In this series of blogs we talk to experts who will give invaluable advice on how to start your own hairdressing business, how to price your services, insurance, employing staff, finding the right premises and much more. Follow us over the next 12 months to get all the tips you need to make your new salon a success from day one.
No cutting corners in doing it properly – the importance of market research before you set up
No-one could say that a career in hairdressing is a mundane nine to five routine; but sometimes there simply is no excitement, no new challenges and no drive to go further either by you or by your employer. Sound familiar? Do you have a burning dream to start up your own salon? To make a difference; to do it your way?
As we ease towards the end of a recession, now might be the best time to commence your new business and we at Savvy and Shine are 100% behind your adventure; sharing our knowledge and top tips along the way.
Appeal to your ideal customer
You have now put your foot on one of the most important steps of your business ladder – knowing what kind of salon to set up to appeal to your ideal customer. There are many questions that you will need answers to and undergoing thorough market research can supply you with extensive knowledge to ensure your business idea will actually survive in the long term as well as short term.
Who will avail of my service? What price will they pay? Where will I set up the salon? How many potential customers can I serve? How will my target market find out about me? How will they pay? Why will customers come to my business? What competitors exist? What is my unique selling proposition (USP)? What makes my business different and better?
While your timing might be right, you will still face a lot of competition. There are over 1000 salons in Northern Ireland.
Don't underestimate market research
One of the biggest benefits of a start-up is that you have some latitude in determining who your customers will be. So, don’t underestimate how beneficial market research can be at the start and as your business progresses and don’t take short cuts! If you want to be successful and competitive, know your market inside and out! And know how you will stand out from the competition. Take James Wallace Creative Hair and Makeup boutique for example. Based in Downpatrick, aside from being a multi award winning hair stylist and makeup artist James salon uses solely animal cruelty free products. What a way to stand out!
Conducting primary market research is your opportunity to understand what will make your product or service appeal to your market segment. It provides an outlook into customers buying behaviours and characteristics and may give you that vital upper hand over all competition. How? By simply going out there and asking your target customers what they want, when they want it and how they want it.
Further resources
Analysing secondary research already available can educate you on what has worked well before and what has went disastrously wrong for similar businesses, almost a heads up on what to do and what not to do! Check out www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk for useful guides on starting a hair business including mobile to barber to specialising in children or Afro-Caribbean to even wig making and hair-extension specialist. And don’t forget to get in touch with our blog partners Antrim Enterprise Agency on guidance to start up your business.
Introducing evo smooth, a smoothing shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment system to strengthen frizzy, unruly, colour-treated hair. Available wherever good hairdressers are stocked.
At Savvy and Shine, why not join Marlene, Ava, Lauren and lots of other Hollywood Greats in the New Eva Professional, Divina.One Diva Digital Colour Chart.
Click on the chart to see all the fabulous colours available:
Eva Professional Divina.One Diva is an Anti-aging hair colour that provides 100% coverage, for even the most resistant white hair. Does not require mixing with natural bases.
To browse our complete selection of Colours and Professional Hair Care Products email me at hello@savvyandshine.com and I will send you a unique log on that will give you access to our full range of products with a quick and easy online ordering system.
Savvy and Shine are Distributors of Professional Hair Care Product for EVO, Eva Professional, Kebelo, Kasho, REM, Crewe Orlando, Denman, Gamma Piu, Kiru, Sibel, THC www.savvyandshine.com http:/www.savvyandshine.com
evo is an innovative, professional hair and beauty product manufacturer with individuality and integrity; a manufacturer that speaks the truth
born from a desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think. and so comes the catch phrase – saving ordinary humans from themselves
at this event we will introduce you to this amazing brand and have some fun, creativity, drinks and canapes along the way
TIME TRAVEL, ETERNAL YOUTH, PEACEFUL PROTEST, FRUITS O’ THE FOREST AND MAGICAL PONIES: ENJOY IT ALL WITH EVO®
We know there are a lot of customers that come to your salon to trim their ends due to the continuous use of thermal tools. Most of them would rather prefer to let their hair keep growing, but due to split ends, they have no choice but to let scissors do the job.
Thermal products are specific products which could protect your hair from high temperatures and related damages, so you could offer these products to prevent split and extra dry ends.
Thermal shampoos prepare and purify hair and protect it from hot water. Taking showers with hottest water can cause that hair suffers and turns it fragile. THC Shampoo is what your customer is looking for; an exceptional product which prepares your hair so that it could suffer thermal tools perfectly.
A good protector must include some indispensable active ingredients in its formulation. These ingredients must prepare and protect the capillary fiber against deflating, thanks to its soft emulsion which conditions the hair. So apart from protected, you hair will also be healthy and soft. You can recommend THC Protector which includes Rhodiola rosea biomolecules. These active ingredients help to ease brushing and control frizz.
