Blog

Arthur Hall, Founder, Creative Technical Director of Blue Ocean Beauty Solutions:

Spring has sprung. There are definite signs that we’re re-emerging into a time of year with huge transitional energy. So many things happen during this time of year in our industry.

Manufacturers launch new products. New hair and fashion collections are created to emphasize spring and summer looks. Marketing looks for innovative approaches to bring freshness to established merchandise. Obviously, for all of us, this is our yearly renaissance.

We can be re-energized by all the ‘newness’ around us and commit to grow to our next level of salon service excellence. If not, it’s just another year of doing clients.

Let’s lean toward the former. Let’s look at what we do with fresh eyes: the eyes of our guests. The guests in our chairs take in what we say. Here are some priorities:

IMAGE, or what they see: Do we look like the kind of stylists that can cater to a cross section of our demographic? Are our salons clean and tidy? Do we work in an organized and systemic manner?

Remember, perception is reality. So let’s manage the guests’ reality. Managing your inner image helps accentuate the positive.

PERSONALITY, or what they feel: A smile and warm handshake go a long way to make guests feel at ease. Have the type of personality that draws your guests to you while you’re behind the chair.

They’ll be more relaxed, more open to sharing their concerns and learn more from you if they like you. So simple.

CONTENT, or what they’ll learn: Apart from the service itself, guests are looking to learn something new from the experience they have with us. Proper preparation by having a strong basis of product knowledge is important, in order to assist the guest in solving challenges with their hair.

Teaching techniques to dress their hair extends the salon experience to the nth degree and elevates our level of servicing the guest.

CALL TO ACTION, or what they buy: An important link in the guest experience is the Take Home sale. The correct product choice along with the proper instructions establishes the stylist, as the expert in your field. The method of getting product in the consumer’s hands is education. Education and, of course, asking for the sale.

Realize that these four service priorities are “all about the guest.” Incorporate these in your daily mental preparation. I’m sure there will be a bit more purpose and positive intent to servicing your clients.

So, enjoy the energy of spring. There’s awakening, growth and stretching to new dimensions. Have fun. This is all about getting better at what we do and helping our guests by being their expert, their “go to” stylist.