Boosting your business with hair extensions

If you work with extensions or are looking for new ways to propel your hairdressing business to new creative heights and greater financial success, founder of Foxy Hair Extensions Hayley Fox offers some top tips of how to build a successful business with hair extensions. Realise the potential and plan for success Extensions expand your creative and commercial potential significantly. Based on your clientele and location, research the local demographic to identify the business potential. Look at what other salons are doing too. Is there a gap you can fill? Or, if other salons fit extensions, how can you offer something different? Discuss with your team and involve clients to establish the creative possibilities, get a feel for demand and the styles people are most likely to want. Having your team and clients onside is really important, as this information will help you make a considered business and creative decision Get the right brand Research different brands as there are numerous types and qualities of extension hair, application systems and attachment techniques, and extensions products. Draw up a shortlist and contact them to discuss your needs and see if their offering meets your requirements. Get samples and information and if possible, see if you can visit a salon working with this brand and system. Your business reputation depends on the consistent quality of hair, reliability of systems and support you get from your supplier so this is really important to get right. You need to work with a brand you can trust! Publicise your services You need a plan to promote this exciting new service. Start by announcing to customers, put up posters and use POS material in the salon. Also, use local PR and advertising to build awareness and publicise on your website and across social media. You can also email and text customer databases and simple things like leafleting will generate awareness. Tried and tested initiatives like special offers or promotions can be effective too. Marketing needs to be an on-going part of your business and extensions give you a great story! Add value to sell more When your client has invested in extensions, it’s vital they are cared for in a specific way. Unlike most professional care products, extensions aftercare products are specifically formulated to protect extensions hair and, in most cases, the bond or application used to attach the hair. This presents a great retail opportunity because your client needs to use special extensions products to maximise their lifespan and they can only buy these from you. It’s a must-have purchase, which is great for your client and for business too. Harness the power of your work Harness the power of your work and the transformation only extensions can deliver. Take before and after pictures so you can showcase your work in the salon, on your website and in your PR and social media. Seeing amazing results is believing and this will attract attention, and more clients!