2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Make sure your beauty business is prepared (6/10/2021) – The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially underway, and with another active season expected, beauty businesses should make sure they are adequately prepared for potential risks. The 2020 hurricane season was record-setting. It caused nearly $65 billion in economic damages and was buoyed by a record 30 named storms including a staggering six major hurricanes,… Read More »
2021 CBD Update: How beauty businesses can take advantage of this growing market (8/10/2021) – Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis continue to be hot in the beauty industry, with more and more salons, spas and cosmetic manufacturers seeking ways to integrate this ingredient into their menu offerings. In fact, according to a recent study, the CBD-based skin care market is expected to exceed $3.45 billion by 2026, a staggering figure indicative… Read More »
2023 State of the Beauty Industry (7/19/2023) – Over the last few years, the beauty industry has proven its resilience with salon and spa professionals quickly adapting to support consumer needs and grow their businesses. As we surpass the midpoint of 2023, salon and spa owners can look to industry trends to provide a map of where the industry is headed and how… Read More »
3 Crucial Tips to Help Electrologists Minimize Insurance Claims (9/9/2014) – As a rule, electrologists are trained professionals who uphold high standards of care for their clients. But in any line of work, people are tempted to cut corners and take shortcuts when they feel like their experience allows it. In my experience working with electrologists on their insurance needs, I have learned there are a… Read More »
3 key questions about salon & spa workers’ compensation (8/3/2016) – Here in New York, there is a salon on every corner, usually right next door to a pizzeria. Each of these former “beauty parlors” seems to be blossoming into a full-service, diversified salon or day spa with luxury services ranging from simple haircuts and Keratin treatments to hot stone massage and anti-aging facials. More services… Read More »
5 Beauty Treatments That Support New Year’s Resolutions—And How to Keep Them Safe (1/7/2016) – “New year, new you!” In December and January, those words jump at us from magazine covers and Facebook posts. Some people take that cheery slogan as an order and seek to remake themselves. That’s when they call their favorite salon or spa for beauty treatments that promise to slenderize, slough and massage until you see… Read More »
5 Self-Care Tips for Salon Staff During COVID-19 (9/24/2020) – Within the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extreme shift in the way individuals and businesses conduct their everyday lives. As state officials are lifting lockdowns, new challenges will emerge in the day-to-day routines of everyday life. What can be difficult is adapting to the new reality. Practicing self-care is essential not… Read More »
5 Steps to Reopening Salons and Barbershops (4/27/2020) – Colorado recently announced their decision to shift from stay-at-home to safe-at-home, opening several small businesses across the state for limited business. Included in these businesses are hair salons and barbershops, which will be able to open provided they follow the state’s physical distancing requirements. As several states begin to adjust their stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders,… Read More »
A slippery slope: when salons and spas don’t take slips and falls seriously (4/7/2016) – We have discussed slips and falls on this blog in the past, but I thought it deserved its own post. Slips and falls are a serious problem and source of insurance claims at salons and spas. Think about it: salon and spa environments are perfect for slip and fall accidents. There is constant foot traffic… Read More »
A Year-In-Review for the Beauty Industry (12/21/2021) – On issues of public health, safety, the economy and others, 2021 has been a year rife with uncertainty and 2022 promises little difference. While the beauty industry was hit hard by the pandemic, salon, spa and barbershop owners worked to adapt and overcome challenges to see success this year. To continue this pattern of success… Read More »
Adopting Employee Appreciation Programs in Salons and Spas (3/17/2023) – The proper care of salon or spa clients is an integral part of its success and lies in the hands of their employees every day. A burnt out or distressed employee is more likely to make mistakes or mistreat a client, so the well-being of these employees should be a salon and spa owner’s top… Read More »
Be Sensitive to Skincare Sensitivity in Salons & Spas (7/26/2019) – Blue summer skies are a welcome sight for salon and spa staff, and not just because they’re happy to see the sun. The return of warm weather often leads to increased customer volume, as more and more people decide they want a wax, facial or pedicure before hitting the beach or road for a vacation…. Read More »
