Hair Salon. Brand Image repuation

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

Brand. Image. Reputation:

We all work so hard to create a brand that says who we are. We create and image that projects our vision and supports our brand.We work to turn our vision into a reality.We build our reputation.
We start of with such high expectation. We believe and trust we will be a success.

Why do we then cheapen all we have worked so hard  for? We compromise put ourselves down cheapen all we have created by offering discounts why? Do we not believe in our selves has our vision changed? What does discounting really say about your brand?
Maybe it suggest's struggling and are desperate for your business? Rather than professional creative talented styling team. Offering the highest standard of skill and service at competitive rates.

What would appeal more you? What would appear the more professional image and approach? We have to consider  these questions. If we are to really address this discount mentality.  Consider that competition is not a good thing at the best of times. Competition in the salon creates a higher ache that creates issues of  over inflated EGO. It's negative. An environment of sharing, in salon mentoring, collaboration a meeting of the minds, open innovative discussion, a sharing of that vision. Not that mentality built on who's the best!
Competing with salons around you to see who can go the lowest to attract the most is just wrong.
It's crazy! it's a no win market .

Think about your Brand how can you create a niche market?
Think about your vision surround your self with people who share it?
Think about the salon image ? what do you really want it to say ?
Think about your reputation ? what is that worth?
Think about that Street appeal ? those tacky photo copies?

It's only when we really honestly consider these issues that we can really start to see the folly in a discount driven mentality and market.
We have a salon we have a price list .Then we have a huge sign saying 30% off or we plaster the window in discount offers to the point that no one can see in. See what the salon is doing. what it offers enabling the potential client to get a feel for what is being presented.

We fill the window with products we are not first and foremost a retail product store we certainly go get paid to display these products in our window promoting the manufacturer. We have to buy them and then re sell them. We can only re sell them by recommending them to our clients. To do this we have to get then into the salon. If we have discounted our rates right down then why would they pay full price for products?
This is mostly com one sense  but some where along the way we have got lost we have been sucked in to this business model  that is so from our vision that we falter. We get over whelmed we feel lost consumed.
All of these salon's are in the same town all within a few minute wool of each other .So you can see in trying to appeal they all look the same. It does not work .It's tacky!!!!!

Take a step back be honest. What do you really want? How can you get back to your vision? Why did this happen?  Maybe you need a little help or advise? Would you like to discuss your situation ? If so let me know. See contact section.

Mike B2MR:
Lets talk, lets share some thoughts, lets get you a new look, lets get you back to. Your vision. Your brand

Affiliate sharing. Challenging times in salon and spa

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

For some months now i have been talking with and sharing a vision with Karen and David owners of
                                                        http://www.karendavidintl.com/
                                                            [karen David Salon success].

We have been discussing collaboration, affiliation a sharing of views thoughts and opinions. Having never met in person our relationship has developed on trust and mutual respect, learning and listening to each other views and opinions. Quite a few hours of on line Skype conversation. This all bring me to this point one of being able and ready to share with you all access to some really motivation support material.
To reach this point over the past moths as an exercise i have participated in the online program. It works it' raises questions it provides the answers to motivate it works with you to make and implement change.
The question is are you ready?

We live in a time of global shift in economy and business and consumer demands.We live in a world of instant communication net working and promotion.

We live in a time when. What used to work no longer works. What was the normal seasonal business module no longer works or can be relied on. We have clients who demand more are better informed have more choice. We all need to embrace and face these challenges we need to take action. It going to take innovative thinking staff collaboration and commitment to change. A real willingness and want to succeed.

The tools are here: The support is here:

Are ready to take them up get busy do the work reap the rewards?

GET OFF THE SALES ROLLER COASTER.
Is your first step to achieving consistently high salon sales. You have way more control than you realise when it comes to managing and retaining your clients -follow every step in this book and get off the sales rollercoaster.

From increasing sales through your appointment book to your in-salon marketing system, this step by step action plan is everything will take you a whole lot closer to having the salon you only dreamed was possible.

