Advice on New Salon and Spa

My advice is simple...focus on the hair wash!! So many places seem to just do a quick wash & put you in the chair. I have left big tips for a great wash. It really is the little things that make a difference! Good luck!!

I really love it when they offer you a glass of water or juice. It seems like such a simple thing, but it makes it seem more of a luxury when you get offered a glass of something. or maybe even a mint?

I know everyone is so "Organic", but really I am looking for a good price on something that works well in my hair. Out of all my friends I only have 1 who buys Organic and she ony buys after she has done a ton of research to make sure it really is Organic.
Her is my demographic: Married working Mom 36 2 kids.
Good Luck!

Organic is not about working better then non-organic products, most people use them because they are concerned about the planet and what we want to put on ourselves. I am sure both work equally well but the organic products damage things less, is less harsh on the skin and pollutes our water and earth less. There is a "Green" salon in the Edgewater area, you might want to see what they use and how they market themselves.

Abigail Lynn LMT
Birth and Post Partum Doula
Certified Pre and Peri-natal Massage therapist

I would love to see a salon using more natural products! Ever since I got pregnant and started trying to avoid too many chemicals, I realized how hard it is to find businesses that care about that. Especially nail salons. Those things can be toxic!

I don't have any suggestions for products, but I did have some thoughts about what makes a nice salon experience.

1. Offer a beverage. Even a glass of cold ice water with lemon or cucumber is a nice touch. (And make sure there's a place for customers to set their drinks down. Nothing worse than having to hold your drink through your haircut or getting once sip before it's whisked away to a table across the room.) It really makes it feel like you're being treated! And I've even been to places that offered a small glass of wine--now that's really special! I don't necessarily think you have to go that far though.

2. Comfortable chairs. I HATE salons where the chairs are really uncomfortable. I went to one where the chair back only came halfway up my back, so I felt like I was straining to stay still the whole time. The seats don't have to be fancy, but they should at least allow you to relax.

3. Nice music. What kind depends on the mood you're trying to create, but pay attention to the volume and how distracting it is. I've been in salons where they play music so loud you can barely hear your stylist.

4. Pleasant receptionists. Maybe I'm a alone in this, but I get so turned off when I call to get an appointment and have to talk to a rude, condescending receptionist. I once canceled a salon appointment before even coming in just because I got such a bad vibe from the person on the phone. That person needs to be polite and kind, that's all. I realize it might be hard to find just the right person for that kind of job, though.

Those are just some quick thoughts. Good luck with opening your business!

I would definitely consider organic over non organic products for a day of pampering with my daughter! I would suggest most importantly to focus on making the clients feeling welcomed by all personnel in your salon. Great customer service and child friendly is beyond important to me as a mom.
I have had 2 bad experiences at salons that I most remember and they are not due to prices or bad cuts (although have had those too). :)
-I once watched a stylist reprimand a child inappropriately because she thought the child was alone in the waiting area because mom was in the chair (but that was my best friend's little boy).
-The second one was not a bad experience due to the salon but was a very scary experience at a salon for me and I hope it not only helps you but makes moms more aware. I once went in for a quick straight trim and I had my then 3 year old who sat in the waiting area near the door as most salons have this setup. I always make it a request that she sit next to me but that chair was in use and there just wasn't any room near me for her to comfortably or safely sit near so she sat at the closest chair in the waiting area where I can see her. As the woman was cutting my hair (without washing my hair as I requested so I wouldn't be away), I saw a man enter the salon and sit in the chair next to her as if waiting to be helped. Being the protective mom that I am, I never took my eyes off of her and I am happy I didn't because this guy never put his name down on the list and was not there to wait on anyone but did keep eyeing my daughter (who was very quiet and shy so she never made eye contact) and only left after I made it known "hey honey! what are you doing?" and "M.'s watching you, honey! are you watching M.?...almost done!". I was hoping it was me being over protective and maybe jumping to conclusions but the women at the salon even commented that his actions seemed odd especially when he jumped up awkwardly and walked out nervously. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider a safer waiting area for kids or just simply allow some room near the stations where the little ones can sit and wait! I understand there are hot irons and sharp objects but maybe a center waiting area or some sort of setup that allows moms to know my little one is safe and I can see them while I get my hair washed and cut. Hope this helps and good luck!

There is a local girl who sells Nine Naturals Shampoo, www.ninenaturals.com she is going to start selling at Whole Foods and such. This line is geared towards pregnant and nursing women, but all can certaintly benefit. Contact Nicole, she is so sweet and tell her I sent you. I also have a "list" that I received telling me what organic line is truly organic, and what organic is fake. Email me if you want more.

J. W. MPH
Maternal and Child Health Educator
Chicago Examiner Family Health Expert
http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...

Well, if I'm getting my hair cut, a good scalp/neck massage is defnitely appreciated. Same as with a pedicure - a mini-foot massage makes it more likely that I'll be back to that location instead of shopping around for whoever has a deal going on. Plus I tip fabulously when there's a longer/better than usual massage included.

