Back2myroots

Hair salon stylist motivation booth rental

b2mradmin — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:59:09 +0000

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR: regular postings of fresh new topic’s

Training Skill Motivation:

Can any of us honestly say we know everything you are on top of your game? That being fully motivated on a daily bases giving your all? constantly striving to keep up to date and current? Or like most of us, you have off days are you having more off days than on? Is going to work hard work is being at work real work maybe even to the point of resentment? Do you resent the clients? maybe those team and work mates! It’s all just to much.

If you missing that excitement that creative buzz, passion, drive, motivation, then something is missing what could that be? It could be one thing it could be the culmination of many.

Time to take a look in the mirror time for some one on one with self! Well now it’s time to be honest. What ever you work situation environment this might be the Salon. Maybe your self employed. In the case of the salon sometimes its so easy to get wrapped up in the moment to busy, that training product updates fall the way side.

If you self employed taking the time to invest in your self also gets put to the side normally because of time and money issues. If this is the case then we convince our selves that we are doing Ok. You are up date it’s so easy for us to make excuses.The only problem with this is at the end of the day we are hurting our selves and our business we are also and most importantly letting our clients down standards of service drop. With so many new products constantly coming onto the market it’s so important to be informed and knowledgeable both for your own sake and that of your clients. Keratin hair relaxing products, new Ammonia free colour lines. This would be classed as product knowledge. Then our skills techniques from colouring to cutting then we have the technical side of the equation the how and why’s sometimes gets neglected finding time just to reconnect with others.

It is my opinion that all of the above should be reviewed and although not possible to address all topic’s at once a plan should be drawn up to keep your business you staff healthy and strong call it business and personal inventory or attitude adjustment. We all have access to informal seminar’s that are structured to help with salon management, team and staff motivation, Service Consultation and sales. Bad habits form slowly over time but fear not, habits can be broken just takes a willingness change a recognition of habit and indeed skill level finally a little work. It can take as little as three weeks to break habits and start a journey onto a new path of self discovery talent and skill building sharing. Stay at the top of you professional be a real master of your craft. Offer the highest standard of Service. Become a specialist in your field take control of your future your career your life.

If you need help with any of this just ask reach out! I would be happy to work with you or your team. or offer advice on places to get the style of help that works for you.

Salon ownership Chair rental

Do you own a salon? Do you employ your staff? Maybe have chair renters are you the manager of such an establishment? Are you an employee? Do you rent a chair. So many question so many options! I raise this topic as platform to discussion.

Still focusing on service the salon experience but looking at it from a different angle I would like to do this in the order as above.

As a salon owner and employer how do you set a good example? How do you employ the right staff? How do you create the environment that projects ambiance.One that looks amazing yet has the right level of efficient offering professional service. A place that is welcoming creative filled with highly skilled passionate caring stylists. The only way this is possible is to be hands on with your team leading managing running your salon. From a point of view of having retaining and attracting the right staff in this instance the only way forward for you is to have Salon control. Is control good?Maybe it’s time to let go of the reins empower your team work with them to develop the skills so they can and do take decisions. That have the salon’s best interests in mind collaboration,encourage creative innovative thinking open communication!

This includes employing staff paying commission rewarding those who succeed. As an owner you have very little control over the stylist hours. How they operate if you choose the chair rental route then the stylist renting space from you running a mini business within your salon. This can cause issues over pricing hours worked commitment to the salon the greater good!

Some times short term gain is long term agony.Commission creates motivation employing and rewarding staff creates team spirt and friendly competition with in the salon. Greater staff incentive to succeed be the best you can and reap the rewards. Like so many aspects of business it’s about choices making a decision living with the consequences or out come taking responsibility making it work the instant knowledge of regular rent or the challenges and rewards of truly running and building a successful business with loyal staff and clients.

Moving on. Do you have a manager?

