Why Are We Not Talking About The Industry’s Biggest Exclusion Barrier?

Jul 31, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

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Why Are We Not Talking About The Industry’s Biggest Exclusion Barrier?

Not Another Salon launches a pioneering initiative for Price Inclusivity

by AOIFE | INDUSTRY NEWS

Not Another Salon has been a driving force of inclusivity and innovation in the last decade. Since becoming the world’s first gender-neutral salon in 2017, then continuing to pioneer unique offerings such as silent haircuts and mirror-free experiences that went viral globally, Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another Salon is taking a bold new step.

“Inclusivity these days seems to focus so strongly on sexuality, gender, and race,” says Sophia. “While that is hugely important, in order to be truly inclusive we have to consider all aspects of inclusivity, and that includes economic access.”

Not Another Salon are proud to launch this new pioneering initiative, Price Inclusivity, becoming the first salon in the UK to offer a specific number of appointments each month at a reduced cost for individuals on low incomes. All clients have to do is provide an income statement or bank statement and make less than £25,000 a year.

How It Works
Each month Not Another Salon will allocate a set number of selected appointments and services to be offered at a reduced price. These appointments are designed to accommodate individuals who would like premium salon services but may find them financially challenging. Availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis, to ensure fairness and equity.

Sustainable Quality and Commitment
“It was tough to create these appointments because after all, we have premium prices for a reason,” Sophia adds. “Our team is among the most highly trained in the country, our rent is high as we’re in a premium location, and the products we use are the best money can buy. We’ve created a menu of appointments and services that we were able to reduce, while still making it viable to our business.”

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Who Is Heading To The Wella TrendVision Awards Grand Final?

Wella Professionals names its TVA 2024 finalist lineup

by AOIFE | INDUSTRY NEWS

Wella Professionals TrendVision Award 2024 finalists have been announced. Finalists are set to compete at the UK & Ireland final in London on Monday 7 October; having been selected from their initial photographic entries, the finalists will take to the stage at Old Billingsgate, London.

Hosted by Wella Professionals, the TrendVision Award showcases competitors’ creativity and craftsmanship and offers a platform to excel. The categories this year are Colour Visionary (the global category), Craft Visionary (local to UK & Ireland) and XPOSURE Creative Colour (for students only).

With more than 600 guests expected on the night to celebrate the winners and runners-up, the event remains one of the most exciting moments in the hairdressing calendar, with finalists competing live on the day, before celebrating throughout the night. Not only will the exciting winner announcements take place, but guests can also expect a lavish drinks reception, gala dinner, exclusive hair shows – from leading Wella Artists including Jordanna Cobella and TONI&GUY – after-party, and a luxury gift bag to take home.

Find the full list of finalists at wella.com

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This One Tool Could Transform Your Client Bookings

If you’re looking to build your salon brand, consider Fresha a must-have tool to run and grow your business

Promotion – Fresha

As the social media landscape continues to evolve, having a strong website and social platforms has never been more important for your salon’s online visibility. While great content and engagement will get you so far, there may be one missing ingredient in your perfect progress potion… an online marketplace like Fresha.

Here’s how it works
The marketplace is a hub where potential clients can find, compare, and book services in their local area. Imagine your marketplace profile as your online shop window – it’s the best way for you to make a great first impression and bring new clients straight to your salon’s doorstep.

Most new client journeys start on the internet, and you need to show up in those searches for the best chance of bookings. Having a profile on a platform like Fresha marketplace will boost your local SEO rankings. So, even clients searching on Google are more likely to find your business, especially if you can offer popular services and treatments that set your business apart.

120,000 appointments are booked on the Fresha marketplace every day. Not only is it the world’s largest wellness marketplace, but it’s perfect for showing off your brand, as well as quickly and easily offering discounts or running sales.

A Fresha top tip
Clever pricing is one of your best tactics for winning new clients, and your marketplace profile is there to help you do it. Anyone who browses your services will instantly see how your deals and promotions affect your prices – whether it’s a seasonal flash sale that drives urgency, off-peak pricing to keep your salon busy throughout the day, or last-minute offers to quickly fill un-booked slots.

Treat clients to a better booking experience
With an online marketplace profile, you’ll unlock online bookings for your salon – letting your clients book, rebook, and reschedule their own appointments, 24/7. You’ll cut down your time arranging appointments on the phone and save hours each week, all while filling your calendar even faster.

