Hair industry influences and change

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

The hair Industry is multi dynamic in it's many branches that come together under the heading.
                                                                           'Hair industry'

From: The salon to manufacturing from manufacturing to education skill training, personal development. Career path and challenges.
Educator, artistic team member, platform artist, salon owner, manager, freelance/chair or booth renter.
distributor or sales representative.

Change happens it's constant from the products that are available to us. This new must have technology  we have to have. However we also need to question how and why they work understand any side effects Are they safe ! We must be educated on these products feel confident they are safe for us and our clients.
What dives the invention and investment into research of new product technology? Is it sales and profit yes of course. First and foremost it's driven by Media demand from promotion and advertising. Now with the internet with the tablet with the android more than ever, clients can see it see instantly the results see the look they are hooked they want it!
Of course it's our job to deliver but it's also our professional duty to be the moral compass. We have to have the knowledge and the skill to inform advise and educate our clients on the products it's pro's and con's for there will always be both!

Influences.
This economy this global shift has been a wake up call to any one in business and we in the hair industry are not and have not been immune to this. The seasonal spikes that we could rely on no longer exist that Christmas rush that spring make over that pre holiday do!
Staying in touch with discussion groups and forums shows me that many salons are struggling, many are looking for a way to turn things around. Many are relying to discounting, some are taking short cuts maybe compromising on product quality. Just treading water trying to survive.

We all need to take a deep breath evaluate where we are what we want. Re visits those goals that vision and re focus. We have to embrace new technology. We have to collaborate more with staff or team members. Learn to use the power of the media social net works collaborate with staff to promote the salon it's services in a positive way.
Be strong enough to seek out professional help and advise. Maybe we need to think of this shift as a new beginning, a time for reinvention, a time to revaluate and start with over with a new rekindled energy and out look, Change and indeed challenges can and do seem so daunting because it forces us to look at things in different light encourages us to think out the the box.

We can all make difference in so many ways. Start with that vision build your team have an ongoing in house training program. Develop your team have apprentices train then share your skills investing them they are the future become the teachers develop your an their future, use the colleges for the theory for you trainees to get certified work with the colleges and collaborate on training for they certainly don't have all the answers they need also to adapt to the industry changes and salon demands.
Work to develop these young enthusiastic creative stylists grow with them, grow develop and learn together.

Products source what works for you both for salon use and retail don't carry to much stock. Address the skills and passions of each and every salon member, encourage courses and extra training both in salon and external. work with your manufacturer and supplier on education up date and in houses training events. . The salon as a whole has to have the highest standards of training and expertise, individually encourage  specialisation become unique a destination location a place of excellence in even field. The palace that is talked about a place that people want to be associated with. Community involvement, be it linked to the gym healthy centre or supporting local events collaboration innovative thinking.
How do we get beyond thinking of 'clients as one time walk in's' and consider them as long term potentials?

When will we start to consider all those clients who 'come once never to return' ! Those lost opportunities to make a first and last impression. When will we take the time to think. 'In fixing someone else's mistakes' will it could it cost me potential 'Clients'. Part of this new thinking is. 'We are in the service industry'. 'We are not in the server industry'. Professional boundaries and mutual respect must exist. The client is not always right neither are we balance and being open to change and the unexpected and dealing with and addressing issues solving problems.

That first impression the personal image we present. How we communicate and articulate our suggestions the art of listening. Being a professional in your field of expertise thus giving sound advise. Executing and delivering the service advise in highly skilled professional way with the highest expertise and skill offering a wonderful experience. Charging for your time and expertise. No discounting. No little bit off at the cash register. Being paid for a job well done. This is what a client expects and wants nothing more nothing less. Discounting could suggest that 'you did not do your job as well as you could have'. 'It will be better next time'. 'Thank you for letting me try'. 'Sorry i could have tried harder'. Do any of these a good message? a message of professional confidence and assertiveness.

