Besides having fewer funds available to spend at the hair salon because of the recession, increasing numbers of Black women are opting to wear their natural hair, adopt a DIY look, or opt for cheaper options--trends that have been a few of several factors in the closing of Black hair salons across the country. Black salons have survived for decades by doing what they do best--hair--and many have offered the same types of services for years. But just because Black hair (and our pockets) are going through a major transformation doesn’t mean that our salons can’t be a part of the process. To stay in business, stylists need to be willing to change with the times by adapting their skills, services, and, according to Debra Ottley, owner of the Jelanis Naturals salon in New York City, regularly advertise and offer more specials. Here are a few tips on how to keep the salon open, and customers in the chairs.--Arlice Nichole#####
Require stylists to brush-up on their skills. Salon owners should encourage, or even make it a requirement, for stylists to learn the skills necessary to care for and maintain natural hair. Changing trends are a reality for all lines of work, and the hair care industry is no different. Updating the skills necessary to serve current and future clients is necessary to stay competitive, and salons can support the continued education of their stylists by sponsoring conventions, and holding classes and workshops.#####
Offer consulting services to those thinking about transitioning. Many women are interested in going natural. Some do the “big chop,” cutting all processed hair off down to their virgin hair; but many women don’t want to compromise the length of their hair while transitioning. Going from straight to natural is often a long and difficult process, and many women damage their hair trying to do it alone. There are many supportive web sites on the Internet, but regularly visiting a professional for assistance with the transition can be beneficial, too. Salons can offer this service and gain new clients for the long-term.#####
Offer treatments that benefit hair before, during and after transition. Black women have always been a diverse group, and there are going to be plenty of women who stick to the services they’ve always gotten. But adding new treatments that benefit and aid natural hair to the regular menu of services will help get the word out, and you will help position your salon as one that supports natural hair wearers, which will help to retain current customers and gain new ones also.#####
Improve scheduling. Sometimes it’s just a matter of doing one thing different, like scheduling clients further apart, to help with retention. “Stylists and owners really need to go the extra mile to manage clients’ expectations. Too many times I get clients simply because they were sick and tired of spending an entire day in the salon when the expectation was two to three hours,” says Ottley.#####
Sell products people are looking for. Many salons may not be ready to fully cater to natural hair wearers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t provide the products people need to maintain their own natural coifs. Popular brands for natural hair are not widely available in many states, and carrying the new natural hair care brands is just one more income avenue that will help Black salons stay afloat—and keep customers happy.#####
Offer rental space to barbers and braiders. Making room for stylists with multiple talents will bring in a new and diverse clientele. Now would be a great time to learn to braid well, or brush-up on the services that barbers usually perform.#####
It may be time to pick-up shop and move. Keeping your salon may have nothing at all to do with the current trends, but have everything to do with the rent. “In speaking with salon owners, the closing of shops is the result of a few factors: The economy along with expiring leases and skyrocketing rents,” says Ottley. #####
Take your services on the road. Gain new clients by taking your business to nursing homes and retirement communities. A lot of times the elderly can’t drive or simply have no way to get to salons, but still want and need the luxury of salon services. And lots of times, these become regular clients.#####
Use your knowledge and talents to start something new. Massive layoffs have been the out many people needed to begin something new and more rewarding. The black haircare industry as we know it may be changing, but the closing of one business can be the door opening to creating that new haircare line you’ve been wanting to start, but haven’t had the time too, or being a one man or woman show by offering services to a private clientele.
For more small business tips see:
No comments:
Post a Comment