THC Styler, you will win hair direction, volume and shine with it's thermal protection and hold giving flexibility and control.
Here are 6 simple yet effective merchandising tips which you know you should be doing. Take a quick peek at your shelves and see if you really are…
Work your salon reception desk
Think of standing waiting to pay at a supermarket. You are surrounded by those last minute small items to tempt you just to spend a little bit more. And many people do get tempted.
Do the same in your hair or beauty salon. Pop a basket of travel-size skin care products or a handbag size hair spray on your reception desk. The run up to Mothers Day and Christmas are great times to have a basket of inexpensive gift ideas a d stocking-fillers on your reception.
Eyes right for retail sales
Did you know most people will always head to the right after first entering a shop? It happens unconsciously simply because most people are right-handed.
So ensure your salon has any bargains and your best sellers in this area to entice your clients to start to spend.
Ready, steady… SHOP!
Create a focal point at eye level on your shelving. A new shampoo could be the main focal point, with complementary items such as conditioner and styling products placed nearby to encourage multiple sales.
Ensure your salon display is visually balanced with dark colours (which appear heavier than light ones) lower in the display and lighter coloured products at the top to avoid appearing top heavy.
Keep retail simple
Make it easy for the client to find what they are looking for. Don’t confuse them – too often I see salon displays where every row or shelf has a different arrangement.
Use individual product signs – known as shelf talkers – clearly showing the price, name and size of the product. Clients can feel embarrassed about asking for prices so make it easy for them to buy. Would you order off a food menu without knowing the prices?
Clean up
Don’t let basic housekeeping slip just because your salon is busy or understaffed. Salons are dusty places so make an organised team member responsible for cleaning every bottle and shelf at least once a week. You don’t see dusty shelves in Boots or Sainsbury’s so your clients don’t expect to see them in your salon.
Keep retail suppliers on their toes
Ensure you’re getting the best deal from your salon product suppliers. Think discounts, samples, service, help with prizes and giveaways and delivery times. You’ll be surprised what you can get if you ask.
Think too about buying quantities to get the best supplier deals.
Over the coming months all three of our main brands: Eva Professional, Evo Haircare and Kebelo will be launching new marketing materials. Eva Professional will also have a bespoke marketing kit for stockist salons, which include your logo and promotions that you may wish to run to make you stand out from the crowd. As us for more details.
Eva Professional VITAMIN RECHARGE shampooreinvents itself to continue being the answer to a never-ending need: Hair full of vitality, strength, body and brilliant shine.
A ground-breaking product in the hair care market that incorporates the beauty vitamins: vitamins B and E. Combined with olive oil and natural, botanically exclusive active ingredients for the strongest beauty concentrate ever.
FREE FROM: sulphates, parabens, silicones, allergens, synthetic dyes, alcohol, phthalates, polycyclic musks. New CLEANSING BALM with a neutral formula. You'll find multi benefits in a sole product. No doubt, it will surprise you!
We fell in love with Evo Hair Products when we first saw them. They step away from the normal realms of the hair care world.
So what makes Evo different?
evo is an innovative, professional hair and beauty product manufacturer with individuality and integrity; a manufacturer that speaks the truth.
Inside bottles of evo that are bursting with personality, you'll find luxurious products that are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and prpylene gylcol free; products that give professional results while protecting the environment.
You won't find unnecessary, over-marketed ingredients; no imaginary technology, no myths, no gimmicks. All ingredients in evo formulations are active; nothing is added only to make claims on the label.
The evo range is distiributed exclusively through the very best salons and is found wherever good hairdressers are stocked.
Beards are so fashionable at the moment, but not all salons offer a beard maintenance service to their clients. Chin curtains need TLC just like the hair on top of your head so here's some news on keeping up with the trend in salon...using professional products to maintain a beard is also really helpful....products like Eva Professional Frequency Shampoo will keep it fresh, clean, soft and flake free for the longest or shortest of beards! Keep it tidy, a clean and well pruned beard is best no mater what length it is!
A few months ago, we mentioned men as new potential salon clients and the many services that are now in demand, thanks to them.
One of these is a good shave, and today we would like to talk about the trendiest look in this area: the hipster beard.
Ok, at first only big Hollywood stars like George Clooney or Brad Pitt could pull it off, but today it's become one of the most common and trendy looks on the street.
But why is it called hipster? This type of beard was given this name because of its origin, as it emerged in association with this contemporary group affiliated with independent music.
The main characteristic of this beard is that it is very thick and usually curly, with a carefree feel to it. What's more, it can be seen on men with any look, not just on the stereotypical hipsters…formally dressed gentlemen also sport it.