Beauty consumer is changing: Two trends to watch as we approach 2018 (10/31/2017) – The beauty industry is changing—and so is the beauty consumer. That’s according to a recent study by The Benchmarking Company titled “PinkReport: Ten-Year Beauty Benchmark—A Consumer Love Affair with All Things Beauty.” The study dove into how beauty has evolved over the last 10 years, including the rise of social media and the importance of… Read More »
Beauty in bloom: trends we’re watching for Spring 2019 (3/6/2019) – A plethora of spring and summer beauty trends emerged last month from the runways of New York Fashion Week. Now, as trend-seekers stream into salons and spas, there are three we will be watching more closely. As we take a deeper dive, consider how salon and spa professionals should approach providing trendy services—and how a… Read More »
Burnout (8/10/2022) – The nature of the beauty industry can be exhausting. Hairdressers, nail technicians, barbers and more are expected to bring high energy, be readily available, and give their clients 100% of their attention. Demeanor aside, beauty professionals’ work is also held to exceedingly high standards, particularly as social media empowers clients to post their looks for… Read More »
Business Interrupted: Keeping Salons and Spas Afloat (5/10/2022) – In recent years, salon and spa owners have become all too familiar with shutdowns and slowed appointment bookings. From unforeseeable, longer-term circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic to annual weather events that seem to worsen every year and disrupt both the beauty business and daily life, salon and spas owners know the resulting interruption to… Read More »
Buying In: How Salons Are Improving Their Retailing Efforts (6/19/2020) – Retail sales are always a source of conversation in the salon and spa space. After all, no one becomes a hair stylist or esthetician so that they can do sales. Competition from online and big box retailers in recent years has put pressure on salons and spas with retail operations. Still, many customers enjoy the… Read More »
CBD Beauty Products are Here to Stay: Uses and Best Practices (4/27/2023) – Several years after the use of cannabidiol (CBD) extract became commonplace, the market is hot, with a valuation of approximately $5 billion dollars and the expectation to grow. This product is not just part of a fad. The beauty industry has seized this opportunity to develop products and services that offer clients the stress-reducing and… Read More »
CBD Part 2: Infusing Cannabidiol Into Salon & Spa Services (5/2/2019) – The surge of CBD-infused personal care products being sold across the country isn’t just happening in hipster hubs or mom-and-pop wellness stores. Consumers are demanding the product and large corporations are taking notice. As Men’s Health reports, the market is expected to grow to $22 billion by 2022. This should come as no surprise, as… Read More »
CBD Products in the Beauty Industry are Here to Stay (3/23/2022) – The beauty industry is known for innovating products by incorporating ingredients that bring new benefits to consumers, and CBD has been a hot topic in this space. This past January was the second annual National CBD Month, created by CBDmd to highlight the advantages and increased popularity of the ingredient from skin care products to… Read More »
CBD: Personal Care Products Ride High on Growing Adoption of Cannabis Compound (4/9/2019) – It is hard to turn your head without seeing the acronym CBD. It’s on Instagram, in magazines and in an increasing number of beauty and personal care products. How much do you know about CBD? If you are like me, you know it has some relation to marijuana. You might have some ideas about what… Read More »
Cocktails and cuts: a fun blend or a recipe for disaster? (10/17/2016) – People don’t just go to salons to get their hair cut or nails painted. A trip to the salon provides an opportunity to get pampered and wind down, and more and more salons are enhancing that experience with alcohol. This can mean anything from a free martini with a manicure to a $5 glass of… Read More »
Colorful hair, complex cuts and a whole lot of body paint: America’s Beauty Show 2017 (4/21/2017) – Since we typically attend insurance trade shows, Sean Brownyard and I knew when we registered that America’s Beauty Show would be a totally new experience. But nothing could have prepared us for the vibrant reality—a salon, runway show, beauty product expo, drag show, and talent showcase all rolled into one glittering, colorful party. ABS brought… Read More »