If so this has to be a partnership that works give and take listen support each other. As a manager you get to not only over see many aspects of the running of the salon but you are also directly responsible for staff employment moral and most importantly service standards knowledge and education. You get to help to creating the atmosphere the image. you get to grow the salon help it watch it succeed and grow and should be rewarded accordingly. Salon owners that take advantage of hard working managers will lose them along with clients and staff if they don’t respect the role they play and what they contribute.

If you allow Chair rental. Do you feel you need or should have control of theses stylists when they are paying you rent? How many do you want on a rental agreement. How do you attract them? What hours will be covered by them? How do you manage this when they are in business of running a mini business within your business? Do you provide the receptionist ? Who keeps the books and takes care of the financial side of things from. Taking clients payment to invoices? Ordering managing stock. Dealing with all tax records and making payment of said taxes?

What support service do you offer them? How do you have an influence on the standard the service they offer? To have a business totally reliant on Chair rental especially if you are not active as a stylist in your own salon or have an understanding of our industry the salon dynamics is quite a risk. Many questions but a growing business that is here to stay it’s will be part of the future of our industry. learn to embrace and understand it

As someone renting a chair. What do you get for your monthly fee? What are your expectations? you and you alone are your business, no owner or manger to blame if things are not going well! if your clients switch to a different stylist or move salon. how do you cope when wanting holidays? Most stylist who go into a chair rental situation are well established in many cases resent the salon owner who they feel are making a mint out of their work! From there client’s. Chair renters are not typically team players nor do they want to start their own business. They are not always the best organised in many cases don’t think the what being self employed means or what the ramification might be. As a renter you still need to be able to have a relationship with the salon owner you are also responsible for retaining maintaining and bringing in new business providing your working stock, being on time, offering that personal service.A collaboration a shared vision between salon owner or space renter and stylist is essential for all round success and working harmony. Yes requires being an adult being responsible!

To some degrees the booth rental salon space relationship has to be a two way street many aspects will cross over each other and so will have to be addressed jointly again communication collaboration. These are all things to consider things that cut into that i just want to do hair and keep 100% of the take it can be quite complex. Insurance both personal third party liability who is responsible for this? It would be my suggestion both parties are responsible why? One as owner providing the salon a place for clients to come to the stylist as the one performing the tasks applying the products taking a fee, both should be covered how is this dealt with? much to consider.

With all these different examples of in salon situations one thing is inherent the need to communicate the need to work together the need to create the best environment and standard of service to retain clients. A healthy codependent relationship built on trust understanding and striving for a common goal stability and business success. A collaboration a sharing of a vision working towards a goal that is mutually of benefit to all parties. In my book it’s a no brainer the challenge and having the control being master of my own ship and destiny wins every time. Find and work with the right team the success and reward will follow.Nothing good in life is ever free or easy. If it is if it seem’s to good to be true if it’s a business plan that offer’s instant gratification.

Whilst Chair rental works for many on both sides think about what as a salon owner or some one about to start a salon it is you really want. Don’t lose sight of your dream your vision your goal. How do you want the service’s you offer delivered. I do not suggest that stylist renting chairs are all unprofessional i know from experience this is not the case. However for both side it is a union that should not be entered into lightly. As a booth renter you still have a responsibility that goes beyond just service to your client. Both you and the salon owner are entering into a partnership one providing space one generating the revenue to make said space work and be viable as a business.

As stylist running our own business be that as an owner of a small freelance Business maybe you are mobile and make house calls. Or you have your own salon based business but rent a chair what ever you circumstance,you often work alone. Yes you are busy but how often do you interact with other stylists other industry professionals? How current are you ? How often we do look in that mirror and say i need to step things up? I feel stale I need a refresher? My bet is not very often, your either to busy or it’s not important to you because you are busy enough. Be warned not not addressing this visiting it can in the long term be something you may live to regret.However much reward working alone is it can also be isolating. A stylist we need interaction with other like minded professional from time to time.

Why is this?

The skills the techniques the standard of service does not or should not change just because we work alone or in a small team.Yet in so many cases the need the want to up date stay current gets pushed to the side, the key contributors to this are Ego and Fear. In some cases we can and do convince our selves that we know everything we did our training that’s good enough!

