Expert advice for putting together a red carpet service in your salon
Published
01st Feb 2013
by rachael
Few hairdressers are more synonymous with glamour than Gary Hooker and Michael Young, whose salons in the north-east are a destination for luxurious pampering as well as first class hair.We grilled Gary and Michael to find out how they make every day a special occasion in the salon, and how they make their clients feel like A-listers every time they visit...
Team up with local services
Join forces with a local private hire or chauffeur company and negotiate good rates on behalf of you clients. We have done this and it means that if a client needs transport to or from an appointment, they are always picked up in style.
Bring on the brollies
Invest in branded umbrellas. This might sound like a simple idea, but having a member of your team accompany a client to their car after or before an appointment creates the personal touch and leaves a lasting impression - not to mention saving hair from inclement conditions.
Fresh flowers say fabulous
Fresh flowers make a huge difference. At the moment it's easy to cut back and use artificial flowers instead, but there is nothing like a bouquet of seasonal flowers in a prominent postition. If you need to make cut backs, try and find them somewhere locally on a budget because the smell and appearance of real flowers can't be underestimated when it comes to the finishing touches.
Are you on the guestlist?
Create a VIP area within the salon. Depending on space this could be a mezzanine floor or simply an area of the salon that isn't utilised as often. When not in use by your celebrity guests it can be marketed as an area that is hired for wedding trials, parties or blow-dry classes. Nothing says VIP like your very own private space!
Think personalisation
Offer a personalised food and drink menu. Build a relationship with a nearby delicatessen or restaurant and make sure your team is fully aware of what they offer. Accommodating client's dietary requirements makes them feel extra special. Always have a bottle or two of fizz on ice should they wish to celebrate exciting news too!