Coverage for the Self-Owned Business: Understanding the Benefits of a Business Owner’s Policy (3/3/2022) – The current economic climate has presented challenges and opportunities that have resulted in many hairdressers and beauticians seizing the chance to start their own businesses or turn to gig-work. The appeal of working for oneself is clear: Strategic control, financial freedom, being selective with prospective clients and even setting one’s own hours. Being an entrepreneur… Read More »
Disaster Relief: How Salons Support their Communities After Hurricanes (10/14/2019) – Over the last few years, the country has been hit with several devastating hurricanes, including Harvey, Irma and, more recently, Dorian. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, businesses that are operable sometimes step up to support their local communities. The past few storms have yielded several interesting cases of disaster support from and for… Read More »
Disaster Safety: Be Prepared for Storms with Business Income Insurance (11/6/2019) – With about three weeks to go, the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season has been less active than recent years — yet it still has more named storms than the historical average, according to The Weather Channel. However, even an inactive hurricane season can produce storms that cause widespread destruction. According to FEMA, nearly 40 percent of… Read More »
Don’t Fall Into Autumn: Spa and Salon Safety for Cooler Weather (9/22/2014) – As the colder weather arrives, your clients will be changing their beauty and personal care routines. Currently, at salons and spas across the country, clients sipping pumpkin spice lattes are requesting darker hair colors and ways to prep skin for winter dryness. Just as autumn provides opportunities to upsell services and products, it also provides… Read More »
Equipment and Facility Safety: How Salon and Spa Owners Can Protect Their Businesses (9/13/2021) – As Americans resume travel and gather with friends and family, beauty businesses have seen their business traffic increase. Beauty business owners have been able to grow their clientele as people aim to look their best before traveling for vacations or long-awaited social gatherings. With traffic increasing at salons and spas, business owners should be prioritizing… Read More »
Examining philanthropy and the beauty industry (12/28/2017) – With the holiday season underway, we want to take the time to reflect on what the holiday spirit means to us at SASSI. Though this is the season of giving, the salon and spa industry has done a lot to give back to their communities throughout the entire year. Let’s take a look at a… Read More »
Flu Season: How to Keep your Salon/Spa Healthy (11/25/2019) – With a chill in the air, the leaves are falling fast now — and washing our hands more. November and December are not only a time for festivities but also a time for the flu. The 2019 flu season began in October and experts predict it will be a severe one. That may give salon… Read More »
Four Scary Beauty Treatments Best Left to History (6/17/2014) – The history of the beauty industry is full of strange and scary beauty treatments. Let’s be thankful they are no longer in practice. Many were painful, uncomfortable, led to diseases, and some even caused death. Soaking in Excrement Ancient Greeks and Romans thought crocodile feces had beautifying and restorative properties. The feces were mixed in… Read More »
Get to know your clients—every time you see them (7/21/2017) – Whether we go to a dentist, physical therapist or other appointment, we’re all used to the question, “Are there any changes to your health since your last visit?” There are good reasons these professionals ask the question: they want to make sure their treatment does not affect you negatively because of a pre-existing condition. And… Read More »
Going Green on a Smaller Scale (9/6/2022) – Sustainability has been a high priority for businesses across many industries in recent years. We’ve all heard the promises from big businesses, but many small business owners are left wondering what sustainability looks likes for them. For salons and spas, sustainability does not have to mean large monetary donations toward global efforts or rearranging entire… Read More »
Groundhog Day-jà vu: The salon claims we see again and again (2/2/2016) – Since Winter Storm Jonas left us buried in snow, East Coast residents are awaiting the news from Punxsutawney Phil: an early spring or six more weeks of winter? Snow or shine, salons and spas will continue to serve their customers, whether they’re regulars who wouldn’t be caught without fresh color while snow-bound or new guests… Read More »
Guilt by Association: Case Studies in Slips and Falls (11/30/2018) – According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits each year, accounting for more than eight-million such visits. More than one million of these visits, or 12 percent, are due to “slip and fall” accidents. In this litigious time, business owners should take note of these statistics…. Read More »
