The Hair salon the experience Business:

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

What is the hair salon or Spa? What business are we in? What is it we are selling or producing? Yes it's. Hair cutting or colouring or a variety of the many services we offer as a salon or spa. Consider this we are really selling or providing an experience.Oh and we are the product that makes this happen.

Lets take a look at this together:

We are in the business of pampering. Do you think your client comes to you wanting expecting the same as last time! NO! They trust you. They come to you because they like you. How easy it is to forget that we have the power the skill the knowledge to make them feel special look great.it's so easy to get complacent.

Where does this all stem from the Consultation. Our time to review past styles and looks and suggest the new! The upgrade! That shared suggestion of a new colour a new look. It shows you care ! It's not selling. It advising it's what you me we are paid for 'expertise'.

This process of taking the time to talk and assess with your client should happen every time they come for an appointment. Not only with new clients and then on odd times there after. We are constantly looking for and indeed advertise for new clients: Did you know that on average over 50% of new clients to a salon never return for a second visit! Maybe just maybe we need to look at this! Maybe we need to do something differently or make some changes.

For change to happen:

How do we make change happen, what do we need? Firstly we need to know that if nothing changes if we keep doing the same old thing we get the same old results! Change is scary change is challenging! How about change is exciting. No one likes change it takes us out side our comfort zone. However scary it is such a positive move to make to reassess goals and vision to take control. To honestly look at what you can do differently where those weaknesses might be.

Have a goal as a salon to keep as many new clients as possible  look at what you do what you offer and how you perform. The service.That consultation. The salon and indeed staff image the atmosphere. The right team with the same vision on the right tracks!

An example of change.

Last week i gave my wife a new cut and colour. I gave her a lesson in styling the new look. I gave her  a brush. Today she was doing her hair ad i suggested that for the new look to work she had to make  a change! If she intended on styling her hair the way it was before then it would not look any different. For change to happen she had to change the way she was styling her hair! She laughed and agreed but it's not easy she said! True but nothing is unless you practice you get out what you put in! I re did her hair for her and suggested she practice doing things differently! Thus making change happen. Lesson change is not easy!

Asking for help. Doing research.

It takes a bigger person to ask for help than to just muddle along. Expecting different results without making any change. Admitting to ones self that change is needed and that it might well take some time commitment and work. But know this every thing is possible. With time patients and willingness for change to happen.

The key's:

Creative thinking:

Innovative thinking:

Collaboration with staff and or team mates:

Communication:

Commitment to the process:

Some useful tools and assistance links:

The First Piece of the Jigsaw eBook

Get Off the Sales Roller-coaster eBook

Below a great read to get you and your team ting about your salon vision and goals!

Double Your Salon Sales - or else

For support mentoring a challenge to you and your business Away forward check out all the online group resourses this great program has to offer.

The Salon Success Club

My successful business model

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

Regular postings of fresh new topic's

I think that it might be time to share a journey taken by myself into building and establishing a home based hairdressing business. Without any advertising fully booked successful in one year lets call it 0 to 50 that was the turn over year one.

My Journey:

At the time I was working as an educator and platform artist for a large North American hair product and hair colour company.Whilst really enjoying the shows. The travel. The events it had it's down time and just doing salon hair colour education update was not challenging enough.
I decided to set up a salon at home to fill in the down time and keep doing hair. This would be a small one man business built using my skills creativity and knowledge. My mandate would be to offer the highest standard of. Hair colouring. Colour correction, and razor cutting.

I would be using the skills and knowledge that educations had provided me with. My goal and vision was  to build up a strong clientele a loyal following. Built up on recommendation word of mouth. No advertising very defined boundaries and work ethics and working hours.

I will cover boundaries, working hours and indeed charges as we move on.

Have a business model a Vision:


This business model was not conceived on a whim it was built on experience gained over many years in the Hairdressing industry.

Ask your selves this question. Why do we spend so much.Time. Money and energy looking for. New clients.Promoting the salon generally searching for that quick fix of success. Those big fully booked pay out days? When all the success we could ever want is right at our fingers tips.

What is this secret. Here are some easy tips that work and we will re visit and cover in some depth.

*High Standard of service.

*Honest consultation.

*Friendly but professional attitude.

*Skilled and knowledgeable.

*Affordable pricing.

*Regular hours.

*No waiting.

*Trust and defined Boundaries-house /salon rules.