Organic is for those that want organic. The skin is your largest organ in the body and do you want non organic stuff touching that? Shampoo is for your hair but when I'm in the shower, it gets on my body when I'm rinsing. I would carry at least one organic line for your salon so that those that prefer organic will have a choice. It's not a matter of it 'working any better' than non-organics - it's a matter of non organic vs organic.

There is a salon up here where the trademark is a full hour massage. When you get a mssage it's not 50 or 55 minutes - it's a full hour. The masseuse gets her down time because before each massage, you get a foot soak. You get hot stones and hot water and a little essential oil for 15 minutes. They also give you a little tea, juice, coffee or ice water if you want it.

May I suggest the new magazine Organic Beauty. Only one issue thus far but GREAT info. on the benefits of natural skin/body/hair care. Also the book Gorgeously Green has some info. on earth-friendly products. I think what you are doing is great. We don't need chemicals to be beautiful!

I love the Aveda line, they smell so good! But I think other posters are right, it matters more if the products work well. Maybe you could offer some all natural products in addition to another line for pregnant ladies or people who prefer to go the natural route.

I used to work in a salon and I totally agree with the person who said the gossip between stylists is awful. Gossiping with your client on the other hand is usual practice! lol. As long as you've been with that stylist for a while anyway. That is part of why people return. The established and comfortable relationship. Your stylist knowing you well enough to know what to do and what to offer you.

I think that it is important for the receptionist (or anyone available) to offer to take and hang coats in the cooler months, offer a beverage (coffee, tea, water)or have an easy access to an nice area where customers can make there own.

I would love a place that has a nice clean place to set my purse, rather than a messy station or ugh, the floor!

Scalp massages are the norm and great, shoulder and neck could be offered, but some people dont like people touching them, so the stylist/assistant should always ask first.

Music! Depending on your decor and design this could vary, but every salon needs music. (also helps drown out some of the gossip!)

Current magazines in front and in pedicure area. I hate when I am looking at an old beat up magazine, or when the only hairstyle magazines are from 1982! Stay current.

Childcare! LOL - just kidding!

Good Luck to you! Follow up with your location and name - you may have a lot of new customers just from here!

First, I want to congratulate you! That's wonderful that you are starting your own business. I wish you all the luck!

I go to a Salon in Lake Zurich and they do a really nice job making people feel special.

They always offer me tea or coffee and bring it to me. They always have water with lemons or oranges sliced in it to give it a great fresh flavor.

They have drawings for free services.

The bathroom is always spotless and has real towels vs. hand towels. They always have pretty candles burning in there to make it smell good.

They don't push the product on me...this I love because it gets uncomfortable when I say I use over the counter stuff and they give me the business. I'd rather spend my money on a nice haircut than products...that's just me!

Anyway...best of luck to you!

Soft lighting, draped gossamer fabrics, subtle piped in music and lounging chairs even if they are the indoor outdoor style all help to build that abience that says, "RELAX". a refreshment bar with iced lemon water or pineapple orange juice or both is good...Fresh bowl of apples or oranges and organic banana chips are also refreshing...Have real stemware for guests and massage therapists should offer drinks before and especially after massage....MY daughter is a massage therapist and I love to go to her current Mario Tricoci Chain since it is so restful and elegant in the spa itself...Evn curved walls
and dimmer switches...Good luck!
Consider a Theme decor....Usually it is Feng Shui but I have often envisioned a Hawaiian Tropical Beauty Break...Like a mini spa vacation with soft steel drum or Hawaiian music, flowers and touches of the tropics...
Seaonal special offers help so that if one gets $100 gift certificates then an extra $30 certificate can be included or some such incentive...

First of All you deserve a big Congratulations for this step.

The Freedom that your own business brings and the confidence it builds for you and your family is outstanding. Children do get a lot more attention and everyone wants to pitch in to help.

Besides, all business involves lots of skill. Product, presentation, customer service, promotions, attractive pricing and keeping track of expense and profit. You have to be on top of all these and a lot of more.

SPA is a very popular business today, and brings lots of ease for the clients. Just make sure, your SPA have to present very cool relaxing atmosphere, with serene music,
so any body who comes in gets enchanted and feels satisfied.

Make sure you use good calming tranquil aromatherapy for your SPA so customer right away gets so indulged that he gets most of your services and creats more business for you.

For customer to come again always provide a better incentive to return in a month.

Beside all kind of hair cuts style and color,perms deep conditioner Hot oil treatment Scalp treatment are popular at SPAS,Threading Waxing Facials manicure Pedicure body wraps, Massage make up, bridal package Henna Tattoos, Facial and body exfoliation are some of the services for your future SPA.

If you do need some Natural and Organic products to use on a reasonable price, I know some of those suppliers.

Soy Candles ( natural ) soft relaxing music, cool colors
and Aromatic atmosphere creats a highly appreciated SPA.

I hope this helps.

I use Hemp Shampoo from Sally's Beauty Supply and Conditioner is Hair Balm from Ulta. They are both great on the hair and keep my hair health. The hemp shampoo really cleans and the hair balm both conditions and restores luster to my hair. I used Shaklee's natural shampoo before the hemp shampoo and paid a lot of money for something that did not work for me as well as the Hemp Shampoo.