Some times asking for help seeking out advise just sharing with someone else can give you a new out look a whole new focus, It is much easier to do nothing than it We all need interaction with others in our field to share idea’s thoughts techniques to net work to grow to be current. Now days we can connect on the internet join groups read reviews, get information on shows and education events so much choice! Often whilst hanging out in my local distributor mulling over the many different colour charts i end up chatting with stylist trying to decide what product to buy what might be the best product for the job in many cases talking over a situation a specific client issue talking a scenario through helps them come to a decision make a choice and understand what to expect with the process they are embarking upon. With so many products tools and techniques available to us it’s hardly surprising that we may need a little up date or refresher from time to time. Be it technical work, cutting techniques, salon service and consultation skills. communication with team members, clients, other industry professionals, all we have to do is seek out the right source of help and advise, be open to structured critical comments advise guidance working with someone whom you respect and feel at ease with will help you to embrace this new exploration investment in your self. Are you ready to take a new path to invest in your own future, market that product that is you! Mobile, Freelance, chair renter be current take those steps to shine and excel be the one in demand fully booked successful happy and content. all possible.

Mike B2MR

Keratin Warning list for formaldehyde

b2mradmin — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:01:50 +0000

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

The safe Keratin relaxer issue :When it comes to products that professional can use knowing that they are safe and cost effective Health and safety should be at the fore front and should not be compromised for either the stylist or the client. Many of these discussion have had people entering into them to either promote a product in many cases testing has proved they are not safe in some cases the manufacturer has been directly approached over these concerns! They seem to have no conscience when it comes to product safety and products sales it’s all about profit and sales! Some use these discussion groups to promote system so we might stay a little safer whilst using these products.
The issue is having safe products working in a safe environment.Research and lab testing has shown that it is possible to some degree but like everything it come shown to choice.What is really important to each and every one of us! How educated and trusting can we be, should we be. How much questioning should we do! What are we what are you prepared to accept !!! I would never put personal health and safety or that of my client aside for short term profit!

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/formaldehyde/docs/consumer.pdf

http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/2012/02/29/what-is-an-aldehyde-you-need-to-know/

http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/2012/03/31/brazilian-warnings/

I really do think that the more stylist discuss this with other stylists making it conversation make it an issues worth sharing and indeed knowing about the more change will happen.
Personal health and indeed the health and welfare of our clients has to come above and before profits. In most cases a client will respect you much more for being honest about a product and why you choose not to use it rather than not education them as to any side effects or long term issues.
We are all professionals and so have a duty of care to act responsibly when it comes to the chemicals we use and how we educate our clients.
We can hold the manufacturer be they big or small to account by demanding better from them in both product and transparency. As for the small start up companies that only see the profit of the £££ or $$$$$ claiming to be safe and organic in some cases start up operation with no background in chemistry or understanding of the issues shame on you!
for hoping assuming all professionals stylists are gullible and stupid enough to believe and trust in the products you try and market as safe health options! you do your self the industry and indeed the makers of quality organic and herbal products a total disservice!
Mike B2MR

Hair colouring hair dye going lighter

b2mradmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:31:33 +0000

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

Regular postings of fresh new topic’s:

A place to share thoughts post comments and idea’s on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.

Low Lights: The most natural from of High- Low Lights:

How often do we come across the issues that arise from trying to go from naturally dark hair level 5 and darker or the same issues with hair that has been taken to a darker shade now wanting to go lighter. when we consider these issues what problems arise and how do we deal with them? In so many cases of naturally dark hair the problems that arise are to do with unwanted pigment. The issues that arise from this lightening or lifting will normally expose issues of a red / orange or orange brown hue.

When applying a light colour or shade you get you would expect very little colour change. Light shade on dark hair you get the lift from the peroxide or developer but very little colour change you cannot in most cases lift colour with colour! These products seldom have enough pigment to control the pigment exposed leaving an unwanted tone. this has to be addressed buy using the correct toner to balance or neutralise the unwanted tone.

