MENU
SEARCHThis salon owner was so intent on bringing in NEW clients that she didn't realize she was losing customers like me who felt ignored.
Fed up with my hair and frantically getting ready for a business trip, I made an appointment with the hairstylist I've been seeing for the past year. Although I wasn't happy with her service and had planned to find another stylist, I decided to visit her once more rather than risk a bad haircut from an untried stylist.
The reason I had not planned to return to this particular stylist (who is also the salon owner) is that I felt she had begun to take me for granted. She always kept me waiting (despite the fact that I had an appointment) and she never offered me ideas on new hairstyles (despite my expressed dissatisfaction with my hair).
This particular Saturday evening I walked into the salon and was greeted by the pleasant aroma of barbecued hot dogs and corn on the cob. Although I hadn't noticed it, there was a sign out front announcing that the salon was having a barbecue every weekend during the summer. By the look of the crowd out back, the promotion was a success.
I arrived at 6:25 for my 6:30 appointment and was asked to change into a gown. There were no gowns with sashes, so my stylist suggested I tuck the gown into my pants. I asked for a safety pin, but there were none, so modesty had me clenching the gown closed the entire time. I sat down to wait and was finally called to the shampoo bowl 40 minutes later. Now, part of what I fell in love with at this salon was the neck massage I would get during my shampoo. But the assistant who shampooed my hair (my stylist was still busy with the barbecue) skipped the massage to save time.
Finally, I sat down to get my cut. My stylist was interrupted a few times by receptionists, other stylists, and clients thanking her for the barbecue. As we finally got into the haircut she explained that she was trying to bring in new clients with the barbecue idea and a coupon that entitled new clients to a free service. As she finished cutting, she asked after a friend I had referred to her who she hadn't seen in a while. I was too much of a coward to tell her the truth -- that my friend was tired of being taken for granted and found another stylist -- so I told her she had found a salon closer to home.
This salon owner was so intent on bringing in new clients that she didn't realize she was losing customers like me because we felt ignored. I waited 40 minutes for a haircut and paid full price to subsidize the free services (and free hot dogs) all her other clients were enjoying.
I wonder if she'll even notice that I'm gone.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
