn to service providers that look professional, have tidy hair and are able to suggest the appropriate services based on the guest’s wants and needs. The same can be said about our facilities. The environment where we showcase our skills influences the guest’s choice of where they want to frequent.
“Similar to keeping up with the styles and trends offered to our guests, the industry needs to keep their facilities up to date. This is everything from keeping up with the latest tools that allow staff to achieve better outcomes for guests, to changing décor or throwing a fresh coat of paint on the walls. It is important to care for your facility in the same way we suggest for our guests to care for their hair, nails and body.
“Major renovations are great indicators of growth and commitment, and can provide success when done correctly. Larger projects show commitment to the guests, staff and the community. As with any major decision, large undertakings must consider affordability and the return on investment.
"Owners must understand three things before moving forward with a major renovation/expansion:
1. What the business has to lose by not moving forward.
2. The logistics and impact on the business while in the process of a renovation.
3. What new expenses/processes/logistics are associated with the project after completion, and what new revenue numbers must be achieved to support the renovation.”
Renee Shakour
President
Interiors by R.G. Shakour
Westbrough, Massachusetts
“Refresh paint and wall treatments yearly, as these areas are the first to show wear in the salon. Following color trends will subliminally let your clients know you are on top of fashion and changing styles.
"Reception and retail zones should be refocused every 3-6 months. Redirecting customers to a new display, new style photos, highlights of new salon services and customer testimonials will peak interest with returning clients.
"Replacing or upgrading existing lighting fixtures with the latest technology will not only reduce your energy costs but can make a world of difference with clients seeing the true color of their hair. Full-spectrum lighting, which is similar to the natural sun, will bring out the depth and beauty of the style that artists have created.
"You wouldn’t promote hairstyles that are dated, so don’t promote a salon that is dated. Your salon interior should undergo a major renovation every 5-7 years. Be proactive about replacing your furniture; if you wait until it is broken down, it's too late."
Dr. Leon Alexander
President
Eurisko Design
“We are about to embark on a monumental shift in the evolution of the consumer. Technology has and will change the way consumers buy and experience services. The question is, what impact will this have on our industry? Are we prepared and ready to compete with serious retailers, service providers and marketers from outside the industry?
“Salons need to review their image every five years in order to seduce the consumer and create a buying environment that will maximize the potential of their business.”
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.
