Cutting
As hairdressers, haircuts are literally our ‘bread and butter’, but are you truly maximising your cutting potential when it comes to salon profits? From a business point of view, haircutting services cost far less than colouring, in terms of both time and resources. The simple truth is, you can make a lot of money if you can cut hair really well. A haircut that grows out well makes a client’s life much easier, helping you to build a loyal clientele and earning you more money in the long run too.
If you’re not challenging yourself to be better at cutting, be prepared for your clients to look elsewhere. A commitment to learning demonstrates to customers that you take pride and passion in your work AND that you value their business. From a business perspective, having the confidence to tackle any head of hair that sits in your chair is priceless.
Do you really want to turn business away because you struggle with certain requests/ Perhaps layers are your nemesis? Or maybe you’ve never mastered curly hair cuts? As a professional, the client relies on you to have the answers to their questions, so make it your mission to remain at least one step ahead or you risk losing their trust.
I created MT Masterclass education to address the gaps within hairdressing training. Our precision cutting app is free to download and includes video tutorials on dozens of cuts, plus sectioning patterns, styling tips and tool recommendations. Subscribing to the ‘access all areas’ version costs less than a weekly coffee, and it can help you to regain your confidence when it comes to cutting.
Client Care
For me, client care in the 2020s goes way beyond a scalp massage and refreshment menu (although these are obviously essential too!). Any salon business operating today should strive to be as inclusive as possible to ensure that any potential clients feel welcome. For me, inclusivity means that hair is hair – no matter the gender or the hair type. At my Manchester salon, we offer a safe space that allows hijabs to be removed in private, as well as silent appointments for anyone that doesn’t wish to engage in conversation. We are wheelchair accessible, and our appointments are priced according to time taken, rather than gender.
As a salon owner, I want to inspire other salon owners to take some small actions that can really make an impact. I can’t imagine informing a client that we don’t ‘do’ their hair type – as an industry, we really must try harder to embrace diversity and challenge ourselves to do better.
Content Creation
If you’re not using social media to attract potential clients and opportunities for growth, ask yourself why?
Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allow you to showcase your business with zero cost. Of course, creating content can feel daunting if you’re not sure what you’re doing, but a good starting point is to think of your Instagram grid as a ‘window’ into your business. This is your way of speaking to potential clients, so show off your best work, your points of difference and your strengths as a brand.
Remember, you don’t need to do clever transitions or lip syncing; find a style that you feel confident with and get the basics right to begin with. Check that your lens is clean, shoot your work in good light with a clean/neutral background (or invest in a ring light and tripod), and record in high resolution. And don’t just stick to hair transformations – show off your salon space, highlight your retail products or talk about your service menu. I love to see those glimpses into real salon life too, like the consultation process or team camaraderie. Instagram loves authentic content right now, so don’t overthink it.
Oh, and when you’re capturing content, always check that any clients in the salon are happy to be filmed! Make sure you’re sensitive to what you are filming too – no one wants to be captured pouring their heart out to their colourist in the background of your fringe-trim timelapse!