Hit the Ground Running on Charitable Giving (11/21/2022) – As the winter season approaches, so too does the season of giving. Salons and spas are pillars of the community; they provide comfort, relaxation and encourage confidence among their clients. Salons and spas that prioritize community outreach and philanthropy are even more connected to their community and typically see a correlating boost in business. From… Read More »
How beauty businesses are supporting each other through COVID-19 (4/22/2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has put beauty professionals in a difficult position. Stylists, nail techs, and estheticians have lost their jobs or income and are now facing unprecedented uncertainty. However, through these difficult times, there have been some beacons of hope. In recent weeks, beauty businesses have banded together at the national level to lend a… Read More »
How Day Spas Cultivate Wellness and Safety During the Pandemic (10/16/2020) – After months at home with their favorite businesses closed, more and more people have returned to stress-relieving pampering and self-care. For day spas, the focus needs to be on ensuring that their new standards for safety and health are up to snuff. The challenge is to maintain a relaxing atmosphere while being stringent about health… Read More »
How Salons & Spas Prepare for the Holiday Rush (12/10/2019) – Some of us dread the slush and snow, while others find the carols and crooners grating. Yet the holiday season can truly be the most wonderful time of the year — even for busy salons and spas. As families and businesses celebrate the year past and gather for holiday celebrations, people turn in droves to… Read More »
How salons and spas can prepare for this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season (5/26/2020) – The 2019 hurricane season caused significant damages to businesses and homes across the country. Hurricane Dorian, for example, reached Category 5 status and according to Aon, caused $1.2 billion in economic damages. Tropical Storm Imelda, even though it barely registered as a tropical storm, managed to cause $2 billion in damages and at least five… Read More »
How Salons and Spas Can Start Strong in 2023 (1/6/2023) – 2022 was a year of recovery for businesses as well as the global economy. The beauty industry certainly felt the impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, while 2022 was a more productive year that brought with it the evolving needs of beauty consumers. A pandemic-led shift in consumer habits forced the beauty industry to… Read More »
How the beauty industry is lending a hand with COVID-19 relief (5/11/2020) – The COVID-19 shutdowns have closed salons and spas worldwide, pushing the beauty industry into unprecedented territory. While these shutdowns may be a setback for many beauty professionals and businesses, the broader industry has banded together in recent weeks to support relief efforts at the local and global level. Through donations, social media campaigns, and more,… Read More »
How the beauty industry is taking the lead on environmental stewardship (5/24/2019) – More Americans are committing to an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, and beauty consumers want to look good while doing good for the planet. Consumers are educating themselves about the products they use and the environmental effects of certain ingredients, and beauty magazines are quick to highlight which products are best for anyone who wants to “go… Read More »
Hurricane Preparedness in 2023: A near-normal season can still cause disastrous damage (6/28/2023) – Hurricane season is officially in full swing and after higher-than-normal hurricane predictions and outcomes over the last several years, 2023 is expected to be a near normal season according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Atlantic hurricane season predictions. While this prediction provides some relief, salon and spas owners should stay vigilant throughout… Read More »
In Salon & Spa Marketing, Sometimes Less is More (3/22/2018) – We’ve talked a lot about face-to-face communication on this blog. Whether it’s checking in on your client’s health history, or learning the delicate art of a necessary “no,” communication is a key skill for stylists, estheticians and other salon and spa pros. That is just as true for digital messaging as it is for in-person… Read More »
Introducing Finally Lisa’s Hair & Nail Salon, winner of the SASSI Salon Secrets Contest (1/18/2017) – Over the past few months, we have been lucky to read the stories of the salons and day spas that entered our Salon Secrets Competition. Salon and spa staff and owners from across the country shared compelling stories about what makes their businesses thrive—whether a unique specialty or a special touch with customer service. The… Read More »
