Running a salon isn’t just about being good at hair. It’s about being one step ahead. There’s always another place opening up down the road, or someone undercutting your prices. That’s fine. You don’t need to be the cheapest or flashiest. You just need to be smart, offer a little more than the next person, and make people feel good every time they walk through the door. If you want your salon to stand out and actually stay busy, here’s what makes the difference.
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Make your space feel comfortable
If the first thing your client sees is a messy floor, a flickering light and a cold plastic chair, they’ve already made their mind up. Doesn’t matter how talented you are with a pair of scissors. You don’t need a full renovation or gold taps. You just need the place to feel clean, warm and calm. Put some thought into the layout. Make sure there’s a mirror where they can check their hair in natural light. Keep the towels fluffy. Add a proper chair in the waiting area. These things sound small, but they’re the kind of details people tell their friends about. And when a salon feels good, people stick around longer and rebook without even thinking.
Offer something extra
Most clients know what they want. They don’t always say it, but they’ll drop hints. If you keep hearing people ask about how to get thicker hair or longer styles, you’ve already got the answer. Instead of watching those clients leave and buy online, bring the service in-house. This is where working with a trade supplier like wholesale hair extensions makes a big difference. You get access to high quality hair in the lengths and colours that are already popular. You can offer full installations or simply sell the product in the salon.
Keep your staff trained
Your team is everything. If they’re burnt out or feeling like no one’s listening to them, your clients are going to pick up on that straight away. And the worst part? You might not even realise until the bookings start slowing down. Make time for training. Doesn’t have to be formal. Even a few hours learning a new trend or playing around with a new colour technique can refresh the whole place.
Build loyalty
You don’t need a stamp card or an app. You just need to make people feel like they matter. Remember their name. Ask how their last colour held up. Offer them the same stylist when they book again. Add a small free treatment now and then, or keep a note of their birthday. If you can make a client feel like they’re part of something, they’ll stick with you. And they’ll bring others too. Word of mouth is still the best marketing tool you’ve got, and it starts with small moments of genuine care.
Don’t disappear online
Finally, even if you’re fully booked this week, you still need to be visible. When someone hears your name or sees your salon on the high street, the first thing they’ll do is look you up. If your socials are empty or your website hasn’t been touched in a year, that’s a red flag. You don’t need to post every single day, but keep things ticking over.