I'm so excited that this material and links are now added to both my website and blog so that i can share these wonderful tools with hairdresser's stylist's trainee's

This will also provide access to the mentoring consultation program provided by and Karen and her husband David. They both have such commitment to our industry they share their vision an expertise to help other succeed. With huge success in Australia and New Zealand a growing team of business coaches. It's time to share that passion and experience with everyone looking to face challenges and create change.
  

In writing Double Your Salon Succes, Karen Lynch shows she has a true understanding of the hairdressing world. She reveals the very essence of what makes for success by identifying the combination of service, consultation and sales that are needed to grow and be current. This book encapsulates so much of what we as stylists forget or take for granted. As Karen shares with us Pamela and Skye’s journey, she takes us on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. She reveals their struggle to make their dream a reality which is at times frustrating and emotionally upsetting and at other times exhilarating. As we read, we think “hey, that could be me; that is so right; what a great idea.” From start to finish, this book is a thought provoking and entertaining read that will leave you wanting to take the challenge to walk a new path to success.

Over the past three months I have participated in the online Salon success program. My reason being to understand how it worked and to fully grasp it's effectiveness in relation to being salon support tool and program for both salon owners and stylist it works
It's challenging it offers so much martial and support but it also raises question that only each participant can answer in way that works for them their vision and goals.
I really is very comprehensive  it has been created by industry professionals for industry professional both salon owners and indeed stylist. I endorse fully what this program can offer and would encourage any one feeling that they need help or that might be feeling they have wondered from their path a little lost or over whelmed to take a little time to research this salon and business support program an call the support that it offers.
As with all support programs there is work to be done it can be challenging. It certainly will question some of your old habits. Show you a new way forward it's all down to commitment and motivation. Yours!

Mike B2MR.

Mike Vallance

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

Health or Wealth: In the hair salon

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

Health or wealth: 


As mentioned we are living through some very challenging economic times. Business models that work no longer seem to.There are no guarantee's when it comes to customer loyalty. With this comes worries about revenue daily and weekly takings.
Products and techniques come and go Perming, Henna, Highlights, Lowlights,Ombre. All have taken there place in the salon hall of fame for both looks and indeed for profitability. 

Now we have a new challenge facing us! The chemistry of our products is changing at a rapid pace some of the manufacture are less than transparent about how these products work and any possible side effects.frankly this is worrying and we as professional have to ask more question and be either less trusting  or hold the manufacture to account.
The chemistry in many cases of our hair colour has changed Ammonia got gets a bad warp it seems an Alkaline derived from grain has a more natural quality to it so it must be safer and healthier! You decided MEA come from the ethanol family.

Back to the profit the revenue the services that are great money makers. The safety of the chemicals in the Keratin products [relaxers] and our ability to trust the manufacturers of these products. Follow the money...so many stylists see only the quick return and fast cash made on this service, and  ignore the cancer, COPD and asthma dangers to ourselves and our clients. In some cases if not the product it self then the reaction caused when high heat is applied and fumes are given off.  Formaldehyde and it's different-name-same-chemical Aldehyde produce toxic fumes in our salon workspace. We see now and will be seeing in larger, bigger amounts serious breathing issues and potentially even worse health developments.
What is it going to take for salon owners and stylist to sit up do some home work ask some key questions about these products.

Greed is winning out over the safety and health issue! What will happen to our industry when the inevitable legal actions start by anyone who has side effects contracted from being around these fumes?
We need to wake ourselves and each other up to the very real dangers of these product do your own research read some of the true facts. Don't trust me i'm just a messenger but wealth is no replacement for health! The manufactures need to be more honest and we stylist have to demand more of them. Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to health and safety.
Here are some links below and some food for thought.  But hey please do your own home work!

Lets take a look at some of the NEW Exciting Keratin hair products: They are designed  to control and smooth out hair get rid of the frizzies make it more manageable :

Well it's seems like the market in the Keratin based hair products is growing in leaps and bounds it also seems that in an effort to gain market attention the chemistry of these products is in state of constant change  each company claiming more natural less harmful formulations. Some of the reviews I have read are far from favorable as to results attained, having said this to be fair i have had some very positive and open feed back the people at Nano Keratin very open about the product and how and why it works explanation of the process.

