Stop Guessing, Start Growing with Data
The KIM Report was created to address the industry's fundamental data gap by conducting a monthly anonymous national census of U.S. salons. The report sorts the industry into five distinct groups, based on the number of service providers you have, allowing you to compare yourself to your peers.
The Benefits of Greening Your Bottom Line
For Earth Month, we explore how the professional beauty industry is shifting its position as major waste contributor to a leader in sustainability. We take a closer look at Green Circle Salons, as experts and owners share their favorite environmental sustainable business tips. And, Nicole Rechelbacher shares what it was like to grow up with the industry's biggest environmental pioneer as her father.
by Stacey Soble
Is Your Software Underperforming? Switch it Up with Shortcuts
Your salon software is the backbone of your business. And now is the time of year to evaluate its efficiency: Is it providing the tools you need to grow? Does it improve the guest experience? How does your team interact with it? Are you happy with your software’s customer service? If you’re not getting what you need from your current software, it may be time for a switch.
Sponsored by Shortcuts Software USA
Color Waste Trumps Trash on the Sustainability Worry List
When asked what their biggest concerns about the salon waste and the environment, 43% of respondents said color waste, which trumps trash for the first time in the Sustainability in the Beauty Industry Report. Sustain Beauty Co's Valorie Tate offers tips to better manage color waste.
The State of Sustainability Laid Bare
According to the annual Sustainability in the Beauty Industry Report, the attitudes of beauty pros shifted, prioritizing issues they could personally control in the short-term, such as color management, water conservation and waste.
Give Hidden Costs in the Salon the Heave-Ho
Adding more profit to your bottom line is always a good thing, but the New Year is a good time to examine and trim your costs. Often, doing so can have a surprising benefit to the environment.
How to Fire a Client
Let's face it, some clients are toxic. Sometimes, saying goodbye to a client is the best thing you can do for your team, your culture and your fellow guests. Owners Daniel Mason-Jones and Eric Fisher share their own experiences, common reasons for letting a client go, and how to do it.
by Stacey Soble
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
The Heartbeat of Success
As operations coordinator, Candice Hogan keeps Dame Salon Spa running smoothly. Owner Maggie Dame, says Candice is someone she can rely on, dream big with, and weather any storm beside. See what makes their partnership tick.
by Stacey Soble
Spark Pro Global, An Agency of Virtual Assistants
When a busy salon owner taps into the value of having a virtual assistant, she helps fellow salon owners delegate important tasks by launching Spark Pro Global, an agency of virtual assistants who cater to the professional beauty industry.
by Stacey Soble
Golden Threads: Oribe’s Gilded Gift Sets
Each year, Oribe turns its holiday gift sets into works of art and 2025’s “Golden Threads” collaboration with Finnish artist Kustaa Saksi is no exception. Inspired by mythology and master craftsmanship, the limited-edition collection blends luxury with meaning, transforming salon retail into an elevated client experience. See how Flaunt Hair Salon brings the collection to life with immersive displays, team engagement, and record-breaking holiday sales.
Sponsored by Oribe
Is Your Business Built to Last? Find Out with This Survival Health Check
Want to know if your business is built to last? Vagaro's Business Health Check gives you a personalized score and clear recommendations to strengthen your salon business. Think of it like a wellness checkup—only this time, your business is the patient.
Why Every Successful Beauty Salon Needs Seasonal Products
Limited-edition products like summer hair care kits or holiday skincare bundles create excitement, solve seasonal needs, and drive repeat visits. Now let’s explore why salons thrive when they think seasonally.
Grappling with the Dilemma of the Green Fee
A fascinating research review, Charging Green Fees, uncovers entrenched resistance to the idea of green fees, with pushback from service providers convinced clients would resist the additional charge. But the same project also dug into client attitudes, finding strong support, even among those who love a bargain.
Interlocks' Transition from Day Spa to Med Spa
Interlocks Med Spa has slowly phased out nail and massage services in favor of dermal fillers, Sofwave and IV Therapy. Find out how Owner Ginny Eramo made the transition to med spa.
The Surprising Role of Payments in Creating a Great Client Experience
What keeps clients coming back—and bringing their friends—is a seamless, frustration-free experience from booking to checkout. Discover how payment preferences shape client loyalty and why modernizing your payment process may be the smartest upgrade you make this year.
Sponsored by Discover/Boulevard
A Simple Tool Helps Stylists Take Ownership of Their Growth
Christina Kirkey, owner of Pinup Studio, develops The Stylist Playbook, and it's working. For the first time, every one of her team members is on track to hit their annual goals.