Let’s bust a few myths about growing your hair business…
Myth 1: Doing what everybody else is doing will make you successful.
Nope. Just because it works for them and their business doesn’t mean it’s a perfect fit for you as well.
Myth 2: Take walk-ins if you want to build a base clientele.
Do you really want to build a clientele of people who decide off the cuff they need their hair done and just pop into the nearest salon? Or do you want a curated target market that knows and values your worth?
Myth 3: If you put in the time in the salon, you’ll be successful.
Well, maybe…but you’re putting a lot into the balance there. It might work, but there’s a 90% chance it won’t.
You’re worth more than that 10%, friend.
Instead, if you want to truly grow your business as a stylist, you’ve got to maximize your time with each and every client.
Let’s dig into the top ways to make the most of each appointment and grow your business!
Upgrade your guest experience
Let’s dive into the most important (and the most intimidating) first! A lot of stylists avoid leveling up their guest experience because they think it’ll break the bank. But it doesn’t have to!
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
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Fresh baked goods from the local bakery
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In-salon conditioning treatments
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Flowers from the local florist
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A goodie bag with one or two small samples after each appointment
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A quick styling lesson
Think about what your target market would consider an upgrade. Be thoughtful and creative. The more you align with what your target market considers valuable, the more they’re willing to spend with you and refer their friends and family, meaning you grow your hair business even more.
Have a consultation at each appointment
Many stylists just do one full consultation when a new client comes in. Every appointment after that? They just say, “Hey Crystal, I’m mixing your color now, go ahead and have a seat.”
Does that make you feel warm and fuzzy? Us either.
Instead, sit down at the top of each appointment and talk about what’s going on in their life, what changes they want to do with their hair, what’s working for them and what isn’t.
Bringing that level of detail and care makes clients even more likely to refer, spend, and stay loyal to you.
Ask for referrals
Word of mouth is still one of the top ways for prospective guests to find new stylists. But asking for those referrals? Yikes.
But when you have that target market client in your chair, you have a golden opportunity to get referrals. All you have to do? Ask!
If this feels a little out of your wheelhouse, create a script with what you feel comfortable with and practice. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice on your commute. Practice on your friends. Practice until the words feel comfortable on your tongue.
This will make asking for referrals so much easier and help you maximize your time with each client behind the chair.
P.S. If you don’t have a referral program, now is a great time to set one up! Make it easy and fun for your dream clients to share with their friends, family, and coworkers! Learn how to build a customized referral program to grow your hair business in the Thriving Stylist Method!
Don’t double book
The age of the hair factory is gone. There. We said it.
Instead of cramming clients into every nook and cranny in your schedule, give you (and them!) space to breathe. Dedicating the time to focus on the person in front of you will help you make a deeper connection and increase your chance of retaining them.
Want to dig deeper into the double booking debate? Listen to this podcast!
Take social media photos in the same spot
Clients like predictability…and if they know you always take before-and-after photos in the same spot in the salon at the same points in time during their appointment, they’re more comfortable, relaxed, and happy…giving you incredible images to use on your social media.
Why is that important when it comes to maximizing your business? Simple. It gives your social media consistency, showcases the work you love to do, and makes your clients feel special, deepening the relationship.
Educate
A really quick and easy way to grow your hair business is to educate your clients during the appointment.
Not in a way where they feel like they’re being lectured or there’ll be a test, but in natural conversation, like…
“So just as a reminder, I add X, Y, and Z to my color because it does [this incredible thing]. A
Lot of stylists don’t because [reason], but I think it’s great because…”
Educating your clients on why you made the changes you did, why you use the products you do, or even why you style the way you do adds a whole new level of experience and value.
Showcase your retail
Retail is one of the hardest elements to maximize when you’re trying to grow your hair business, but once you’ve got it down, it’s a gamechanger!
A great way to make selling retail easier and maximize your time with each guest is to line up the products as you use them on your station or talk up a special product each month you know your clients will love.
Or, if you want to go a step further, recommend a product to help solve the biggest concerns they mention during the consultation!
Growing your business behind the chair is as simple as maximizing the time you spend with each client who walks through the door. Apply these methods to increase your value (and income!) with little to no cost to you.
