How to create a comfortable experience in your salon. Ten things to consider. by Joe Cignetti

When reading this, my first thought was many salons do a lot of this very well. However, not everyone does all ten points well.

See how well you compare and be open minded to what areas could do with more attention.

1. Design and layout of your salon.

Open Layout

Design the layout of your salon to ensure a smooth flow of movement for both clients and staff. Try to avoid overcrowding with too many styling stations or furniture and avoid using physical barriers to define areas. Consider using different flooring materials for each area to subtly define the waiting, styling, and washing areas.

Comfortable Seating

Invest in plush sofas or armchairs for the waiting area and consider incorporating coffee tables with magazines, tablets and light refreshments. Another alternative is to have a large table where clients can sit around comfortably while waiting for their stylist. It is also important to choose ergonomically designed chairs that support clients during long sessions. Ensure chairs are adjustable to accommodate different client heights comfortably and your team’s comfort.

Natural Elements

Use a mix of large potted plants and small succulents on tables and shelves to soften areas. Plants like peace lilies and snake plants are low-maintenance and improve air quality. It also helps to incorporate wood, stone, and other natural materials in furniture and décor. Wooden shelves, stone countertops, or bamboo screens can add a natural touch. Plants and natural products allow for a sense of calm and relaxation by bringing nature in.

2. Lighting

Natural Light

Use light, airy curtains or blinds that can be adjusted to control the amount of natural light. Using sheer curtains can diffuse sunlight and create a soft glow.

If possible, install skylights to increase natural light, especially in areas without windows. We all know that natural light is a huge bonus in a salon.

 

Soft Lighting

Consider using warm bulbs with a colour temperature of 2700K to 3000K for a warm, inviting light. Avoid cool white lights, which can feel harsh. You could also install dimmable overhead lights to control the overall light level. Pendant lights or chandeliers can add a stylish touch while providing soft illumination.

3. Colour Scheme

Neutral Tones

Use neutral colours like beige, light grey, or soft pastels for walls and flooring. These colours create a calming backdrop and make the space feel larger. While choosing furniture in neutral shades maintains a cohesive look. Textures like leather or linen can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Accents

Consider painting one wall in a calming colour like soft blue or green to add depth and interest, and use pillows, throws, and artwork in calming colours to add pops of colour. These can be easily updated to refresh the look of the salon.

4. Music and Sound

Background Music

Create playlists with relaxing music genres like jazz, acoustic, instrumental, or sounds of nature. It is important to control the music in your salon, sometimes the music can come on and it may be your style but not your clients. Update the playlist regularly to keep it fresh and interesting. Installing a high-quality sound system with speakers placed strategically around the salon ensures even sound distribution in all areas.

Soundproofing

Using decorative acoustic panels on walls and ceilings can help to absorb sound and reduce noise levels. These can be customized to match the salon’s decor. While curtains, upholstered furniture and artwork can help dampen noise. These materials absorb sound and can assist to create a calmer and quieter environment.

5. Aromatherapy

Scented Candles or Diffusers

There is nothing like walking into a room that smells divine. Place diffusers or candles in strategic locations like the reception desk, waiting area, and treatment rooms to evenly distribute the scent. Choose essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile for their calming properties. Or candles of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and baking scents to create a warm welcoming feeling. Why not consider creating a signature scent your clients will remember. Rotate scents to keep the atmosphere fresh.

Avoid Strong Odors

Ensure your salon has good ventilation to remove chemical smells from hair treatments and if necessary, use air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve air quality. You could also use activated charcoal or baking soda in discreet places to absorb unwanted odours.

6. Comfort and Amenities

Refreshments

Set up a beverage station for your clients with a variety of herbal teas, coffee, and infused water, and offer light snacks like fruit, nuts, cheese plates or biscuits. Don’t forget to use stylish glass dispensers for water and elegant cups and saucers for beverages to enhance the experience.

Magazines and Books

Provide your clients with a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and current events magazines, and maybe even a few popular books. Don’t forget to update the selection regularly. Another option is to consider providing tablets with digital magazines or e-books for clients who prefer electronic reading.

 

Blankets and Cushions

Keep a selection of soft, clean blankets and cushions in the waiting and styling areas to offer to clients during longer treatments or when the salon is cooler.

7. Staff Training and Attitude

Friendly Staff

Regularly train your staff on customer service skills and emphasize the importance of a smile, a warm greeting, eye contact, and active listening.

Focus on fostering a positive team culture where staff feel valued and motivated. Happy employees are more likely to provide excellent customer service and they will definitely be more loyal to you and your business.

 

Professionalism

Implement a professional yet comfortable dress code for staff. Uniforms or coordinated outfits can enhance the salon’s image, add to the feeling of being part of a team, and ensure your salon is represented the way you want it to be.

Encourage staff to communicate clearly and politely with clients, addressing any concerns or questions promptly. Your client will feel settled and satisfied and prompt action ensures small, easily solved issues, aren’t blown out of proportion.

 

 

 

8. Personal Touches

Personalized Service

Maintain detailed records of each client’s preferences, previous services, and any special requirements. Doing so means you have the information on hand to tailor their experience and make them feel important and valued. Making note of their favourite drink or remembering a significant event in a client’s life adds an extra personalised touch.

Follow-Up

Send a follow-up message thanking clients for their visit and asking for feedback. This information can be used to improve your services and the client’s salon experience. You could also consider implementing a loyalty program with rewards for repeat visits to encourage clients to return.

9. Cleanliness and Organization

Clean Environment

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for the entire salon, including high-touch areas like door handles, styling stations, and bathrooms. You could also consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a regular deep clean to maintain high hygiene standards.

Organized Stations

Use stylish and functional storage solutions for tools and products to make sure everything has a designated place, and label drawers and shelves to make it easy for staff to find and return items. This will help to maintain organization and keep workstations tidy.

10. Technology Integration

Digital Booking

Implement a user-friendly online booking system that allows clients to schedule appointments easily. Whatever booking system you use, make sure it sends automatic reminders to clients the day before their appointment to avoid missed appointments. Consider developing a mobile app for even more convenient booking and access to salon information.

Entertainment Options

Provide free, high-speed Wi-Fi for clients and display the Wi-Fi password clearly in the waiting area or at the workstation. Consider setting up charging stations with various types of chargers to accommodate different devices. This allows clients to charge their phones or tablets while they wait.

By expanding on these points, you can create a comprehensive plan to transform your hairdressing salon into a relaxing, welcoming space that clients will love visiting.