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
Why No Wi-Fi?
It’s easier and less costly than you think to offer clients Internet access at your salon.
by Angela Lu
May 1, 2009
3 min to read
“The people who are our guests are multi-taskers. They want to use their time as efficiently as possible and our Wi-Fi enables them to do that,” says Alexandria Benter, manager of Rejuvenation Spa in Madison, Wis. “It’s a great selling point. It’s just something else that has set us apart from our competitors. We are making our customers’ experiences here more luxurious.”
At Rejuvenation, customers can bring in their own laptops and access the Internet while waiting for services, receiving pedicures, or having their hair done. The successful idea was spawned three years ago soon after the opening of the salon when the mostly white-collar clientele started requesting Internet service. Located on the west side of Madison, the salon is surrounded by four hospitals and a business district. Benter estimates that 80% of her clientele are working professionals.
Debbie Doerrlamm, webmaster of BeautyTech.com, cautions that there can be great risk involved in offering Wi-Fi service in salons. “Setting up a public Wi-Fi spot is not rocket science, nor do I believe it is very expensive,” she says, “But if it is not done properly, it could put the users and the host system at risk of hacking and break-ins.
“Anyone who uses Wi-Fi hot spots should be sure to have extra security enabled on their own laptop, cell phone, or whatever they are using,” she adds. She recommends Jwire.com’s Wi-Fi Helper, which is available for PC users.
Benter, however, says she’s never encountered any security issues such as viruses or hackers. Her salon purchased a Wi-Fi router rather than several desktops to reduce the risk of security issues like the transfer of data from her computers. Her customers bring in their own laptops and work on their own servers. An IT company she hired has also installed antivirus and spyware software on all nine of the salon’s personal computers, which also all require different passwords for access.
Salon owners should also be happy to learn that while Wi-Fi access can be secure and safe for everyone involved, it is also relatively easy. Individuals can choose between hiring a company to set up the equipment and security, or installing the equipment themselves for a cheaper rate. For the latter option, software, equipment, and router can typically be purchased for around $100. One simply needs to contact a local Internet provider and then have Internet access installed either through cable or DSL.
Next, for Wi-Fi service, a wireless router must be installed and the salon owner must choose between unsecured wireless connectivity, also known as a hot spot, or secured wireless connectivity, which requires that laptop users be given passwords for Internet access. Many believe the latter option is much safer when it comes to viruses and hacking because of the password that is necessary for access.
Hot spots, on the other hand, allow almost anyone within a certain distance to access a network. If they do choose to create a hot spot, however, salon owners can limit the number of users for that hot spot through a password or their provider. Salon owners should also be aware that the greater the number of users on any Internet connection, the slower the Internet speed will be.
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.