Phorest and kitch hair discuss gender neutral pricing

Phorest interviews Kitch Hair, London to discuss gender neutral pricing and the surrounding issues around fairness and time management. We all know there is no ‘one formula’ fits all when it comes to running a salon. Each salon has its own values and mission statement, influencing everything from salon decor, layout, stylist interaction and pricing.

Phorest interviews Kitch Hair on gender neutral pricing

Luca Jones and Scott Humphreys, owners of Kitch Hair salon in Angel, London opened their salon in July 2020 with a cool aesthetic that mixes retro kitchen fun and 1950s pastel shades. The duo also made the decision to base their pricing on length, time and products rather than gender. Luca and Scott explained: “When setting up the salon, this [gender neutral pricing] was the easiest decision to make. Not only is it the fairest way of pricing, but we also feel it is the modern world and a fade or full head highlights has no set gender so why should our price list?” When asked what their advice would be for any salon looking to switch to gender neutral pricing, Luca and Scott commented:

For any salons thinking of resetting their prices to a gender neutral salon, I would highly recommend it. Not only for fairness but also your day will run alot smoother knowing you have the correct amount of time for the service.

The pair added: “There is nothing worse than running behind because you did not know your new client had hair down to their waist, catching up with a short hair client paying the same price. This way the extra time is in place so we can finish the service and nobody is rushed. Also we charge for the amount of product used, no hidden costs such as 'prices from', which means the client is aware and in control of their spending." Kitch Hair chose Phorest as their software of choice when they opened the salon in July 2020 and asked if it was possible to remove male/female boxes in the system. A few months later, the Gender Neutral toggle was released.

How is Phorest helping salons like Kitch Hair with gender neutral pricing?

At Phorest, the aim is to ensure the software is as intuitive as possible and takes some of the heavy lifting away from of the salon owner. Aisling Scolard, Phorest product owner noted:

In 2020, we saw an increase in salons offering gender neutral pricing and we realised our software needed to support this better. We also know that some salons use it as a big part of their brand - they create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone regardless of how they identify and ensuring they always have a safe space to go to.

Kitch Hair is designed offers clients a space space: “We have friends from all walks of life and realised there were not enough safe spaces to be yourself in salons without judgment. We encourage our clients’ personal style. Hair is supposed to be fun and you want to leave feeling amazing no matter your preferred gender.” Luca and Scott concluded: “We are so happy Phorest has added the option to take away the gender box, as that was our first request when we were setting up the system. I’m pleased they have noticed the growing number of salons choosing gender neutral prices.”

How to move towards gender neutral pricing with Phorest

Launched in February 2021, Phorest salons can now, at a switch of a toggle, remove any male/female boxes within the Phorest Salon Software. When turned on, the toggle removes gender in the following parts of the system:

• Appointment Card
• Client Card
• Purchase Card
• KPI Performance Detail Report
• Marketing Filters
• Consultation Forms

While to some, this may feel like a simple toggle, to others, it can change their entire salon experience. If you would like to find out more about Phorest Salon Software and how it can help your business, just like it does for the top hair salons in the UK, click here. For information on how Phorest can help you prepare to reopen click here.  This is a sponsored post by Phorest Salon Software.