*Very personal one on one service. keeping up to date client records history formulations.

*Product knowledge

See not a huge list but the keys to being very successful with a business that builds and maintains it self. keep it simple so lets go thorough the list in some depth.

To start this business i had to draw on my past experience with hair salons. Having managed a hair salon in Central London experienced ownership i had a good idea about business set up.

Experience of working with salons in Ontario, Vancouver and on Vancouver Island also helped me set up this small business. Contacts and relationships made with sales representatives also helps. Yes reps can be your friend.

When staring a business it is very important to get some advise from certain bodies.

*Bank business account

*Accountant

* Distributor

* check into Licenses, registration that me be required.

* keep clear records,invoices and receipts.

 High standards of service:

What does this mean to me. It's being attentive. It's being welcoming. Its the atmosphere. The scene you set and create . This was me projecting me. Who I am. How I work. I would think of my salon as my space, as my play room, my sand box.

Service. This is being. Attentive. Caring. Willingness to listen. To be honest. Ask the right question. Make your client feel at easy comfortable. This is so important it sets the scene for open and honest discussion that all important consultation.

I would also take this time whilst getting them settled to explain how I work and why. Give a brief history of my self and career my belief and mandate.

This is a good time to show how knowledgeable you are and also show a little authority on the subject matter. That being hair and colouring. Of course answer any general questions that may arise. It is also a good time and way to assess the client. To get a feel for who they are. What their expectation might be and so how demanding they may be. We will touch more on this.

This moves nicely on to Honest Consultation.

This is such an important time to have the art of conversation and use and asses so much. The key is to be frank and honest about  the clients goals expectation. It is this time that you get to ask questions get a history of past services.

It is your time to assess the condition the look . You start to get an idea of what might or might not be possible. Remember the art of the consultation is to get your client to open up not just about past hair colour and style. But  you can also lead the conversation asking the questions to get the client to open up. Instead of. What do you want? How do you feel about? What would you like to see? In a perfect world. How do you see you style and colour? Remember. Honesty on your part as the stylist is the key.

Normally when the colour mistakes are apparent the truth is impossible to ignore. The poor client is so embarrassed upset and apologetic.  So much so, that one really wants to help and fix this problem if at all  possible.This would in some cases be correction.

The client usually admits that it was a money issue a crazy moment or a few drinks with that got out of hand with a friend it seemed like a good idea at the time! found an old box under the vanity and thought it would be a great time at 3 in the morning to “streak” their hair. I don’t have any issues helping these clients for me the challenge is correcting it the reward is success a happy client she made an honest mistake at home and now seeks professional help a humbling experience in it's self.

Usually they have learned from the mistake  after all we all make mistakes first time one feels sorry for them repeat offenders well they are on their own, most however are more than willing to go through the steps to fix the situation.

Then there are the liars.  I know this is harsh, but usually when you ask someone a direct question and they knowingly misinform you, that’s a lie.  As a stylist how can we make an informed decision to fix something when blatantly given the wrong information. In most cases they have been deceived by marketing adverts and promotion that suggest an easy to use instant make over in a box trouble is these kits cannot cover and address every hair situation or scenario it can be complicated! from a stylist point of view we need to know the truth in order to perform the right service. This is not possible when a client make a choices not to give all the information or answer question honestly.

Here is an example of a normal client consultation:

  

A client is looking for some sort of chemical service, not always a major change. let’s say going lighter.  We will take a close look at the hair during the consultation and figure out what we need to do to get as close to the desired result without damaging the hair.  It is at this time when we’ll ask the client their past history.  whilst at the same time looking and feeling for indications of damage. If we see any sort of banding, we know some sort chemical affected the hair.  It’s a pretty simple fact, hair grows approximately 1/2 inch a month.  If there is a any sort of line of demarcation. We know there was something “done” to the hair,  and we can tell when it happened by how far it is away from the scalp.  When we ask the client why this band exists, they can’t give a reason.  When we’d tell them that something had to be put in their hair to create this band they will not admit to anything.  To be fair with so many over the counter products these days misleading the consumer it is possible that they were unaware the product used would cause this issue.  In some cases one would repeatedly ask the question and they’ll repeatedly plead their innocence/ignorance. stale mate helps no one!

The main thing not to forget is why the client is sitting in front of you.What can you do for her! The client, service, consultation, listening, honesty, humility, staff training and continued Education updates for all staff.