Even though it has been traditionally associated with slovenliness, this type of beard requires almost daily care, especially in terms of its length and shape, which must be very clear and well cared for. Maintaining the length and shape of the beard is very important, precisely to stay clear of the traditional concept of the beard associated with sloppiness in men.
Therefore, and aware of the need to be on the cutting edge, here are some details about some of the trendiest BARBER services that you can offer, aimed at this niche market.
Shaving: the services offered generally fall into one of two categories: head shaving and the classic beard shaving. Nowadays, this tradition is highly prized, since it constitutes an entire ritual that combines the application of hot and cold towels before and after the razor work, to get the closest shave possible.
Trim / shaping: These services for beards and moustaches are aimed at maintaining the desired length. The technique most commonly used is a free-style shave with a straight-edge razor.
Other services:In this area, you might offer packages of services that include manicures and pedicures, capillary treatments or peelings, waxing services or relaxing and/or stimulating scalp massages.
If you still would like to know more, you're determined to learn barbering techniques or you have any other questions, contact your sales representative or Eva Professional UK and Ireland directly
We're very excited to receive more fantastic reviews for Eva Professional colour and care products. This time the Daily Star beauty editor, Sarah Barns, has given a glowing review of Eva Divina Pure colour, E-Line Blonde and Grey Shampoo.
There are days where you want to make a difference; where you want to highlight your look with a perfect hairstyle. Sometimes it is not a matter of looking for the most complicated hairstyle but a simple touch that could change your look radically. Here's your best friend for these days: V-Liquid
It is an instantaneous acting product, so you apply it and results are seen immediately. You can use it with your straight long hair, by applying it to the roots when you dry it to reach much more volume or by using it to give shape to your hairstyles.
Perfect also for an up do. As it is applied by a spray it helps you in using it only in specific zones, for example, in your fringe, or to give personality to your up do. Moreover it helps to enlarge hairstyle life and improves the final result.
An instant power which offers body and thickness to your hair by increasing volume sensation. What else can we say? V-Liquid is the right product for flat days.
It's been a hectic year at Savvy & Shine. It's been fun filled and exciting from January 1st! We've been working hard with the launch of our new website thanks to our lovely friends at Bag of Bees. We've had some exciting new product launches and have been joined by lots of nice new customers. We also become the main distributor for all of UK and Ireland for Eva Professional Hair Products and now have a new distribution partner, Mishine, in England.
December is always really busy in rush up to the holidays and then we have a big relax and put our feet up for a few weeks!
We've lots of new and exciting things coming in 2014 and the last few months we have been working behind the scenes securing all the important boring bits taken care of so we can have some fun with fabulous new products from Eva Professional and Kebelo and early in 2014 we will be launching another exclusive new brand to Ireland.
Our last order date is Monday 16th December @ 12pm to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. If you've signed up for our newsletter you will get a last minute surprise in the next day or two! We will reopen on 7th January 2014 with some new promotions in our January sale too.
We hope you have a lovely Christmas break and we can't wait to start our most exciting year yet in 2014.
Eva Professional Capilo Instant Repair - a rich conditioning treatment, which has been specially designed to treat damaged and dehydrated hair - giving it the life and strength it needs!
The formula acts directly on the damaged cuticle, providing nutrition and protection to help the hair regain softness and gives a luxurious shine from the very first application.
Eva Professional’s miracle worker acts as a super-powerful, refreshing and ultra-intensive penetration with the ability to rebuild the hair fibre, damaged by a multitude of sins particularly chemical attack, sun exposure, seasonal changes, hormonal changes and stress.
The formula contains a variety of nourishing ingredients including vegetable proteins to condition and revitalise the scalp, Potato starch to give the hair renewed resistance, hydration and nutrition and also Beeswax which is used to make damaged and sensitive hair easier to comb and eliminates static electricity.
To use, wash the hair with shampoo first, we recommend the Proteinucleol Nourishing Shampoo for that perfect finish. Tear off the cap and inject the luxurious formula into the hair. Massage into the most damaged areas and then leave for a few minutes to sink into the hair. You can then rinse the treatment out and style hair as normal, enjoying your fabulous feeling, healthy hair!
We recently sent some samples of our Eva Professional Capilo Instant Repair shots to beauty editors around the UK and Ireland. We always knew it was good but when it started turning up in magazines across the country we got very excited. It's been featured in consumer magazines like, Look! The UK's biggest weekly fashion magazine, Northern Ireland Wedding Belle, U, IN! Instant Repair has also been hitting the headlines in trade magazines, Professional Hairdresser, Salon Business and is currently featured as product of the week in Hairdressers Journal International, HJi are also running a competition on their website to win some Capilo Instant Repair!
We are developing a fantastic new business model for salon supply wholesalers who have cash and carry outlets or direct sales forces supplying professional hairdressing salons.