If you are interested to know more about these products let me know and I can email you the information off the bottles.

S.

Here is my ideal spa....
I am treated well by everyone no matter how their day is going. There is no snottiness or rudeness. I wouldn't know the difference in treatment that I have paid for whether I was Jane Doe or Angelina Jolie(yes I know she may leave a much better tip, but you never know I may as well never judge). Natural/organic products would be great. Make sure you have your employees check to see if any certain scents are more pleasant or bother the client. Due to my situation if you utilized some of your space for a small playroom(supervised) that the client would pay extra for that would be great. I can't always find a sitter to get some pampering done. Also could offer within that room a small service to kids that are old enough such as nail painting or braid or face paint/tatoo depending on age or parent.
When I decide to spend my money on a spa, it has to make me feel good both physically and emotionally. Because if one is missing I spend my time thinking of how to cancel the rest of my services and leave. Make sure music played is not invasive, girls don't brink their "high school" antics to work and are professional and don't show signs of being anything but there for the client.

R.,

Hi. When I lived in Seattle I went to a salon that was fabulous. One of my favorite things about the place was that when washing your hair they would give you a scalp/head massage. It wasn't hugely long (usually a max of 5 min), but boy was it relaxing, and it felt so good. Also they offered drinks, you could choose from water, cucumber water, tea, coffee, or wine (all on the house). I have to say that I also loved their space it was funky (I don't know if you know much about Seattle but it was in Freemont).

I have to say that the head massage has never been duplicated anywhere else that I have patronaged. So if you could that would be a fantastic special touch.

Good Luck!!!

I'm not as concerned about organic hair products as with products that work well. They can be all natural but need to work well. If it's organic and sucks, then what's the point?
I like for a salon to be relaxing/calming...it's Me time!
I like being offered a beverage.
With a hair service, deft a nice scalp massage when getting your hair washed.
Good luck!

The salon I go to has these awesome heated-massaging-reclining chairs that you sit in when getting your hair washed. They are so comfy and relaxing. I could sit in them all day long! The salon is an Aveda salon and I do like the smell of all the products my stylist uses.

Finally!! This is music to my ears! Organic products MAY not work BETTER than non-organic products BUT you're not getting the parabens, sulfates, fragrances and other harmful chemicals. I think that's an acceptable trade-off!! I've used every OTC organic hair/facial products but nothing 'salon use only'. Not only would it be great to use organic hair products, but also facial and nail products. I've been on the look-out for organic, less harmful products to put on nails. They exist but to my knowledge there is no salon that caters to organic mani/pedi's. A special touch you can include is organic teas/coffee as well as an organic trail mix? I think this new salon will be a huge hit. Let me know when you open and I'll be a regular for sure. It's about time someone started a salon/spa like this!! Best of luck!

I love Aveda products, Motions, and Pantene! If you can have quality affordable products in your salon, I think that will be key to drawing and keeping your customers.

All the Best,
D.

All manicures should include a hand/arm massage and pedicures should include a foot/leg massage. and the lotion used for the massage should not be oily or strong smell. Every place I go to in Illinois (I've been to over 20 salons) is menthol scented oil which is gross and they are all rough when doing cuticles and massage. Every place I go to in California is nice lotion and everything feels perfect!

I believe that businesses with environmentally sound practices (such as using organic products) are going to have the edge in the not-so-distant future. I work for a restaurant who is looking at all kinds of ways to be more eco-friendly and not because of the PR, but because it's the right thing to do. Think of all the people who only buy organic personal care products that would come to your salon in addition to those who just want great services.
Also, I think the organic teas that someone else suggested is a great idea, and I always love a scalp massage when I'm getting my hair washed :O) Best of luck in your new venture!

Two things I really dislike in a salon:

-When all the stylists are super gossipy during my services. When getting my hair or nails done, I like my stylist to pay attention to what he or she is doing with my hair, not talking rudely about anyone and everyone with other stylists/clients. If they are that willing to talk poorly about others, does that mean they'll bad-mouth me when I'm there? Or...if they are super-chatty, are they giving my style all the attention it needs (probably not)?

-Stylists who smoke but don't do anything to try to keep the customer comfortable. I get that everyone has a right to smoke on their break, etc., but there is nothing more disgusting than reclining back in the shampoo bowl or having someone work on your hair and nails only to have 'smoky breath' coming right at your face. Brush your teeth after you smoke, pop a piece of gum or rinse with mouthwash so your clients (who, by the way provide your tips) don't have to suffer.

The salon I go to does a head and neck massage of 15 minutes with every wash!! There hair washing area is behind a closed door and is a quiet area. There is a fountain on the wall and they offer you a choice of 3 essential oil scents for your massage. I actually pay more money to go to this salon than I normally would just for the service I receive. They offer a drink when you get there, the staff is focused on you rather than each other. The color station where they mix hair color is in the middle of the area where they do coloring (different than their stations) so you can see them mix and know what is going on. The waxing area has comfortable chairs (which I loved because I don't really enjoy waxing so I was glad I was comfortable.)

Hope this helps!!!!