Yes things have changed they will continue to change to challenge us so we have to learn to embrace adapt and be ready so that we can keep up with the every changing demands and wants that our industry dictates as it grows and developed. We all have the strength to do this .We can also connect with other professional share experience seek advise offer advise competition is not always a good thing  it can become so distractive and negative both within the salon and  if competing with business around you. Discounting is competition sadly it's not he who gives the biggest discount who wins.

We all have new technology new products new tools. Constantly changing techniques and demands to sill levels. We have an industry in a state of flux. We have change and challenges to face. We have social media devices and we all have to embrace all the changes and the challenges they pose. Exciting times is the only way to look at it.
Mike B2MR

Chair or booth rental Mobile freelance.The challenges

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

Created as a source of advise education knowledge skill experience a place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.

Salon ownership Chair rental mobile freelance.

Do you own a salon? Do you employ your staff? Maybe have chair renters are you the manager of such an establishment? Are you an employee? Do you rent a chair. So many question so many options!  I raise this topic as platform to discussion.

Still focusing on service the salon experience but looking at it from a different angle I would like to do this in the order as above.

As a salon owner and employer how do you set a good example? How do you employ the right staff? How do you create the environment that projects ambiance,one that looks amazing yet has the right level of efficient offering professional service. A place that is welcoming creative filled with highly skilled passionate caring stylists. The only way this is possible is to be  hands on with your team leading managing running your salon. From a point of view of having retaining and attracting the right staff in this instance the only way forward for you is to have Salon control.

This includes employing staff paying commission rewarding those who succeed.

As an owner you have very little control over the stylist hours. How they operate if you choose the chair rental route then the stylist renting space from you  running a mini business within  your salon. This can cause issues over pricing hours worked commitment to the salon the greater good!

Some times short term gain is long term agony.Commission creates motivation employing and rewarding staff creates team spirt and friendly competition with in the salon. Greater staff incentive to succeed be the best you can and reap the rewards.

So like so many aspects of business it's about choices making a decision and making it work the instant knowledge of regular rent or the challenges and rewards of truly running and building a successful business with loyal staff and clients.

So moving on. Do you have a manager?

If so this has to be a partnership that works give and take listen support each other. As a manager you get to not only over see many aspects of the running of the salon but you are also directly responsible for staff employment moral and most importantly service standards knowledge and education.

You get to help to creating the atmosphere the image. you get to grow the salon help it watch it succeed and grow and should be rewarded accordingly. Salon owners that take advantage of hard working managers will lose them along with clients and staff if they don't respect the role they play and what they contribute.

If you allow Chair rental. How do you control theses stylists when they are paying you rent? How many do you want on a rental agreement. how do you attract them? What hours will be covered by them? How do you manage this when they are in business of running a mini business within your business? Do you provide the receptionist ?

Who keeps the books and takes care of the financial side of things from. Taking clients payment to invoices? Ordering managing stock. Dealing with all tax records and making payment of said taxes?

What support service do you offer them? How do you have an influence on the standard the service they offer? To have a business totally reliant on Chair rental especially if you are not active as a stylist in your own salon or have an understanding of our industry the salon dynamics is quite a risk.

As someone renting a chair. What do you get for your monthly fee? What are your expectations? you and you alone are your business, no owner or manger to blame if things are not going well! if your clients switch to a different stylist or move salon. how to you cope when wanting holidays?

Most stylist who go into a chair rental situation are well established in many cases resent the salon owner who they feel are making a mint out of their work! From you and your client's Chair renters are not typically team players nor do they want to start their own business. They are not always the best organised in many cases don't think the what being self employed means or what the ramification might be.

As a renter you still need to be able to have a relationship with the salon owner  you are also responsible for retaining maintaining and bringing in new business providing your working stock, being on time, offering that personal service

Then the things that cross over come to mind does salon owner provide any services in the form of help assistance? Do they keep a level of retail products? Do they provide a receptionist to book greet clients? Do they offer any help with regard to book keeping your personal business management! a repeat from the salon owners point of view but as i said it's a to way street many aspects will cross over eacht other.

These are all things to consider things that cut into that i just want to do hair and keep 100% of the take it can be quite complex.