Warning flags:

After the initial interest in the Brazilian blow dry then came the first warning about formaldehyde and the fumes given off with the use of high heat flat irons. The main problem seems to be that having replaced the stabiliser formerly Formaldehyde the search was on for new ingredients that did not produce toxic fumes but also allowed for the cuticle to be opened and softened prior to the application of the Keratin. How do these products work quite simply you are opening the cuticle slightly introducing a conditioning product applying a layer a veneer of keratin and then ironing it flat with a hot iron that a simple explanation.

The much bigger explanation is that the products are all slightly different the source of keratin the products used to stabalise and change or manipulate the ph prior to the Keratin application. I read many reviews on the social sights and blog postings as people report their experience some good some bad some just not really that impressed.

This is the topic that started me asking questions: 

http://www.short-hair-style.com/formaldehydefree-keratin-products-are-carcinogens.html

It not all doom and gloom and on a positive note i wrote an article on the Nano Keratin Technology  a very interesting keratin product that can be read at.

http://mikeb2mr.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/nano-keratin-a-hair-break-through/

Another product was highlighted this week in the HJ  Brocoto they market their product as being a Curl interrupted smoothing system. How does this product work this product does not contain formaldehyde. The main point of difference they claim are as follows System does not contain any formaldehyde or give off any type of gas it is very gentle for hair and health. or so it's claimed .just yesterday i was sent copy of lab report showing high levels of formaldehyde present in products claiming to be safe. The very high het required plays a key roll in the production of the harmful fumes.

They have a two step system, the first phase is a gel which softens the bonds in the hair,the ph of the smoothing gel is 6.85 ,( key ingredient ammonium bisulphite ) with the cuticle now relaxed and slightly open this is when any colour would be added prior to the Keratin application Then the keratin product is added when the bonds are pliable and elongated therefore easily absorbed with gentle heat.the keratin spray is 4.5 to 5.5. This product cannot be over used as the keratin is buffered with other natural ingredients such as acai oil, macadamia seed oil etc. This does not effect other chemical processes The colour does last longer when sealed after ironing with keratin spray. The colour we recommend to use at the same time as the service is an ammonia free demi colour , which does not affect the Ph, my question is demi colour does have an alkaline driver so we are opening an already open cuticle? The keratin is manufactured.  

Relaxers,Straitners, Keratin, Blow out: Sharing a health warning

Over the past week I have written reviews and posted information on the new Keratin hair products designed to relax De frizz promote a healthy look promoted as a system that last up to three months without any damage and side effects.

Much of what i read and re-searched was very exciting but as with all products and claims of the new wonder product did it have side effects. The one thing that did keep coming up as a warning light was initially with the Brazilian Blow out and Formaldehyde the problem being as the heat with the hot iron is applied the fumes can be dangerous. Question raised have and were met with denial in many quarters sadly fears have come to be true as yet only in Canada but a red light is a red light. Please if using these products take care follow all direction protect your self and your client.

Warning Oct. 7, 2010

Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde

The Issue:

Health Canada is warning Canadians that Brazilian Blowout Solution manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California has been found to contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde. The Brazilian Blowout hair smoothing treatment is known to be available at salons across Canada.

Health Canada has received complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of the product.

Testing conducted by Health Canada found that the Brazilian Blowout Solution contains 12% formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is permitted in cosmetics at less than 0.2% when used as a preservative. Formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time. Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused by formaldehyde becoming aerosolized during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment. Any procedure containing formaldehyde above the allowable limits places clients and stylists at increased risk.

Who is Affected:

Consumers receiving hair smoothing treatments using Brazilian Blowout, and stylists performing the treatment may experience reactions of burning eyes, nose, throat, and breathing troubles.

