Monday, March 23, 2009

Nowadays, there are so many choices when it comes to salons and beauty services. There are large salons catering to just about every beauty need known, there are smaller/boutique salons that offer more personable and friendly service and everything else in between. So just what do clients look for in a salon setting? In today?s economy, clients realize they have more choices when considering their beauty needs.

1. Clients appreciate consistency. I can?t tell you how many times I?ve heard ?I keep going to my hairstylist and the color formula is never the same. We get a great color on my hair, and the next time I go back, the stylist isn?t there, or the color formula is changed.? Consistent results create consistent business, yet hairstylists call in sick, change color formulas, or simply don?t pay attention to their work. Clients appreciate the security of knowing their beauty professional is on top, on task, and ?with it.?

2. Clients want to know they matter. The beauty industry is one based on relationships. Clients appreciate being listened to, and feeling they have a voice in their beauty services. The pretentious stylist that says ?I?m the artist here? can be very insulting to clients and cause clients to feel uncomfortable. If a stylist doesn?t tap into a client?s lifestyle FIRST, then he or she may give the client a cut or style that they are not comfortable with or able to take care of.

3. Clients want a meaningful relationship with their stylist. Gone are the days when the over-crowded salon is the place to be. In those settings, one can?t leave without meeting or greeting 8-10 people along the way (the greeter, the shampoo person, the beverage person, the stylist, the assistant to the stylist, the cashier, etc etc). Not to mention, gratuities can needlessly add up. And with that many people to see along the way, clients only spend 10-15 minutes with the person they pay to do their hair. Clients want to feel special. Working with a stylist that remembers your favorite hobby, or that you were just on vacation for example ? creates a stronger and more meaningful relationship.

4. Clients appreciate added value. Whether it?s a soothing scalp massage, a deep conditioning masque, or a complimentary sample, clients want a compelling reason to return to the salon. In today?s economy, clients appreciate looking and feeling their best now, more than ever. In fact, the beauty industry is one that remains strong ? even in the toughest of times.

With so many choices for today?s beauty and grooming needs, a little research, a referral from a friend, or simply asking around can lead you to the right salon, the right professional, and years of outstanding and satisfied results.

Billy Lowe is a Los Angeles based hairstylist, beauty expert, and public speaker on beauty related topics. In addition to his day-to-day business, Billy helps coordinate beauty events, corporate expos, management seminars, product launches, and more. He has been featured & quoted in hundreds of magazines and news articles around the world for his work in the beauty industry, and owns a boutique salon in the West Hollywood area. For more information, please visit www.billylowe.com or call 310-430-4045.