In some cases after a consultation it is ok to suggest that giving the hair a break from chemical service is the only way forward. If they will not commit to this. Then take my advise stop!

If a clients has hair that is really badly done. Over processed damaged beyond help. Unless they want to listen to you take your advise. If you don't feel that you can improve on this. If it will not be an advert for you.Then why would you get involved it's ok to say No!

If it's is not going to be a good advert for you. Not going to be representative of your talent and ability.

Why get involved?

Consider this. 
Badly done over processed hair. As soon as you agree to fix it you are taking responsibility for all that has been done in the past! Consider is it worth it! If you decide to take this on them make them sign a client waive release form.  

As a stylist consider are you fixing this. Because you can or do you have something to prove is this. I can do! Or EGO driven.

For me having boundaries being able to say No is Ok it's honest it's real it's professional!

Friendly welcoming but professional:

Is this possible you may ask your self? Yes it is, it's the key to success. For it makes your client feel special wanted important. Now you don't have to be all gushy nor false. It's more about keeping a conversation real and about them.

That being said sharing some of your own life is also ok. Just not that. Did you have a nice week end are you going on Holiday stuff!!! 

It's all about the three things to remember about your clients. People. Places. Things. listen to what they tell you take it in remember key things work life family it show you care and do listen.

Keeping it professional that is giving sound advise not bowing to silly demands those boundaries established are still key.
For example when they re approach the subject of cutting their husbands hair by stroking your ego saying how good you are. Thank them remind them that you don't do guys hair. but say nice try though! I would always say i don't enjoy male company however nice they are!

Remember key points about last hair do ultimate goal. If in doubt keep notes review before they arrive.

Its ok still shows you care. You are building trust. The three R rule works very well when building these trusting relationships.
                                         "Reputation.Recommendation.Retention"



If you need some helps in your salon with how to improve your business and grow your client base then take a moment and look at all the helpful tools available at Salon Success.
                                                               http://www.karendavidintl.com/
Mike B2MR

A hair make over.

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

A make over can make such a difference to a client.

It can change how they look and feel about them selves It can change how they act and relate to others.

Our role as a stylist is to offer sound advise offer solutions be creative. But we must always consider what we have to work with and on. 

Remember it's scissors or a razor it's not a wand! consider the clients features hair type life style.

Its called the consultation. It's when we communicate  we listen we use our professional skills.Our time to shine. 

This model young women came into the salon she was very heavily pregnant and stressed. She asked could would any one cut her hair off . Well i stood back and watched as things played out in the salon.

As follows:

The receptionist was concerned that the women was asking for a hair cut on impulse being so pregnant.

She asked members of staff who were free if they would like to cut this ladies hair both looked her up and down and said No saying she should not be doing this she cannot have thought it through.

Well think I make over time seeing this woman who said she had tried 3 other salons and been turned away .A challenge I would be happy to work with you on a new look.When is your baby due it's late she says I'm having it tomorrow!!! Ok then lets sit you down and have a chat!!

During the consultation it was agreed  that half measures was not going to work.She had long hair but leaving it long enough to tie back would just create more work and be boring. She agreed to trust me.I explained that i don't use scissors only a razor and off we went.

  

Now remember 39 weeks pregnant  oh and this shot taken with an old polaroid camera that i still keep handy .So lots of hair and a fringe or as bangs to work around. let the make over begin!!

                     Same day same model same clothes! just a touch of lip stick and a new look !! what do you think?

I was very happy with the look! New Mum to be cried she was so happy. Other clients in the salon Gob smacked at the change!! Easy to manage dry with her fingers .She had the baby the next day a little girl.

She called me some weeks later to thank me again for the change and the look. What we do is just so worth while we can change lives.We can make a difference. One client at a time.

Mike B2MR   

Hairdressing: Apprenticeships training career

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:  regular postings of fresh new topic's

Lets consider apprenticeship and the training it offers!

Is becoming a apprentice the way forward for you. Is doing an apprenticeship the best training. Will it afford you the best opportunities once you have finished your training?

Here in the uk it's fair to say that the government are very keen to promote doing an apprenticeship in most trades. many years ago I myself did an apprenticeship much has changed since those days when at the age of 16 my parents signed papers along with a salon owner committing me to a three year apprentice program. On Reflection I was cheap labor shampoo boy cleaner dogs body. Never given any opportunity to go to college day release.