What Consumers Should Do:

Consumers who have had adverse reactions to Brazilian Blowout treatments are advised to seek medical attention. There is no cause for concern for consumers who have used this product and not experienced any reactions.

Stylists who use Brazilian Blowout treatments should immediately stop using the affected product.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics can be reported to Health Canada using a form available on Health Canada’s website.

Consumers and health professionals can contact Consumer Product Safety toll free at 1-866-662-0666.

Source:

* Health Canada, Oct. 7, 2010. is the look worth the risk?

Moving on we now have companies rebranding and so re packaging with new formulation claims ALDEHYDES are the term used. are they safe ? what happens when exposed to high heat? In the end you the stylist have to decide is it worth risking?

What is an Aldehyde? It's the new kid on the block in keratin relaxers. Formaldehyde without the form!!!!!
Aldehyde is now found in many products ingredient listings instead of formaldehyde. Could it be it is derived from a natural source? maybe in the same way as we take Ammonia free as being better because MEA is derived from a natural source. It's classed as natural herbal organic and so we are lead to believe safer and so Ok! when the fermentation takes place it makes ethanol. A grain Alcohol derivative the alkaline required for the process.
Aldehydes when heated with a flat iron to a heat of 450 degrees in the keratin process produce a gas guess what it's called? No prizes folks but it's bad stuff and can be carcinogen!
all good stuff i think worth knowing. I write so much on the topic of questioning product and the difference between what we are told an what is withheld. we have to stay current on all these products as they change and become re invented. . Mike very useful link
http://www.ewg.org/hair-straighteners/our-report/hair-straighteners-that-hide-formaldehyde/

As always i hope this has been informative it is a re visit to the topic for me as more information has come to light. Mike B2MR.
Special thanks for input and sharing to Pamela Decharo:

   

The reception/First impression

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

The Reception area. The hub of the salon. The retail centre:
We only get one chance to make a first impression both as stylists but before that can interaction takes place the very first area that sets the scene is the reception.
The very first person who makes an impression is the receptionist. How much importance to you put on the key position. A position that takes so much skill to juggle. To organise. To solve problems. To be caring yet efficient.

They have to have a good phone manner. Amazing people skills patients. Good at selling with product knowledge. know how to mange an appointment book. Deal with the issues stylist have over booking keep good records balances the books. Deal with sales people. What is this worth to you? To your business ?

The Image of the the salon, decor, cleanliness appeal. Just as important the appearance and the attitude of the receptionist.Their communication skills the service they offer all so very important for both salon success and client retention.They are the first and indeed last person a client has any interaction with in the salon. They have to make that experience that memory count. Make that client feel wanted and important using their skills to have the client re book that next appointment. Help them with and recommend retail products.

Does all of this happen in your salon? Do you listen to the receptionist about client and indeed staff issues?
The receptionist has a unique position in the salon she or he holds and controls power! Power of the booking they can make or break a stylist if they so chose. My advise to a stylist never upset your receptionist. Always accommodate them if there is an appointment issue or a late comer who needs help it will stand you in very good stead in the long run. They have to be committed and very trust worthy often the last to leave and in many cases open up.

They must be a team player and leader and have a great understanding of the dynamics that is the salon from working with a manger and or owner to communicating with clients and staff and innovator and collaborator. The one who keeps the machine that is the salon running smoothly. Does your receptionist have all these skills? How often do you think about the role they play? Are they well enough rewarded?
Service goes beyond just what we the stylists do offer and create. Service is what the whole salon offers from the moment a client becomes part of the salon. It does not stop after the service has been preformed it only stops when a client leaves never to return!!!

 

Listen to your receptionist when it comes to retail purchases. The amount of stock to carry, what product lines are selling well.What are clients asking for?  What clients might be saying about products or pricing.

All key information. Maybe even concerns that are being raised about staff members. Service ability. Those getting requested, those maybe being avoided. All need to know information.



                    Mike B2MR:
To the right the chaos a receptionist over see's!!

                                           

what is. The right choice of colour line for your salon?

