The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Give Your Staff a Raise Without Spending a Cent
10 ways to motivate and retain top staff
by NAILS staff
October 1, 19952 min to read
If you’re a salon owner who’s short on cash but long on gratitude for your loyal staff, listen up. There are lots of ways to express your appreciation that don’t involve a bigger paycheck. What follows is NAILS’ Top 10 Ways to Give Your Employees a Boost and Show Them You Care, for Free. What’s mote, salon owners who take the time to reward others’ excellence are often rewarded themselves. Higher morale leads to higher productivity and increased employee retention.
1. Offer flexible scheduling.Floating holidays, flex-time, split shifts, and part-time schedules are truly valuable benefits. Whether your technicians are working moms, avid hobbyists, or late sleepers, they’ll appreciate any accommodations you make to their special needs.
2. Pile on the praise. For the cost of stationery, you can reward an extra-special employee by writing a personal note commending her on a particular achievement. You may want to single out an employee who has increased her bookings or made a suggestion that saves the salon time or money.
3. Reward seniority with special privileges. How about benefits such as holidays off, first choice of schedule, or perhaps the best parking spot?
4. Allow employees to participate in a group health plan. Even if they have to pay the premiums themselves, employees could save premium dollars as part of a group plan. What’s more, someone who can’t get individual coverage due to a pre-existing condition may be able to qualify for group coverage.
5. Recognize employees publicly. Even a small business can start an “Employee of the Month” program. An inexpensive engraved plaque could be placed at the employee’s workstation or in the lobby for all customers to see. If a technician wins a competition, celebrate with a congratulatory sign in the window.
6. Be generous with titles. When a raise isn’t possible, sometimes a new job title can be used to recognize special duties and let an employee know she’s appreciated.
7. Acknowledge special occasions. Cards or small gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions are an inexpensive way to raise an employee’s spirits and contribute to the family atmosphere most salons strive to achieve.
8. Share the wealth. Gifts, discounted merchandise, and product samples should trickle down to deserving staff members.
9. Allow snack time. Provide an area out of public view where employees can heat and eat lunches and snacks. If you have complimentary beverages for clients, you should extend this privilege to employees.
10.Provide skills support. Aid employees trying to better their skills by providing access to continuing education and training. Invite manufacturers’ educators to demonstrate new products and techniques.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
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.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
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
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
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
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
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.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
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.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
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.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
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
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
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.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
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
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
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 Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.