These days so much has changed and standards of qualification have to be reached. So lets take a look although law's standards differ on a global scale i think the thinking is not that different from country to country.

What is an apprenticeship? 
Apprenticeships enable you to. Practically learn your trade, as well as studying to gain the theory and enable you to receive your qualification. It is a marriage of hands on work experience, as well as having time to get day release to college for your NVQ qualification. They are aimed at young people aged 16 and over, to enable them to earn money whilst gaining experience in a hairdressing environment. Equally importantly the experience gained working in salon environment is invaluable An apprenticeship in hairdressing will normally involve, you working in the salon every day bar one or two when you will be attending college. It can take up to 5 years to qualify as a hairdresser but if your committed work hard show willing this does not have to be the case. So if you have the patience and the commitment to keep at it. Then an apprenticeship would be for you, gaining the experience of salon working  at the same time as doing the college work. The alternative would be college and then having to then find, a salon to gain the experience and skills to be qualified in all aspects of the hairdressing industry.

Are you creative good with your hand? Do you like people? Are you prepared to offer service?

Why do an apprenticeship? 
An apprenticeship enables you to earn a small income.  Whilst working and gaining qualifications needed to become certified .You can use an apprenticeship to gain NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) levels which is what you need to become a qualified hairdresser The main advantage to you as an apprentice, you will also gain many years experience in the practical environment and learn communication skills, people skills, things that are not always best taught at college, as opposed to all that time studying just the theory at college. Employers like to see that their future employees are keen to learn, but also see it as away to bring new energy and levels of talent into the salon team. Because of this salon owners are usually, very keen to take on apprentices

who are committed enthusiastic and willing to work learn be a team player, it's not always easy but it can be very rewarding and fun.

Will I enjoy an apprenticeship? 
When thinking about undertaking a hairdressing apprenticeship, You should be certain that this is the career path you wish to take, hard work for little financial reward long hours. You need to be really focused to be successful, know that you will need to put in the work and organise your time really well to balance salon work, college and personal time, not always easy. I would say it's a life style choice certainly not for everyone. But the rewards can be many, in ways one cannot explain  you must be prepared. To be responsible for all aspects of your life and work ,finding time at work with studying in order to get the most out of it, this can be very challenging, its all about balance. You can’t just work in the salon and not go to college, because this doesn’t meet the requirements of partaking in an apprenticeship scheme. You should also be  prepared to be able to, work as part of a team and as an individual . Make you own choices decisions and live with the consequences for you choices hairdressing has no room for a huge EGO!

Lets face some facts! Answer some questions!

How long does an apprenticeship take? 
This can vary from 1 year to 5; it is dependent on the contract you have drawn up with your employer and on your own ability also.

As a norm 3 years of hard work should get you through to level 2NVQ,. it can take up to five years but within in this you could be, performing many salon tasks. By proving you worth and talent, some salons will promote you and give you opportunity to grow and advance, we all learn and grow at a different pace.

How do I apply to become an apprentice? 
You can call the National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600. They will provide you with information as to where your nearest opportunities are. They will advise you on the career you wish to take, they will have access to many employers and be able to advise you on where learning providers are in your area.

You can also get in touch with employers directly. Ask them if they take on apprentices or would be interested in doing so. If they do. Then they will probably arrange to meet you, as they would a proper employee and interview you, to ensure you would be a good investment for them to make.

This being said you should also make sure. It's the right place for you, ask to chat with staff members.maybe offer to do a few trial days. This is a big decision. This is a two way thing both parties have to know agree and be committed to this journey together. Not all salon owners have the best interest of trainee's at heart! Some look at it a cheap labor  so ask the right questions make a list! compare what an apprenticeship offers against college or paying to take a shorter route career path by going to a private Academy ! lots to investigate.

Become part of a team! Learn how to communicate! Maybe gain some stage presence !

  

Use the internet as a tool to help you find. Where takes on apprentices in your area. Additionally, look in your local newspaper and visit your nearest job center. You have to make sure you choose the right apprentice scheme to embark upon as well, so look upon it as finding a job. Check out you college. Find out about the courses, meet some of the instructors, just because they are qualified standards of commitment vary greatly. Make sure you do your research, before applying to ensure that you would be happy, working in the salon you choose and the college you have to attend. This is a big decision.

