How are salons being creative post-lockdown

At a time when life for clients seems uncertain, these salon owners are bringing some fun into clients' lives and are reminding salons and clients that being creative is the best way to keep spirits up and secure loyal business. Although the easing of restrictions saw many clients rushing back to salons to give their hair some much needed love, there’s still some lingering anxiety for others. It can take some thinking outside of the box to keep regular clients coming back and it's important to show how much you appreciate them.  From yoga sessions to decorative visors, be inspired by how these the salons are being creative and shaking things up for their clients:

Offering workspaces at the salon - Sarai Hair and Beauty, Berkshire

Crowthorne-based salon Sarai Hair and Beauty has adapted to the evolving office landscape by catering to those working from home. The in-salon Sarai Hub – a quiet space which includes a worktable and Wifi access – allows clients to carry on with their work while receiving a haircut or waiting for colour to process. The idea came from wanting to reduce feelings of guilt for having “me-time” when the barriers between office lives and personal lives are more unclear than ever. With Sarai Hub,  both can be achieved without compromising either. The salon will also be opening its doors to bridal parties, offering pampering, bespoke packages and champagne in a private area. Plus, it is available for children or teenager’s parties and adults’ pamper days.   

Hosting yoga sessions - Reds Hair and Beauty, Sunderland

Reds Hair and Beauty is promoting the importance of a healthy body and mind by offering pop-up yoga sessions in a “secret garden”. The East Herrington, Sunderland salon has enlisted the help of experienced yoga teacher Helen Beeson to host two sessions a week on Friday and Sunday afternoons. The classes focus on Vinyasa, a type of yoga that focuses on the flow of movement and breathing. No prior experience is required and all ages are welcome. “Our first session was brilliant. There was a buzz about the place and most of the class stayed behind for a chat and a drink afterwards – while socially distancing of course,” says Reds owner Susan Hall.  “We’ve been in East Herrington for more than 30 years and I see the classes as us being part of the local community. There will certainly be a social element and we now have an alcohol licence so we can serve wine as well as coffee and teas.”  

Using aromas in-salon - MARKDAVID, Edinburgh

For MARKDAVID, smell has always played a huge part in what makes a client’s salon experience as relaxing and indulgent as possible.  Recently, the Edinburgh salon has partnered with a local florist to create specialised bouquets situated around the salon, including the styling stations. Additionally, MARKDAVID has collaborated with local candle companies to offer chosen scents which provide a relaxing vibe to the salon. These aroma and décor choices all contribute to the salon’s 'Great Gatsby era'  theme, described as elite, aspirational and Edinburgh’s best kept secret.  

Decorating visors - Ego Hair Design, Inverness

Making sure clients felt safe returning to salons following lockdown was important to Ego Hair Design. The use of visors and masks can sometimes mean this comes at the expense of having fun. There’s a danger the salon atmosphere could become too clinical and clients are already nervous about the new guidelines,”says Caroline Sanderson, owner of Ego Hair Design and Salon Jedi Coaching. To keep things upbeat, Caroline had the team decorate their own visors with elaborate flowers like festival crowns, showing the salon is still a fun place to be. As well as this, a new ‘hello beautiful’ sign was installed at the salon’s entrance.