When we think about low lights the idea of that natural sun kissed look comes to mind. Those tones shades that natural lightening created from manipulating the hair’s natural pigment. Enabling us to use those tones just a few shade lighter than our natural base shade that add dimension tone and shine a really natural look.

In so many cases a client will ask for low lights that give a few shades of lift for a natural look. However on so many occasions.They can end up with a bleach decolouriser cocktail lightening the hair to then have a stylist re add pigment or toner to control the lift. Why can this occur? How does this happen. Poor consultation. sadly lack of creative skill and technical knowledge

A Different approach:

Consider this. A natural hair level 1* 2 *3 *4 *5 These are what would normally be considered as the darker shades. Brown through to Dark brown even black: {Asian hair} see below. Lifting these shades to get a lighter streaked look can cause problems due once again to the pigment that is going to be exposed through the lifting process.

{We will be at these levels dealing with shades of red and orange!}

To create Low lights that sun kissed look we have to have a target colour in mind. We need to asses the hair so we have a clear idea of the pigment we are going to expose and how we are going to control it! During this consultation time it should be noted that considering the hair’s history. This plays a very important role in decisions made has the hair been coloured before? If all over Colour has been applied be it professional or over the counter it will effect the the choices you make and the out come. You cannot lift colour with colour!! So if a previous chemical history trying to create a low light using a high lift blonde formulation will not work.

Remember in most cases you cannot lift colour with colour:

Some products now days will defuse pigment and allow this but i question how good they are

My reason for raising the above issues are because what i want to suggest is using is

High Lift Blonde permanent colour: to create low lights:

This method demands that you fully understand pigment lift and deposit. That you trust and understand the pigmentation of your High lift blonde range DOES THE PRODUCT? Have enough pigment control to give you the desired tone shade lifting through red and orange?

Above are examples of high lift Blonde shades:

Normally the mixing ratio for these high lift shades is one part colour to two parts 40 Volume Hydrogen Peroxide development time up to 50 Mins {That being 30mins lift 20mins deposit} Heat should not be required { heat can be very bad in the colour process} It can cause bleeds due to product expansion. You can see the various shades Ash, Beige, Violet. Gold. 100 is a clear. With some products you can us this to get an extra bit of lift maybe a shade, but remember when adding this to a formulation you are diluting down the pigment available in the formulation so if using the clear as a booster no more than 20% should be used in any formulation.

The 100 series on it’s own will give a nice low light but will not control any pigment exposed it is just lift pigment free. So any lift will create a low light exposed from the natural hair pigment. Given that most manufactures claim 4 levels of lift from

High lift blonde what can we expect?

Well given a natural level 4 we should be able to get a low light around level 7. As we know that a natural level 7 has an orange under tone using a formulation with ash should give a nice sandy controlled honey low light .

The 40 volume Hydrogen giving you the four levels of lift the Ash pigment controlling the pigment exposed! The shades shown are realistic tones that can be reaches with this method. Although using a higher volume of peroxide i think it still better than using a bleach to lift and then re pigment or tone the hair.

Multi shades very natural looking:

Low lights Done with this method have less tendency to fade due to the fact you have worked with the hairs natural pigment base. Do give it a try although the time for development is longer like most services in a salon time management is key to being a success. You don’t need to rush or force colour development you just need to manage your time effectively forcing hair colour development with a plastic cap and heat will not improve your colour. Hair colouring is an equation of formulation lift deposit and timing.

Think of of it as. Formulation, Mix, Timing! Just like baking a cake recipe ingredients over temp Timing. perfect cake perfect colour!

have fun let me know how you get on!

Mike B2MR

The hair salon stylist and industry challenges

b2mradmin — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:24:07 +0000

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR regular postings of fresh new topic’s

http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/

What are the greatest challenges to stylist and salon owners and managers? Building up and retaining clients offering high standards of service.Having that trusting relationship built on skill honesty creative talent! Harmony in the work place A team working collaborating together with a shared vision for success and supportive unity. As stylists we can so easily get caught up in being busy staying busy slightly over booking that we forget what is really important. The client. The service. The consultation. The after care advice and so sales.