Label literacy and beauty products (3/26/2019) – Thanks to Teri Pereira for this guest post. She is account manager for Foundation®, a specialty insurance program for domestic cosmetics manufacturers, importers and distributors. Cosmetics labels have again been making the news. Last week, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced a bill that would require cosmetics manufacturers to label any children’s products that may contain… Read More »
Making Sustainable More Attainable: Going Green in Salons and Spas (9/22/2023) – To borrow from Gordon Gekko, green is good. In that vein, many consumers and fellow salon and spa professionals view sustainability or going green as an important social responsibility. As such, salon and spa owners should look into ways that they can bring environmental-friendly changes into their businesses. Keeping it simple & budget friendly The… Read More »
Male grooming industry grows beards—and market share (8/31/2018) – Though it flies under the radar compared to its flashier cousins, the cosmetics and women’s hair care markets, the male grooming industry continues to boom in 2018. This $8.7 billion market in the US has taken off in recent years with even greater growth expected in the future. Growth is set to increase from 1.4%… Read More »
Mark Mental Health Awareness Month by Supporting Employees (5/23/2023) – The WHO notes that approximately 12 billion working days a year are lost to depression and anxiety, equating to rough $1 trillion in lost productivity. That’s a staggering statistic to digest on a personal level, let alone as a small business owner. As we as a society move forward to promote mental wellness, gone are… Read More »
Marketing risk management: Boost your beauty business safely (7/13/2021) – As the economy continues to reopen and travel returns, business owners nationwide have an opportunity to grow and expand their client base. For the beauty business, in particular, people will be excited to return to salons and spas to receive treatments they have anticipated for well over a year. To capitalize on this opportunity, salon… Read More »
Mindfulness and manicures: Should salons and spas embrace services that go more than skin deep? (1/2/2019) – We’ve all heard the saying, “If you look good you feel good.” As wellness trends and holistic approaches to health and beauty continue to grow in popularity, people are recognizing how working on the “feel good” part is just as important as the “look good” part. Salon and spa professionals understand clients request their services… Read More »
New Year’s Risk Resolution – prioritizing key risk management and training measures (1/12/2022) – New Year Similar Risks New Year’s is traditionally a time for resolutions to start the year off right. For salon, spa and barbershop owners, prioritizing risk management and training measures should be a top resolution. Understanding the risks related to salon services and having the right training procedures in place can protect businesses from damaging… Read More »
Operating During the Pandemic: What Salons and Spas have Learned (3/25/2021) – As spas and salons move past the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdowns, it’s a good time to reflect on the enormous challenges presented by the pandemic. Salons and spas across the country were closed for months, and even when they were able to reopen, they had to brainstorm creative solutions and observe new… Read More »
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best: Understanding unusual salon claims (5/13/2016) – Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome (BPSS) recently became a hot topic when Elizabeth Smith, 48, of California had her shampoo horror story picked up by Buzzfeed. Days after a normal trip to her hair salon, Smith felt weak on the left side of her body and couldn’t balance properly, until she eventually began vomiting and had… Read More »
Preparing for a Season of Shivers: Mitigating Risk for Salons and Spas when Winter Weather Hits (10/20/2021) – As winter quickly approaches, so does the ever-dreaded winter weather. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts that this winter will be one of longest and coldest in history. The cold temperatures are set to accompany snow and extreme weather for some areas of the country as well. Winter weather such as snowfall, icy roads and freezing rain… Read More »
Preparing for Flu Season: Cleanliness, hygiene and service offerings (10/20/2022) – As the seasons begin to change, many experts anticipate an active 2022-2023 flu season. The COVID-19 pandemic has clients and salon and spa professionals alike more wary of health concerns, including a potential flu infection. Close contact is necessary for many treatments in salons and spas and as such the potential for infection in these… Read More »
