Having trouble choosing the right music to set the tone for your salon? Real-life salon owners share the sounds that work for them in a variety of environments.
The Mood: chill, mellow
Music Genre: lounge
Sample Playlist: Org Lounge — “Mirror”, Ceemix — “Safe Slip”, Gingko Garden — “One and Twain”, David Gordon — “Mangoville”, Rich Dolmat—“Pleasure Lounge”
XM/Sirius Station: XM Chill (XM 84) Chill (Sirius 35)
Example: At eco-friendly salon Recess in Los Angeles, “The Best of Buddha Lounge” CD is frequently in rotation. Owner Nidhi Lal has received compliments on how relaxing her music selection is.
The Mood: themed, interactive
Music Genre: world music (based on the current theme)
Sample Playlist: (For Cinco de Mayo week) Claudia Martinez — “Ranchu Gubina”, Lila Downs — “Naila”, Abrego y Picazo — “Corrido de Macario Romero”, Caravage de Societe — “La Cucaracha”, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan — “Camino Real de Colima”
XM/Sirius Station: Caliente (XM 94) Bande A Part ( Sirius 87)
Example: Depending on the current theme, the music at Nail Fetish Inc. in Chicago changes from Hawaiian (during its “Hawaiian Luau Getaway” theme) to clients’ choice (whatever CDs they bring in), and even to karaoke.
