Revamping Your Salon/Studio P2

Hi Everyone!

On Tuesday we started talking about Revamping your Salon/Studio, today we will dive further in depth. We already discussed budget, style, location and demographics.

Once you have taken location and demographics into consideration and you have come up with a visual of what you want and what you think will be successful NOW choose a color! Maybe there is only one color that goes with what your theme, maybe there are a few. Don’t be scared to use color, color can be expressive, be inspiring and can overall change a mood. We don’t realize how much colors affect our moods. For example, red promotes hunger, it actually makes you more hungry than if you were looking at another color! That’s craziness! Why do you think most food chains have red in their logo? Every color has certain psychological effects on our brains. Not crucial to use a color based on these effects alone but it does not hurt to take it into consideration. Decorating your salon will be very impactful on your future. Worst case scenario you can change your theme/color/etc. but let me tell you, it will be a lot cheaper if you get it right the first time.

Photo credit: Valerie Mcdonald Reinkober - NailKandy

When you do come to the time where updates are needed, try to find easy updates. Re-purposing old furniture can make a world of difference and gives your salon a whole new look with your budget in mind. There are so many DIY tips and tricks on the internet. Something as simple as decorating the ceiling for your clients that lay on their back during their service can go a long way. The unique additions will be what you are remembered for, build your salon's character. Better yet, its personality. Don't be scared to leave some of your supplies out but in a creative display. Most people will prefer the neat, tidy, clean look for salons as long as it doesn't look cluttered you should be fine!

The majority of people do not like clutter. Not at their salon/spa, this is a place of serenity and cleanliness. Things to look out for - your windows, this is an easy place to fill, does not mean you should. Don't have too much hanging from the ceiling. I know it’s a beautiful plant and yes it brings fresh air into the salon BUT it could also come across as too much as it dangles above your clients head. Take the time to clean up after yourself. Update your display, if it always looks the same, people won't even look at it after a while. You could change your display monthly and make a huge difference by placing things in another order, next to something different, or just in an unfamiliar position, people are more likely to notice it. They may even think that it is new! Don't underestimate this importance!

Some of the little things that turn into big things:

• Use mirrors! Mirrors add space to rooms, it can make your salon more open and inviting. Plus people love to look at themselves in the mirror, let's be honest!

• Spend some time on the bathroom, don't be the gungy place that people cringe at when thinking of using the bathroom. Bathrooms leave a surprisingly big impression, if you don't believe me, try thinking about the bathroom at your closest grocery store, now think about the fancy restaurant you went to a few months back… it matters.

• Salons that provide beverages, leave an impression. If you can, have a beverage section! Even if it is just a self-serve, people like to feel at home and this touch will give them more of that atmospheric feel.

• Keep your magazines up to date… something so small but people notice when your salon has magazines from 10 years ago. Kind of seems cheap and lazy… not to say you don't have a completely valid reason on why they are all that old but try to keep things fresh and updates across the board, this includes magazines!

Lastly, the impression of your salon does not begin when that door opens. Oh no, the impression of your salon starts outside. Keep your eye out for any improvements that can be done as you enter the salon every day. Do not neglect the weeds, do not allow for spilled garbage outside.

Once you have set up your salon, it is not over my friends. This is an ongoing task, you need to constantly be thinking, visualizing and implementing your culture. Don't settle, strive!

Elise xox