Insurance both personal third party liability who is responsible for this? It would be my  suggestion both parties are responsible why? One as owner  providing the salon a place for clients to come to the stylist as the one performing the tasks applying the products taking a fee, both should be covered how is this dealt with?  much to consider.

With all these different examples of in salon situations one thing is inherent the need to communicate the need to work together the need to create the best environment and standard of service to retain clients. a  healthy codependent relationship built on trust understanding and striving for a common goal stability and business success.

In my book it's a no brainer the challenge and having the control being master of my own ship and destiny wins every time. Find and work with the right team the success and reward will follow.Nothing good in life is ever free or easy. If it is if it seem's to good to be true if it's a business plan that offer's instant gratification.

Whilst Chair rental works for many on both sides think about what as a salon owner or some one about to start a salon it is you really want.Don't lose sight of your dream your vision your goal. How do you want the service's you offer delivered.

I do not suggest that stylist renting chairs are all unprofessional i know from experience this is not the case. However for both side it is a union that should not be entered into lightly.

Maybe as a stylist your the owner of your own small freelance business maybe your home based or make house calls, maybe your a booth renter and freelance.

In many ways some of the above does and will relate to you. the main thing here is you often work alone,yes you are very busy,but how often do you really interact with other stylist's and industry professional? how current are you really be honest? How often do you take the time find the time and say ,Time for a tune up ! I need to step things up? I need a refresher i'm feeling a little stale ! well? it happens to the best of us. My bet would be not very often if ever? your either to busy or convince your self that it's not important! ego talking you know it all!!!

Be warned not addressing this visiting it can in the long term effect your business and so be something you will regret! 

We all need to look in the mirror from time to time a little one on one, so often the demands on day to day life make this impossible. Make that time find that time to reflect on your goals be honest about how current you are is your vision still on track! How up to date are your skills, techniques, even product knowledge. 

However much the rewards are working alone is very isolating even if your booth or chair renting unless you make  a point of having interaction with others. We need to share and interact with other like minded professional it's how we grow and learn and develop.

WHY IS THIS?

The skill the techniques the standard of service should not change or be effected because we work alone or in a small team, yet in so many cases the need the want to stay updated and current gets pushed aside priorities !!

The key contributors to this is ourselves our own 'EGO' and fears we can so easily convince our selves that we know everything,We did our training got qualified we know it all.HUM to that! talking with others asking or seeking help or advise form others,indeed just sharing thoughts can give a whole new focus and out look on things. Remember it's about you your vision of what really is success.

These days we have so many ways to connect with others,through internet groups and forums,get informed read reviews on shows and education events, no more excuses!

hang out for  awhile at your local distributor ,It's a great way to meet stylist just like your self,chat about colour lines and products.With so many products available to us and so many coming to the market all the time it's no wonder we could do with a little refresher form time to time. i know i do !

Be it technical work,cutting techniques, salon service and consultation skills. aspects of running a small or independent business. communicating with other industry professional .it's all these things that we need to address keep up to date with and be honest about.

We need to put 'EGO' aside seek out the right source of help and be prepared to take constructive advise,Critical comments on how to improve.work with some one you respect who can work with you on the key investment in self.

Are you ready to walk a new path? invest in your won future,Market that product that is you? no matter what your current situation is be it Mobile,freelance booth or chair renter, Be and stay current take those steps to shine and excel.Be in demand fully booked successful and happy all possible.

lots to consider what are your thoughts and views? 

http://back2myroots.co.uk/ 

   

Mike B2MR

looking for some business support then check out http://www.karendavidintl.com/  a great place for help and support. 

Cutting hair with. Elec clippers

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

When we think Electric clippers most of us think head shave to some degree and numbered guards. Who make the best clippers.well many different barns but Wahl make the best without a doubt.  Oyster also make really good clipper's I have to say i do like the clippers that are air cooled.
The shot below with the huge Blonde main was cut on stage just using clippers. Having taken the model on stage with one length hair that was added as extensions prior to going on stage so anything is possible just open your mind.
                                                       http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

We don't have to think head shaving although that can have artistic merit's one can use clipper's to do freestyle hair cutting anything from a blunt Bob to scissor over comb work. Yes if you. Understand  weight distribution, form and shape anything is possible. You just need to be creative and challenge your self. Put those scissors down and experiment.

