Looking back over my career, it’s amazing to see how much the hairdressing industry has changed. When I first started in 1984, everything was a ‘one size fits all’ kind of deal. At that time, schools pushed their leavers into more vocational paths, as opposed to today where there is more of an academic push. Training was also all about apprenticeships – you learnt by watching and doing, and there wasn’t much focus on precision cutting or technique. Essentially, we were like human hair clips until someone decided we were ready to move on.
The ‘one size fits all’ approach in hairstyles translated into both the services and to the business too – there was one price point, one appointment time and only a handful of options on the services menu. This meant wages were paid as standard, so the really successful team members were similarly paid to those who were less busy or sought after.
Personalising the client experience
Fast forward to today and the industry has completely transformed. Clients don’t want cookie-cutter hairstyles anymore; they want something unique. This means every appointment and consultation is tailored specifically to each client. For instance, the introduction of foil partial colouring techniques shifted us from hoping the highlights landed in the right place to placing colour in a more bespoke way, opening up a whole spectrum of colour choices.
For me, creating a personalised experience for each client is about more than just their hair; it’s about how they feel when they walk out of the salon. My goal is to make every visit transformative and immersive, ensuring no two experiences are ever the same.
Cultivating a personalised team environment
When I opened my first salon in 1998, I began to see things from a new perspective. The hairdressing industry had already started to move away from the ‘one size fits all’ approach. My transition from team member to salon owner was a steep learning curve too. The industry was strong and – if you had the training of an established, reputable salon behind you – you could really win! Earning potential had grown, it was possible to demand a higher salary depending on how busy you were or how many guests you had and retained.
This allowed me to learn the metrics of my business, and how to use and apply them in order to establish a career ladder. I delved deep under the surface in terms of pricing, pay structures, measuring some really important numbers to inspire organic growth. I also focused equally on guest recruitment, retention and increasing spend – aka, getting more from what you have!
Personal growth and career development
Recently, where I have reviewed my core values and business strategies, I have embraced the ‘one size fits one’ philosophy for both my team and my clients more and more. Each team member and client is unique, and our approach needs to reflect that.
Running a salon has taught me that a personalised approach is just as important for styling hair as it is for managing a team. Attracting and retaining talent has always been a challenge – especially with the perception of long hours and low pay in hairdressing – but I’ve found that offering flexibility, growth opportunities and a supportive work environment makes a huge difference.
‘One size fits one’
The shift from a ‘one size fits all’ to a ‘one size fits one’ mindset in every aspect has been a gamechanger for me and my salon. The right team at the right time is a constant balancing act, coupled with the human side of things – confidence, wellbeing, mental wellness and physical ability (all those aspects that really weren’t apparent in the 80s and 90s!).
Ultimately, recognising and celebrating differences – at the same time as maintaining an individual approach – has been key in creating a dynamic and fulfilling environment for my clients, my team and myself.