Preschool Pampering: How Salons and Spas Manage Risks Associated with Kids (8/22/2019) – The latest target audience for beauty and wellness services is really growing into the role: kids. The market for children’s salon and spa services is growing. At least 25 percent of salons offer this service, which represents a 15 percent increase between 2011 and 2015, says the New York Times. Not only is the clientele… Read More »
Prioritize Employee Wellness at Your Beauty Business (5/26/2021) – As we continue navigating the pandemic, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by suggesting spa and salon owners take some time to make employee mental health and well-being a priority. For more than a year, salon and spa staff have provided services during a time of uncertainty and under challenging working conditions, often with increased… Read More »
Protect Nail Technicians From Chemical Exposure (5/11/2015) – In light of recent news reports, I would be remiss if I did not discuss the protection of nail technician health and safety. As a provider of liability and workers’ compensation insurance and risk management to salons and spas, we are deeply invested in worker safety. So, how do you protect nail techs from the… Read More »
Recruiting and Retaining Talent for Your Salon or Spa (2/16/2023) – The salon and spa industry continues to face a talent shortage as economic, talent and supply chain challenges continue, and the workforce looks to adapt and evolve. During the height of the pandemic many salon and spa professionals took the opportunity to find more flexible ways to continue their beauty careers or exited the industry… Read More »
Risk Management Training for Salons and Spas (4/13/2021) – Even before the pandemic, salons and spas faced a number of risks that could threaten their business, from slip and falls to faulty product issues and treatment risks. Now, beauty businesses must also consider the risks involving sanitization to keep their clients and employees safe. Like all risk management, proper training for both new and… Read More »
Salon & spa reopening risks: What have we learned so far? (7/29/2020) – As businesses have continued reopening, there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide. The spike has renewed concerns that many businesses are not adequately preparing and accounting for COVID-19 precautions when reopening their locations. At salons and spas, this is particularly relevant, since services depend on physical contact. So, what have we learned so… Read More »
Salon Professional Liability Insurance: Who, What and Why (8/10/2020) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the future isn’t clear for many small businesses. But no matter what is going on in the world, one thing is certain: salons, spas and barber shops can manage their risks and protect their investments with the right insurance policy. This is where professional liability insurance comes in. Professional liability… Read More »
Salon Secrets from coast to coast (3/4/2017) – We’ve had such a good time spreading the word about Finally Lisa’s Hair & Nail Salon, founded by our Salon Secrets contest winner Lisa Bodreau. But we received many compelling entries, from salons large and small, full-service and specialty-focused. In fact, the one constant among the entries was just how different they were. Our two… Read More »
Salon Service Risks: Common Salon Insurance Claims (2/5/2021) – Many salon insurance claims stem from slips and falls, as they do for many businesses. However, injuries and errors related to salon services and treatments can also result in lawsuits — which may also damage your reputation — and costly insurance claims. Hair color services are a source of salon insurance claims, as some of… Read More »
Salons, Spas, and Barbershops At the Center of COVID-19 Charitable Giving (12/2/2020) – Salons and barbershops have adapted to operating during the pandemic, stepping up sanitation efforts and requiring masks of all staff and patrons. However, the need to limit the number of clients has disrupted an unofficial function of these small businesses: serving as a community center. In addition to doling out fresh cuts and tidy brows,… Read More »
SASSITalk – 4 Spring Cleaning Tips for Salons (4/22/2014) – It may sound cliché, but springtime is the perfect time to evaluate your salon’s safety and sanitation (if only because it gives us hope that winter will actually end). What safety and sanitation issues have you let slip? Here are some commonly overlooked areas: Check your chemicals. Is everything stored in its original bottle? Is… Read More »
SASSITalk – Safety For Summer Services: A Refresher Course (5/15/2014) – When the weather warms up, people change up their beauty routine. For salons, that means more pedicures and more waxing, plus a shift in hair care services. With new and old clients requesting different services, spring is prime time for reviewing your safety procedures. Here’s a refresher on three popular services: Waxing Whether a bikini… Read More »