Explore you creativity discover your self! Hard work but endless possibilities!

Again talk with people. Ask question, read and research. I hope that my blogs help to advise and guide you with this wonderful creative challenging career. 

Mike B2MR

Salon service . That bit extra

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

A true story relayed to me of an experience.

A friend was growing out her hair but like so may women new that part of this process was regular maintenance a trim.  although the model in the picture is not the one in the case example provided the issue was the same and addressed to correct.

Having booked an appointment at the salon a well known and much respected establishment the day arrive she arrived at the salon and met her stylist . Explaining that she was growing out her her and layer and only wanted trim.

The young stylist went ahead and started cutting quite large amount seemed to be coming off up on  completion the result was a re layered much to short cut .
What to do leaving the salon trying to put on a brave face not wishing to make a fuss! This happens oh so often.

Before I carry on. I raise the question Consultation listening to the clients wants. Maybe doing what they request!  Is it that hard?

Upon getting home and seeking advise from a friend. It was decided to call the salon and ask to speak to the manager A call was put through to the receptionist  who although helpful said the manager is out today But here is her home number!  Odd thinks i does this happen a lot?

At the friend rather loathed to call and bother manager home but then thinking hey they gave me the number. So full of courage and still upset the call is made.

The Manager could not have been more helpful and concerned. Offering full refund instantly but also wanting an opportunity to right this wrong! Suggesting a different salon with a very experienced stylist to try and sort this out.
A new appointment booked this new stylist went out of his way to resolve the issues a re cut and change of style was the only way forward.But very attentive and professional and caring .the out come armed with a new look not planned, but so much happier with some complimentary products she left much happier. So the salon refunded. Re did and offered token of products.
Out come wil she go back ,to the first stylist no never the the second stylist and the salon chain yes.
I client served and saved .This is a fine example of customer service and great salon policyIt should not have happened in the first place but it did but so more importantly they took responsibility and sort to resolve the issue.
Well done the salon and the manager who are they AXIS Vancouver BC Canada.

We can all learn a great deal from this example of addressing a situation taking control and putting the clients needs and interests first.  Service. Consultation.Communication. skill.

Mike B2MR

changing times in the hair salon!

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Owning a salon. Working in a salon being a part of a team.  Maybe your renting a chair in a salon have your own business?  maybe your a small  work from a home salon business. A mobile stylist.

All of these are totally respectable avenues to explore within out industry but over the past years thing have changed hugely.

We have responsibility to our selves our work mates our clients to have a full understanding of all matters relating to health and safety. The legislation governing the safe use and indeed disposal of products keep up to date books and records having qualification, certification, and licenses.

On top of this new products new techniques the challenges of running owning managing a business managing people if quite a lot to deal with.  How do you?

Then there is finding time to reflect on. The direction you and your business are going in. The service you offer the standard of work being done. What ever your business model. How often do you take the time to reflect on any of these topic's in an honest reflective manner?

We have to find time take the time to explore avenues to offer help advise guidance.Training up grades
staying current with all aspects of our career and business. Here a few links to check out.

http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

http://www.habia.org/

http://www.doubleyoursalonsales.com/                             

Keeping up with education in our chosen field is so important. Education creates excitement because there is always something new to learn. lose the passion lose the drive.

Education keeps you connected product knowledge is a must nowadays. Clients want to know that the ingredients and formulations are safe and what we recommending for them to use will work and be value for money. we as stylist need to know cause effect understand what we are using and why.

Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook. Twitter. for examples help connect us with others who are inspire to share what works and doesn't work. Blog site where people share thoughts views opinions reviews.
professional groups and bodies always  good to be apart of Linked In is a great place to share and build a business profile.

We have to be aware and have an understanding of changes in the law and regulations pertaining to our profession Now I'm curious to learn more so. I'm not putting anyone (client, work mates and myself) in danger. Just because one is certified in a new technique it does not mean we have the full picture and trust what we are told as truth set in stone!


Law's and regulation are in constant change the information we are given on products how they work and indeed the effects that that can cause are not always clear but the burden to ask the right questions is on us their are no excuses for not knowing or understanding.

With a little time and patient we can research products read reviews get full insight into the good and bad what works and maybe what does not the more we as stylist share net work and connect the stronger we become its part of giving back sharing your experience strengths. It is my personal belief that if we know something but don't share it pass it on then it's a total waste!

