While the hair and beauty industry is slowly moving to being more inclusive, why are we not talking about the biggest exclusion barrier there is? Price.
Over the last decade, Not Another Salon has consistently pioneered unique offerings – including silent haircuts, mirror-free experiences and even becoming the world’s first gender-neutral salon in 2017. However, the salon’s Founder, Sophia Hilton, is not stopping there…
‘These days, inclusivity seems to focus so strongly on sexuality, gender and race. Whilst that is hugely important, in order to be truly inclusive we have to consider ALL aspects of inclusivity, and that includes economic access.’ Sophia explains.
How It Works:
Each month, Not Another Salon will allocate a set number of selected appointments and services to be offered at a reduced price. To ensure the process is fair, availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All clients have to do is provide an income statement and make less than £25,000 per year. ‘It was tough to create these appointments because, after all, we charge premium prices for a reason,’ says Sophia. ‘Our team is amongst the most highly trained in the country, our rent is high as we’re in a premium location and the products we use are some of the best that money can buy. Despite this, we’ve created a menu of appointments and services that we were able to reduce, whilst still making it viable to our business.’ Find out more.
Adam Thomas is Pro Hair’s resident Data Dork and the Founder of the game-changing salon review platform and insights generator, salonspy. Having recently launched his first AI tool for customers, Adam shares his top AI tips for hairdressers looking to get involved:
Embrace it, it’s not going away
AI is here to help; learn how to trust the process and lean into the ways it can support your salon. AI is designed to assist, not replace. Whilst we’re certainly not going to hand a pair of scissors to a robot, I do recommend exploring some of the opportunities that it can offer your business. These include:
Caution with AI usage
Google can easily detect AI-generated content and prefers genuine, expert input. With this in mind, our biggest warning would be to avoid overusing AI for website content or blogs.
Review responding with AI
AI is great for several elements of the review process – from driving more reviews to collecting these through the management process. For example, salon owners often find replying to reviews too time-consuming and repetitive, so salonspy taught AI to handle this task for them.
The future of AI for salons and hairdressers
I believe AI will continue to positively impact our industry, and I even predict that colour brands will start to use it to forecast trends. By embracing AI, we can streamline operations and enhance client satisfaction. Let’s leverage these tools to stay ahead in the industry.
With over 70% of our industry adopting the freelance method of working, it is my goal to help raise the profile of these independent hairdressers and get them noticed by the brands they love. Enter: Hype Membership.
Hype Membership was created for independent hairstylists to take control of their own public profile via a small monthly subscription. With many of these freelancers not having the necessary knowledge to respond to industry journalists, this membership takes the stylist through everything they might need to successfully pitch and respond to industry opportunities – from trade magazine call-outs and hairdressing events and awards, to a handy industry calendar of dates and a plethora of useful links.
Having launched earlier this year to founding members, Hype Membership will reopen to new members again in the new year. Sign up for the waiting list to jump the queue when we open the doors next time! Find out more.