Skincare Risks at Salons and Spas (3/1/2021) – Skincare treatments are one of the most regularly requested services at salons and spas. Face masks, peeling treatments and CBD-infused skincare are just some of the many ways that salons and spas are able to respond to the latest trends and help customers maintain the glowing skin everyone is seeking. However, these treatments are not… Read More »
Stylists Working From Home: Managing Stress, Risk and Insurance (11/4/2020) – As uncertainty amid the current pandemic grows, so will the number of people working from home. The past year has shown the world that it’s possible to work from home in more career industries than you’d think. As coronavirus forced businesses to shut down their in-house operations, the demand of remote work is higher than… Read More »
Sunscreen bans: when common ingredients become questionable (6/12/2019) – You may have seen the news recently that two of the most popular summer travel and tourist destinations in the U.S. are banning your favorite sunscreens. Though rumors and headlines sometimes suggest otherwise, only Hawaii and Key West, Florida have banned two sunscreen ingredients, and the bans will not go into effect for another year… Read More »
Support for the beauty industry during the COVID-19 shutdowns (4/6/2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has put many small businesses across the country in a seemingly impossible position. To protect the lives of employees, contractors, clients, and their communities, they needed to shut down. The beauty industry, in particular, has been hit hard, as salons and spas nationwide were some of the first businesses forced to close… Read More »
Sustainable business practices for every salon: Part 1 (5/30/2018) – Ammonia, bleaches, wax and dyes, oh my! Plastic bottles and aerosol sprays at every glance! All of those towels that have to be washed, using up water and electricity. Then there are those countless foils and hair clippings that end up in the trash every night. These are just some of the things that have… Read More »
Sustainable business practices for every salon: Part 2 (7/26/2018) – As we reviewed in our last post, salons sometimes stamp out a big ecological footprint. But salons all over the country have devised and adopted strategies for reducing their environmental impact. Here are two more ideas for salons looking to go green: Make recycling a priority Salons can reduce waste by purchasing products that use… Read More »
Taking a chill pill: Is cryotherapy safe? (12/8/2015) – If you follow trends in salon and spa services, you have probably heard about cryotherapy. Despite its legions of devotees, the idea makes many people cringe at first—being submerged in sub-zero vapor doesn’t sound therapeutic, let alone pleasant. In fact, it sounds downright dangerous. However—so far—cryotherapy is accepted as safe. What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy originated… Read More »
The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season Has Begun. Is Your Salon Prepared? (6/13/2022) – June marks the beginning of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season and the storms are already underway. Hurricane Agatha made landfall in southern Mexico on May 29 with winds as high as 105 mph. These storms pose significant threats to business and commerce, including salons and spas. Last year was the third costliest hurricane season on… Read More »
The Beauty Industry Gives Back (11/12/2021) – Salons and barbershops are the epicenters of their communities; places to gather, share stories and boost confidence. Despite limitations caused by the pandemic, the industry worked to continue supporting their communities throughout 2020 while getting creative and being themselves supported by their communities in 2021. As Thanksgiving approaches, we’d like to reflect upon and celebrate… Read More »
The business needs of the changing barbershop (8/31/2017) – The beauty industry’s evolution extends beyond the scope of salons and spas. Barbershops have become an integral part of this space, growing at an impressive clip. Charles Kirkpatrick, National Association of Barber Boards of America executive officer, estimates a roughly 10 percent increase in barbershops since 2013 – as barbershops continue to meet the demands… Read More »
The Devil is in the Details: Thoughtful Design Tips to Mitigate Risks in Salons and Spas (8/26/2023) – First impressions matter and few appreciate this as much as salon and spa professionals. From the website to those first steps through the doors of a salon or spa, design is central to a client’s initial judgement and their overall first booking experience at their local salon or spa. Aesthetics are equally as important as… Read More »