Once we understand angles and weight distribution and so creating shape then the tool we use to do this open up so many possibilities. I truly think that more stylist should use clippers razor's become professional and skilled using all tools available to us. Part of this is understanding weight as stated . I hope the above diagrams will help.

Explore using electric Clipper's have some fun start off with willing models but push and challenge your self. Become an comfortable and skilled with all your tool's.

Again invest in a good set of clippers and if you need them guards. I don't get paid in any way to provide this material  hence providing both links! Mike B2MR

http://www.wahlglobal.com/united-kingdom/wahl/professional-hairdressing.html

http://www.osterpro.com/Category.aspx?id=groomer

The salon the consultation building relationships with clients:

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

A place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.
copy right pending

How do we respond to the issue's and demands that face us in today's salon? How do we get that edge? How can we compete and attract new business and indeed retain our existing client base? Should we discount? If so how? If yes why? Should a long term client expect special treatment? A deal?
It's is my view that if we are doing our job properly we should not have to discount. What is properly Service, attentiveness, skill, professional knowledge.creativity.
If you go to the dentist every 6 months do they offer discount for their service? I think not.
We need to cherish our clients outstanding service consultation genuine caring.
For me as a stylist giving back would be working with community to help raise awareness on certain issues, Charity work fund raising. Making a difference improving things for many. Not just giving out the odd discount to make someone feel extra special!
Check out raising funds locally for cancer relief. your local addiction centre. Maybe a children's charity, Aids research, choose a cause that works for you and your staff support it as a team and as a business.
When asked for a discount you can say 'sorry rather than discount we support our given charity'
  

How many new clients come through our door only to leave never to be seen again? Maybe instead of constantly trying to attract new business we should concentrate on the business we have. It is a fact that over 25% of clients that visit a salon never return.Why is this?

Let look into the topic of Service that ultimate salon experience:

This by definition is a total package of pampering making our clients feel very special affording a very unique standard of service this can be the environment created the atmosphere furnishing image all key to this experience.
This being said we must not detract from importance education knowledge and communication all the tools required for the ultimate consultation. In so many cases the consultation is either very short rushed none caring uninformative.

It does not matter how much time energy and money are committed to the visual the comfort level the service the overall  experience if the  package is not supported by honest caring hands on service from a knowledgeable stylist.
The consultation should be your time to shine but it's also your time to connect with your client  make them feel at ease discover the issues the history of the their hair what brings them to you.
Discover what you can do for them how you can take a journey together to reach there desired goals discuss condition, image, look find out what makes your client comfortable putting people at ease yet taking control comes with experience assure them that everything is possible it just takes time patients and a game plan.
I read one comment that suggested turn the conversation to what they client needs and wants! How can we do this if we do not take the time to discover who they are and what those needs and wants might be!

We have to take the time to ask all the right questions and listen to the response, it's not about us or what we think is needed it is up to us to discover unlock those inner needs. The skill is patients and asking the right questions. It is my experience that women do know what they want sometimes by finding out what they don't want we get an idea of a direction to move toward.
The skills we need go far beyond those of just wanting to do hair. To truly succeed we need to be skilled and versed in so many fields communication public and human relations.
I also think that it's very important to touch on the topic of boundaries we cannot please every client we cannot take the same journey with everyone. Sometimes after a consultation we just know that this is not going to be a fit have the courage to say you don't think this will work trust me when I say you get more respect and it will not effect your business to have clear and defined boundaries.
In some cases it's all about the deal. If the deal is the expectation of discount maybe this is not who you want to work with. making some one feel special and look great offering sound advise solving hair issues is the business we are in. If it takes a discount to make someone feel wanted and special. then maybe they need to find a discount chain. the chances are they will never be happy with their hair or the salon or stylist!
It is not failure to not get involved it is failure to let your EGO say i can deal with this rather than admitting it's not a fit and adviser maybe a different stylist or salon.