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

Choosing: The right colour line for your Salon: How  would you go about it?

What is the right product for you? How do you get all the answer to make an informed choice or decision! With so many products on the market so many manufacturers how on earth do you decide what company what product to chose? This is a big decision and a huge out lay for any salon so you have to get it right.

Do you make a list? If so where do you start?

* Cost.

*Quality.

*Education support and training.

*Ammonia free.

*Herbal or organic.

*Reputation.

*Staff interest or approval.

*best deal at the time.

All quite valid points and all have merit to some degree. With so many manufactures all trying for the same market as wholesale or as distributor the profit and returns are very good. The goal of any distributor is to get the colour line they represent in to your salon. Most distributors will carry more than one colour line. They work every closely with the manufactures that they represent. Many work on the premiss that if they can get their colour line into your salon then the wet line and retail sales should follow. Incentives are offered such as free or reduced price back bar or display stands.maybe even some stylist products. all sounds really good. If you have never negotiated these point now you can!

Back to the question: How do you chose?

The above list may help make your own. I do think that the staff have to be onboard with this and commit to any truing that may be required. Do not go for a new colour line without any training. Poor results will follow. Collaboration between management and staff is essential.

I would suggest have a few companies put on demonstration nights to test the product and ask any valid question.Do distributors and manufactures do this yes they do they have trained educators to do this and work with the distributor. If they don't then they are not worth bothering with! If you already use a colour line but are looking to change this is usually because the staff are having issues with the product. Or a brand new product has come onto the market and it's the next got to have thing! New is good but sometimes new comes with teething issues so sit back and wait awhile!

Fact: When staff want change due to product issues 9 times out of 10 it's not the product! True it's so easy to blame a tube of colour when things go wrong normally one of the following.

* Poor deposit.

* Fading.

* Reds that don't hold.

*N series that cannot control warmth.

* Lack of general warmth control.

*Poor quality high lift shades. [normally relating when trying to go from level 6 to 10!] Da!!!  not possible asking to lift to many levels not enough pigment control!

* Not enough choice of shades.

* Want Ammonia free.

Most sales rep's are trained to ask questions prior to starting to sell you a new colour line. They know how to draw the weaknesses of the colour line you use out. All colour line shave their strengths and their weaknesses. But if you and your staff are educated properly and use the  product correctly these issues can be dealt with. All of the list above have nothing to do with the product! Do you know what it's to do with? Poor consultation.Poor assessment. Bad formulation. In other word the stylist or technician. Laziness. Poor training. or just good old not caring.

Dose quality play a part? Yes supported  by re search and investment.

Of course it does. Do you get what you pay for! for the most part yes. Do they differ that much. Yes they do. Another list!

*Cream colour or oil based.

* Direct dye or none direct. partially or fully developed colour molecules.

* Organic or herbal. or other. Big issue this come shown to some technical understanding on chemistry.

*Ammonia Free. If yes then what drives the colour?  need to know.

* Full range Permanent semi demi.options to colour balance.

* Is the N series calibrated to deal with warmth exposed at any given level?

Once you have researched and got your list of questions together now you can invite the different company representatives  to come in do a demonstration and answer your questions. I do not promote individual colour lines or products If someone were to offer me a job as an educator then i might. Do i have favourites yes1 Would I share this with you if asked Yes! But only in one on one e-mail as response to a question.

The quality of products changes constantly new ones come and go. A few of the manufactures are committed to our industry and to supporting stylist and education for some it's just business in the salon or over the counter. My advise would be research look for the ones offering the best support education and training. If you do this you don;t have to change colour lines for any of the reason's above.Why because your using the best an dour staff have the very best training and support.

One last thing: 

Some colour lines may seem cheap larger tubes mixing ratios are very important is it mix 1 part colour to 1 1/2 developer or 2 parts colour 1 part developer  and the more pigment needed for a formulation normally indicates poorer quality of pigment in the tube. Salon waste is also very expensive measure colour weigh it keep good records eye balling it is wasteful and un professional.

Mike B2MR