I try to share to promote and sometimes pass on warnings . I try to communicate with others in our industry and to this ends in the space of 6 months an now net working all over the world with other like minded people in our industry. 

At the end of the day it's up to you what do you want are you prepared to make the changes needed to stay in the now? Its your journey your adventure!

A topic has arisen that is a follow on from my earlier posting ownership management chair rental. It's how we look at salary commission based earning or Chair rental. What is a fair rate? What is a fair way to compensate salon owner and stylist ? Without causing decent work place break down creating unwanted issues.

For the most part stylists after training will move around a few times trying to find a fit a work place that allows them to build up a good client base a place they can earn what they see is a good wage.

In many cases as time goes bye and experience is gained and our stylist starts to get busier bring in more money to the salon. As this happens resentment can set in with regard to ratio of pay to turnover.

How can this be prevented what are the signs of an unhappy Staff!
In many cases the staff room gossip signs of apathy lateness. Work standard dropping standard of service suffering.

Most stylist will think about and see things that exist within their work bubble a simple world of I do my clients they pay X at the end of the day i have brought in X and sold Y yet my take home pay is 

only X and that's before i pay Tax, I do all the work it's not fair my boss should get so much after all what do they do!! 

Commission can be mixture of guaranteed basic and commission targets as a productivity incentive or just commission. what is fair well of course as we get busier more established build our client base we can earn more on a regular bases but the thresholds will always be  how many clients can we do how much do we charge whilst maintaining standards and service!

It is a natural progression for stylist to look to get a bigger cut of the pie choices start your own business not easier or look at chair rental.

This gets interesting chair rental was when it first came out was quite visionary a stylist pays to rent a chair a space pays X per month and runs a small business within a business. Of course the down side is having to pay that rent whether you are busy or not! having to keep books pay your own tax. stock appointments you are your own little self employed Business.

As an evolution of this a new chair rental business scenario has come to my attention.

A stylist rents a chair fro a monthly fixed fee but also pays a percentage of their take to the salon owner. Hum! for the this owner provides salon reception sales support motivation marketing skills sounds good its seem's to be a blend between commission based and self employed.

But lets look at this with some bogus numbers.

Lets say our stylist is busy and turns over £1000.00 per week

£1000.00 x 4 = £ 4000.00 Month 50% commission  stylist earns £2000.00pre tax

now lets look at chair rental 

£1000.00 x4 = £ 4000.00 lets say chair rental £800.00 month  stylist take £3200.00 out of this they have to pay all expenses and Tax, insurance, stock assistance, everything. but the larger take is appealing.

£1000.00 x4 = £ 4000.00  then chair rental £ 800.00 month share of commission 50% 50% splits

so our £ 4000.00 a month less £800.00 = £ 3200.00 divided x 2 = £1600.00 

This would be £1600.00 for the stylist. £ 2400.00 salon owner.

Although the stylist left the salon in our first example paying commission for a better deal more control a bigger piece of the pie the down side is booking keeping paying tax keeping accounts.

From a Stylist point of view strait chair rental is the best deal but involves a lot more work and commitment from a stylist it's time to grow up and take responsibility for your self your actions.

The example that seems to offer the worst deal from a stylist point of view is rental and turnover split!

For this to work the split has to be less on the turnover  to make it as appealing as just chair rental the split would have to be Rent + 25% take fro the salon owner.

By nature Stylist will always want to move on find a place where they feel they are making a fair wage for there skill,  they will always feel they are working making money for the boss or owner it's natural

not always realistic given the costs of doing business.

In closing I think it is because of the above options many choose to become home based or mobile stylist.

I do however think that there is a fair balance that affords both salon owners and stylist  away of coming together to work and create a successful business that provides for all the key is communication honesty, discussing goals oh and not being greedy yep being fair you need each other .

hope this is helpful to all those trying to work out a career or business Move.

None of the above take into account charging VAT and keeping records and paying revenue for this said Tax. you are in essence a tax collector this Money should be put to one side.

Mike. B2MR

Hair stylist's. Are we the product? we offer service

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

I find the more I write and think about topic's to keep my little blog up to date and interesting. The more I reflect on. What it means to me! what I can offer! What can I share to keep them current and interesting:

In working through this thought process it brings me back to the key point of what we all do and offer service.