So Lets take a look into our make believe salon: Have that consultation together. This could be you the stylist or you the client!


It could be any where any town on any high street maybe as you read you will think hey that's me that's us.

I'm booked into a local salon having been recommended by a friend that the stylist here was very attentive very talented offered excellent service. I'm excited a new stylist a new vision a new look!
My friend had been on a Saturday and said the place was very busy another good indication or so we like to think .
I work Saturdays Tuesday is my day off My appointment booked  i arrive a little before my appointment I hate being late.
It's 10am as i enter the salon a young lady look up from the reception desk she is on the phone  smiles and indicates i should take a seat.
It's early i know but the places is empty! The receptionist look up having finished on the phone and says can i help you i inform her who i am and that i have an appointment with [ stylist ]   she looks at the book vague look on her face then says oh sorry she is not in today i have booked you with [new stylist] not the one recommended, Oh that's a shame i was recommended oh they never work Tuesdays  hum so why was i not told this when i made the appointment instant unease. Two very young looking stylist appear from the back of the salon talking with each other as they get nearer to the reception i am introduced to one of them as your next client [ warning lights are going off]
This young person takes me to a chair stops chewing her gum long enough to introduce her self to me and say what are we doing  for you today all the time talking to me in the mirror looking at her self.
Time to leave  !!
Are you laughing yet of course this is not you! is it? Trust me it happens all the time and then stylist wonder why they loose business and clients. Yes maybe a bit extreme but i have seen this situation many times.
What should this experience for our client be this person who we want to build a relationship with this person the we hope will recommend us and the salon for the service and skill we provide and offer.
The Service the consultation and linked they are both key to success.
From the moment a client enters into a salon the experience begins those first impressions the look the feel of the place the atmosphere.
That first greeting that welcome normally receptionist or a salon staff member who job is to meet and greet , this is a hugely important role if given this role, don't turn it down it's a way to hone your people skills.
With new clients some salon will have a questionnaire this is great for both stylist and client it show the salon cares it puts the client at ease whilst waiting for her appointment maybe whilst having a coffee or tea.
From a stylist point of view it gives us back ground information so we can ask the right questions during our consultation without information how can we give sound advise.
Once this has been filled out as a stylist i think it's important to come a meet your client introduce your self to the client you should already know your clients name this should be on your personal day agenda sheet.
[yes a list of clients for the day the service they are hoping for and weather they are new or return or recommend clients]   I say hoping for because with out having a consultation all the facts how can we decide what is possible !! we cannot.
Trust me when i say i have seen many stylist work out their days take before the day starts. I have worked with one stylist  who would get into work look at the day sheet and get all the tubes of colour out for that day putting them aside, how could you possible know what a client wants in advance of them of talking with them. How boring ! well this stylist was really very boring personality of a  dead fly!!!

Back to the plot 
First impression count how you look and present your self says who you are its all about the image you project your dress hair makeup! that look that says this is me! what can i do for you?
We have introduced our self walked our client though to our work station this area is representative to who you are how you work , untidy dirty chaos does not work!
With the clip board on your lap sit next to your client  eye level eye contact remember you have some information to hand so use it.
Not what are we doing today ! 'how about'
I see from the information you have kindly filled you you had a hair cut 6 weeks ago  how has that been working out for you. How manageable have you found it as it's grown out. when that leads into what brings you here today how can i help all leading  open ended questions.
This now leaves the door open for easy conversation you have relaxed your client you are starting to build trust.
Personal routine, products used, if chemical service has been carried out on the hair even if not being re done on this occasion it still needs to be touched on for future booking and for advice and comment
Never ever put a colour chart on a clients lap and say what colour do you want today it's our job as professionals to advise on colour that can work and look stunning.
Having established History and indeed wish list we can move on the recommendations.
style, look, length, colour , products styling tips maintenance be honest i like to refer to a relationship as taking a journey together that with patients honesty open the doors to endless possibilities.
In closing having a fully booked day is what most stylist long for consistently busy, but consider when fully booked or over booked we lose clients ! Why however good we are the standard of service drops.

