hi-

i need some imput if you wouldnt mind.

when your looking for a new stylist or salon, what catches your eye? what do u look for. i am always looking for ways to improve and promote my salon, so i thought i would ask you all here.

What would make u go to a perticular salon or stylist? Is it their advertising? Coupons? refferals?

thanks for your help

S

I think a referral is important.  After that, a salon's reputation is important.

I would never go to a salon with a coupon.  That is too insulting to the stylist and I would be too embarrased to redeem it anyway, I'd feel cheap.

I believe referral rewards work great. For instance give your regular clients say 5 business cards with their name on the back and when they send up to five friends and they hand you that card offer them a free or highly discounted service (your regular client). By this offering a free service to one client and gaining five totally outweighs the cost. And just keep the cycle going. I think the products offered are a main client grabber. Whenever I see a salon thats has Aveda posted on there window then I'm game. Then I would say the overall environment. If everyone is welcoming even if you are not their client then that is great. I'm sure no one would like it if when they walked into a salon and all the stylist glance at them with a blank stare and get back to work. What do you offer your clients while they wait (even if it's just for a few minutes). A salon that I visited frequently offered water and iced tea in wine glasses. Not much but it's a very high class/upscale gesture. It shows that you put some thought into it. Actually sort of relaxing. Way better than styrofoam . And if all these things fall in place as CyberMane suggested you will get the word of mouth referrals. And if you decided to send coupons don't just send them on regular paper. Spruce them up and make them look important. Maybe place them in envelopes like an invitation, so they won't get thrown away with the resturant coupons. And maybe only offer coupons for spa services (if you offer them) because I could see how some people would feel uncomfortable handing over a coupon for a hair cut. Well just a few suggestions. HTH  

Coupons/specials on services and products help getting new customers in and your service would keep them coming back. Like some specials come in packages (but you dont actually save money but they don't make that claim either) they'll do a cut, color, and include color maintaining shampoo and give it a catchy name.

I would say someone who's honest, listens, and knowledgeable. Someone who would be able to give you advice on a service that you're considering whether its a new cut, color, or both. Also alot of stylist forget to tell the client beforehand the work that goes into maintaining their work after they leave the salon.

Alot of people complain that they never get the cut they want and its up to the stylist (by showing pictures and whatever else) to get a clear understanding of what someone wants and to tell them that the particular style may not fit their lifestyle or their facial features. B/c sometimes people want a cut but in the end the cut they wanted but didn't suit them ends up making them unhappy.  I think the stylist should make it their job to inform a client based on their lifestyle what would suit them. Some people go in to get haircolor and sometimes end up hating the decision b/c they didn't realize the upkeep or when soemone gets a cut but doesn't know how to style it or its too time consuming for their lifestyle.

I think that each individual stylist should have a binder (if the clients allow it) of  pictures of work they have done from color to cuts to extensions. I would say this would help new clients in finding a stylist that is really good at a service they want or they just plain like their work. I think this tactic helps clients especially new ones gain more confidence in the person they are about to let touch their hair.

Me personally I would like a spa like atmosphere. Good lighting very clean pleasant staff and receptionist. One of those febreeze airscents nice calming music the one that plays music and scents. Spacious nice comfortable couches/sitting area. Making beverages available. Various fashion/hair magazines so that clients can show stylist what they want, somone to keep them in order and in decent condition, I can't stand it when I'm flipping through magazines and pages are ripped out. Smile. .

Also make sure that your staff gets along. . I've been to a salon where employees have bad mouthed each other in front of clients behind the person's back. . its so unprofessional and embarassing.

what attracts ME

PICTURES!  A big photo book of before and afters.  Willingness for me to brink my own hair in to use.  Willingness to learn new installation methods.  Willingness to go as high on my head as I want, to insatll more here - and less here, etc.

Basically thats it.  If she (or he!) does great work, thats what I want.  In all honesty the person can be the biggest bitch from hell, but if Im going to look wonderful when its all done, s/he's getting a big tip!

Atmosphere, Honesty, Ability,Referrals and call me petty...Apperance. If you're not put together (and it doesn't have to be my "style") but someone who represents and Artist, not someone who rolled outta bed cause the have to go to work.

Oh yeah...beverages and good music, and good reading material!

Wow all your suggustions sound wonderful- and actually most of them we are already implementing. I have three full time receptionist, we offer drinks(sorry we do use styrofoam) we offer , ice tea, coffee, hot tea, h2o and have lite snacks most of the time.

music is always on and Everyone ( all 22 of use) get along GREAT. its a salon family and i feel so fortunate to have such a great team of people working at my Salon.

its always good though to hear from others what they look for, keeps me grounded and always striving to go the extra mile for all clients.

thanks you guys-

oh yeah Gina- i cant stand when a stylist doesnt have hair and make-up done each day-

not tolerated in my salon.

I like your website and think that you should showcase work other than hair extension like color and cuts and show maybe 3-4 pictures of the best work from each stylist. And like somone mentioned (unless I missed it) I think that you should mention the products you use and offer.

thank you Jenn- by no means what so ever an i offended i am actually very thankful for all the suggustions-

and i agree with everything youare saying too!

i have tried to get the Hairlocs off my site in all the info i provide but i have left it in just a bit. It used to say hairlocs all through it.

swaping the domain, yes i would love to do that, How do i do that>?

i like the hairextensionsbysand.

when i first started the site it was Hairlocs by Sand, then i just changed it to Mane of your Dreams by Sand.

where would you sugggust i add in the info like, i do various methods etc.

Thanks so Much Jenn, And all of you for that matter!

yes i do agree, word of mouth from the internet, and that is where i get most of my business from as well, so yeah it has to be real sharp and pro!

Sand

thanks syren, yeah you could walk in to me-(with an apt of course) bring me your own hair and i will install it with locs, tubes or shrinks and make you feel totally awesome about yourself!

thanks for your encouragement.