The Lasting Risks of Trendy Services (6/3/2015) – Hot new beauty trends come and go, with few making it through a year before they’ve been deemed uncool. But one trend is here to stay, simply because it incorporates them all—salons adding extra amenities. Cut, color, manicure, pedicure, facials, massage—busy beauty customers want all of these services done in one place. This is good… Read More »
The State of the Beauty Industry (7/13/2022) – With the mid-point of 2022 here, the beauty industry is enjoying increased demand for salon and spa services. While an influx of business can be exciting, it is important for salon and spa owners to stay up to date on industry trends and looming risks in order to find continued success and avoid industry pitfalls… Read More »
The wildly successful salon and spa industry, by the numbers (6/22/2016) – It’s not just your imagination (or your Instagram feed); it’s a good time to be in the salon and spa industry. In fact, according to some reports, salons, spas, skincare services and other beauty and wellness services have outperformed much of the rest of the economy since the recession. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics… Read More »
There’s no upside to going uncovered (6/21/2017) – By and large, we had fun exhibiting at America’s Beauty Show. We met fascinating people and checked out the latest beauty trends (you can read about my experience in this blog post). I equivocate just a bit because I had a few worrisome conversations with people who were not covered by insurance. Some folks essentially… Read More »
Three key fire safety practices for salons and spas (10/17/2014) – Earlier this month was Fire Prevention Week, which makes this as good a time as any to review salon fire safety. Many salon owners and staff are occupied managing day-to-day risks, spot-testing new products and practicing care in cuticle trimming. But salon owners and managers should lead an effort to periodically review their fire risks,… Read More »
Three salon & spa business trends that are becoming the new normal (4/18/2018) – Following beauty trends can be like watching fireworks: you see a big, bright flash-bang followed by a fizzle. But some trends endure and become standard practice or common service offerings at salons and day spas. This year, we have noticed that a few trendy practices are increasing in popularity rather than fading away, as so… Read More »
Three secrets to salon success: surveying our contest entries (5/10/2017) – Thanks to our Salon Secrets contest, we’ve spent the last few months learning how salons from across the country build successful businesses. The entries spanned a wide range of ideas for finding success in a competitive industry. With so many different salons built on so many different “secrets,” there have to be some threads that… Read More »
Wedding and Prom Season to Put a Spring in the Steps of Salon and Spa Owners (4/8/2022) – Wedding and prom season is quickly approaching and with fewer COVID-19 related restrictions, and more weddings expected in 2022 than the industry has seen since 1984, salon and spa owners can expect to see higher store traffic and more requests for off-site work. Although the return of large events offers more opportunities for beauty professionals,… Read More »
What Clients Don’t Say Can Hurt Them (And You) (7/1/2015) – One challenge often goes unspoken among salon and spa professionals, at least until someone gets hurt: working with clients who have medical conditions that may be adversely affected by a service. This is always a difficult scenario, but easier to handle when clients are forthcoming about issues or injuries. But what can you do when… Read More »
What’s new in CBD products and treatments for Salons and Spas (2/12/2020) – Even as we begin a new decade, one of the hottest topics of the beauty industry continues to be CBD. Cosmetics manufacturers and other beauty and wellness industry innovators are finding new ways of applying this ingredient. It is featured in a diverse array of topical products and services, including massage creams, skincare products, nail… Read More »
Why licensing is a crucial issue for salon safety: a case study (9/20/2016) – I think it is fair to say that everyone wants to trust their employees and colleagues. But when it comes to safety and a salon owner’s liability, trust isn’t enough. I recently had a call from a salon owner (I’ll call her Jane) who was upset about an injury to one of her clients. Jane… Read More »
Why salon & spa staff need to know when to say “no” (11/11/2016) – Hair stylists, nail technicians, estheticians—they are all in the business of making people feel good about themselves. But sometimes, they have to say “no” to customers, as much as it may seem contrary to their mission (and their bottom line). Why would I encourage salons and spas to turn away customers or refuse their requests?… Read More »
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