Don't take short cuts, keep clients waiting, you sacrifice your standards for a few extra £££ or $$$$.
If you do this and you do more damage than good a dissatisfied client will go else where taking her friends with her! it's Service, reliability, Service consultation, Service, skill oh and More Service!!!
It's not discount buy a relationship buy a client!


Salon and business: Support help advise
Good luck if you need help advise guidance take a three week challenge.check out the site below:
I took this challenge up to see if it works it does. karenDavid offer so much professional support they can help you in so many ways if your up for the challenge.

                                                    http://www.doubleyoursalonsales.com/
                                                          http://www.karendavidintl.com/

Soon to be available in the Uk this insightful easy read talks you through all you need to do to succeed
supported with useful down loads a really worth while investment in your self! or maybe for your salon team!!
Mike B2MR
http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/
If you need a little help advise a little one one time maybe you feel you would like your team to step things up need help i'm just a phone call or e-mail away.

Education. Consultatiion. Mentoring. Support.

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR regular postings of fresh new topic's
http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

Education. Mentoring. Support.
These tools are all available to us but in so many cases we don't access them. Why is this?Are we really that perfect or is it that we don't want to expose our weaknesses? 
Our worst enemy is our self. Admitting that help is needed. Raising a hand saying I don't know! How do we protect our selves from exposing our weaknesses. Ego and Fear are our worst enemy we must put them aside seek out help, skill training, Education.
So many program's and tools are available to us. Not free but not expensive it's investing in one's self it will give you the edge! Those tools and skills you need for success.
What form does this help assistance come in? Well hands on teaching, sharing, techniques and skills.

Support can come in the form of personal help from qualified skilled consultants and educators both key to spending time with listening to and learning from building up a relationship with.
Then there is the written Books, Education material. Be it new product information, maybe a new colour chart with an education section often not read and studied by stylists. They use the excuse! oh I'm hands on i like to use and feel the product! Back to those faithful friends fear and Ego.

A mentor someone with an open mind with many years of experience who can share vision with you listen to you guide and advise help you to reach your goals. This can and will only work with an open mind honesty and willingness to listen do the work!
Oh yes I forgot to mention none of this works unless you are committed to the tasking. Parting with some hard earned cash this show commitment. Being prepared to listen, take up the challenges. Do the work reap the rewards.
None of this is an instant fix. it a journey and an adventure built on honesty and trust the skill the experience that can be gained can be beyond your wildest dreams .
The doors that can open. The opportunities that can arise. The direction your career can take are immense.
The hairdressing Industry. Our chosen profession has so many career paths to choose from as a start sit down list how many different avenues could be open to you .
Such as:
Salon stylist.
Colour technician specialist in colour correction.
Educator for a colour company.
Stage work artistic team.
Photographic work.
Cruise liner work.
College lecturing levels of NVQ.
Salon sales,
Working for major hair colour company.
Consultant.
How much of a list can you write? Think about what your goals are?
Now consider this with all the different mediums available to us Phone, Skype, Video, Internet.
Help and advise it at your finger tips all you have to do is ask. Support is at hand weekly monthly updates, communication.
Over the coming weeks it is my hope to be able to offer access to these types of tools, support, consultation,and mentoring assistance.
All these are things that you can sign up for and get involved with. It has been my goal since I started this online work posting topic's writing blogs. To be able to offer support provide the tools to inspire and raise the professional bar standards and image of our industry and profession.
I would like feed back comments thoughts on this topic.
Mike B2MR
I can offer assistance and help with education technical skills information available via my web site
http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/
The two links below. Offer access to both written material and online mentoring coaching support program.

http://www.doubleyoursalonsales.com/                                    
http://thesalonsuccessclub.ning.com/