Yes it's skill it's knowledge it's communication but none of this matters if we don't offer. Good service and good value for money service. Value for money does not mean discount or cheap just value.

What is the product we market?

It's our skill, creativity, knowledge. ability to listen to communicate, honesty,

Oh yes and that all important consultation.

We are in the business of offering advise we are also specialist in solving problems!

So we are in a very unique business.

We have a wonderful opportunity to use the many skills gained, utilise the tools at our disposal to do our job to apply our trade. We have the ability to turn a bad day into a good day from disaster into success powerful stuff.

We have to think of ourselves as being totally unique in the service we offer and the skill we have for we are all different we all react in different ways this does not mean we are not part of a team and as such should not share thoughts idea's we just all have something different to offer a different way of doing things.

The way we present our selves the appearance we project are all part of the personal image package that  is 'I' or 'You' this initial presentation is very important for it say this is me this is who i am!!!

So what are we selling what are we promoting:

This is easy we sell. Ourselves our skill and talent. Creativity. We are expert in the business of creating image a look experts in finding solutions to problems having answers to question.

Because we are all so very different and as such offer our trade in our own unique way none of us will suite everyone personality issues conflict will always exist so when it happens don't take it to heart it only becomes personal if you let it! [ so be the bigger person ] a little humility is ok this does not make you a door mat.

Something we as stylist also need to at least be aware of  as gain success get busy get a reputation is Ego just keep it in check a little ego is healthy but to much..............! not so good.

So to be a good communicator a problem solver what tools do we need? Knowledge is the key here!

Knowledge is power.

With so many different products on the market especially with hair colour both professional and home kits and now an onslaught of new Nano technology [ this new hip term} prior to this every thing was multifaceted, What ever the wording the lingo we have be on top of it we have to be up to date with new products new formulations. How and why they work. How do we do this ?

Education, training up dates, sharing, and by asking questions?? Thing some of us are not so good at!

Remember this the only stupid question is the one we don't ask!

Be informed have knowledge be a problem solver not a problem maker!

As always thoughts comments idea's please,

Mike

To this ends we are given the challenge some time to correct badly coloured hair this could be from either a poor professional job or a hope colour gone wrong.

Colour correction is a skill knowing how to re-balance a pigment mantle as a stylist only embark on this if you have the skill and knowledge to take on the responsibility. As a client work with choose some one you trust for this journey. Also get an estimate of both cost and timing for said correction. have a consultation be informed.

As a follow on from yesterdays posting after correction care:

Post Home Haircoloring Tips:                                                    

                                                          [Above pretty bad almost green hair! ]    

                                                                        before shot                 

Recommendations post-colour tips: 

It is recommended to wait 48 hours before washing your hair again after the initial color treatment is completed.  This gives new hues time to settle.

Always shampoo with lukewarm water.  Hot water will speed up color fading.

Use hair products specifically designed to protect coloured hair get professional advise.  Remember that some shampoo products designed to add volume will actually “blow up” the cuticle and thus cause hues to fade much faster.  Use products that are specifically labeled as “colour safe”

Shampoo less often.  Even permanent colors will fade faster with frequent washings.

Avoid the use of hot styling tools as much as possible.  Heat from either appliances or the sun will speed up color loss. When possible, air dry coloured strands.

When out in the sun or when swimming in a pool hats! Sun, surf, sand all the S things and pool chemicals may leach out precious tones or in some cases, cause color to fade or even worse, turn brassy or odd shades of green or orange.

Treat colored hair with care and respect invest in good quality products that work within your budget   and remember to deep condition on a regular basis to counteract dryness.

 Resist the urge to recolor again before at least 2 weeks has passed.  Remember, less is more.

 Avoid any other chemical processes for at least one month.  Keep in mind that perms or chemical straightening procedures may cause hair colors to be altered.

I would always recommend doing a skin test prior to any application it's always best to be safe.

                                                          {Above make over from above shot}

With some though sight and thinking it is possible to go from a muddy sludge to vibrant colour just takes time and patients:

In Closing:

If you plan on becoming a home hair colour jockey, consider starting a special journal or notebook so you can write down a record of each treatment.  Note the products that you used and the results.Over time you may discover little tricks that make your colouring techniques more streamlined or successful.

I hope this guide is helpful and saves some of the pit falls that can happen when entering the world of home hair colour and correction if required.

Mike B2MR