Nowadays 70 per cent of clients prefer to book online, whether it’s for comfort or convenience, so they’ll love the ease of booking their appointment with you through Fresha. Add clear “Book Now” buttons to your profiles on Google Maps, Instagram, and Facebook, as these are apps your clients use every day.

You can do it all on the Fresha marketplace

With over 18 million monthly users and 120,000 appointments made every day, the Fresha marketplace is the best way to reach new clients, almost effortlessly! Salons typically gain at least 26 per cent more clients after joining the marketplace, and four out of five of those clients return.

Ready to get your salon’s name in lights? List your salon on the Fresha marketplace today, get seen by thousands of local clients, and watch your calendar fill up.

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Could This Be The Feature You’ve Been Waiting For?

Fresha introduce a brand-new way to keep appointments adding up

by AOIFE | INDUSTRY NEWS

If you’re all too familiar with the frustration of booking changes and cancellations, then managing your salon bookings is about to get a whole lot easier. Salon software brand Fresha has introduced waitlists to ensure that you can keep the bookings coming, no matter what changes.

Let the waitlist fill in those empty slots so you don’t have to worry about cancellations or changes in your schedule. Waitlists allow for better insight into your clients, ensuring you and your team members can make more informed business decisions factoring your most popular times and services.

If you spot lots of clients joining the waitlist for time slots you don’t usually offer, you might decide to change your opening hours.

Not being able to book on to the appointment slot they want to can be frustrating for your client, so introducing waitlists gives them a better user experience and helps make the booking process smoother, even if their ideal appointment isn’t available yet.

It’s not just cancellations that are covered by waitlists, but changes in yours and your team’s schedule. Now switching hours or moving around other appointments doesn’t mean you’re missing out. It simply opens up new booking slots, and if there’s anyone on the waitlist, they can book immediately.

How does it work for clients?

As the client goes to book on your marketplace profile, they’ll see a ‘join waitlist’ button next to appointment slots that are already booked or unavailable. They can choose other times and dates that suit them, too, to give them the best chance at getting the appointment that works for them.

They’ll simply get a text and email letting them know if the slot becomes available, and they can book right away.

How can I manage my waitlist?

You get to decide who to offer the appointment slot to when it becomes available. Just choose between four options:

First in line: Fresha notifies the client that was first to join the waitlist.

Highest value: Fresha notifies the client who wants to book the most expensive service.

Offer to all: Fresha sends an email and text out to everyone on the waitlist, and see who books first.

Manual: You browse the clients on the waitlists and choose who to book.

Waitlists can also help attract new clients too. Being fully booked tells them that your services are in high demand and drives a sense of urgency to get booked in. For existing clients that have a habit of booking sporadically, a text alert notifying them that a slot has become available could be the difference between getting them back in the salon or going elsewhere!

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How To Give Your Team A Texture Skills Confidence Boost

Emma Simmons shares five tips to grow a team confident working with ALL hair types.

Emma Simmons

1 . Leverage online platforms

Our industry has a wealth of knowledge available online, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and specialised hairdressing websites offering access to tutorials and courses on diverse hair types. You’ll find detailed instructions and demonstrations to supplement hands-on training. Encourage your staff to dedicate regular time to online learning and share their insights with the team.

2 . Host workshops and invite guest experts

Invite industry experts who specialise in different hair textures to conduct workshops in your salon. These sessions provide hands-on experience and allow your staff to learn directly from those who excel in specific areas.

3 . Use social media to find practice models

Instagram and Facebook can help you connect with people in your area who have diverse hair types and are open to participating in training sessions. Create posts and stories inviting volunteers, and offer discounted services in return for their participation.

4 . Establish a mentorship programme

Pair experienced stylists who are proficient in diverse hair techniques with newer or less experienced staff members. This one-on-one mentorship allows for personalised learning and immediate feedback, ensuring that knowledge is effectively transferred.

5 . Invest in quality tools and products

High-quality scissors, combs, brushes, and other styling tools designed specifically for various hair textures are essential. Stock a diverse range of hair products tailored for different hair needs, such as moisturising products for curly hair and lightweight products for fine hair. Train your staff on their proper use to get the best results and to cater to the unique requirements of each client.