Equally important working condition and environment . Salon owners creating a place for all staff to develop and grow have the skills to produce a high standards have opportunity become an active member for the team having a say in planning of salon development and training. Open lines of communication a place that encourages free and innovative thinking and sharing.

Over the years I have come to realize that all of the above points are components that lead to success. They are also the main things we as stylist’s and indeed salon owners forget, take for granted. They are the things we need to stay on top of and make part of our daily routine when working with our clients and team members.

Challenging our selves to make changes into how we work, how we interact with our clients how we relate to each other its not easy it only becomes second nature if we consciously incorporate into our lives and routines.We need to take a long hard look in the mirror and be honest about what needs maybe a little help some adjustment.

I recently wrote a topic about Investing in ones self here is the link

http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/2012/01/11/hairdressing-career-investment-in-education-training/

Over the last year I have had many discussions with Karen and David Lynch.We connected on line we have grown to respect each other and more importantly we have the same values we share the same vision. This topic was one I very much enjoyed writing but i have to admit it was inspired by Karen Lynch

Author of Double your salon Sales.

This little book is a real Gem readily available in the USA and in the Uk [ just click on book for link] It offers advise, asks questions, It challenges you to make changes and shows you step by step how to make them.It covers everything we do, the daily situations that are presented to us daily. In this book, Karen will cover all you need to do to make changes, she challenges you to follow her step by step to realise your full potential become truly successful.

My review of Karen’s book.

In writing Double Your Salon Success, Karen Lynch shows she has a true understanding of the hairdressing world. She reveals the very essence of what makes for success by identifying the combination of service, consultation and sales that are needed to grow and be current. This book encapsulates so much of what we as stylists forget or take for granted. As Karen shares with us Pamela and Skye’s journey, she takes us on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. She reveals their struggle to make their dream a reality which is at times frustrating and emotionally upsetting and at other times exhilarating. As we read, we think “hey, that could be me; that is so right; what a great idea.” From start to finish, this book is a thought provoking and entertaining read that will leave you wanting to take the challenge to walk a new path to success.

The things we do define us. It’s these things that motivate, and inspire us. Question who you are, what you do, what really empowers you. The challenge is to ensure you have the right knowledge and tools to feel empowered. That feeling of positive affirmation will help you take charge and live your dream. Courses, be they technical, hands on, shows, or demonstrations, are all very worth while. However the real motivator is being creatively challenged, getting excited, having fun at work and in your life. The real key to this is. The service we offer. Our communication and consultation skills. Honesty when giving advise on after care and sales.

Its this book that raises the questions, offers the answers, Karen has a finger on the pulse of our industry. It happens that with all my years of experience all that this industry has challenged me with given me, showed me, all this has proved that service, consultation, skill and communication are the key tools we all need to have.

Being able to put one’s Ego aside and having the right level of humility we can all challenge our selves constantly striving to grow and help others to attain higher levels.

As we look at all the changes and indeed challenges facing us as our industry develop’s we have to look for ways to incorporate new and different approach to work to our clients in our lives life. Nothing ever stands still for very long so embracing change being up for the challenge is the only way forward for many of us.Sitting back hoping things will be ok is not an option. The book Karen wrote about the journey of two young professionals is a taster for all the material and support offered by Salon success and Karen David developed for the professional by the professional with experience gained with our industry from being salon owners. for more information see links below.

http://www.karendavidintl.com/

The Salon Success Club

Mike B2MR

Hair salon the price of success

b2mradmin — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:46:11 +0000

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

https://twitter.com/#!/MikeB2MR

This topic comes to mind because of the changes and challenge we see in our industry. As we struggle to look for new ways new initiatives. Ways to move forward and grow both as salon and as individual stylists maybe as a team sharing the same vision a collaboration of views and thinking.

For change to happen we have to want it. We have to be prepared to work .We have to challenge everything we know hoping for change is not enough. We have to take a step back and see that we need to do things differently make positive changes.

We cannot expect a different out come or result if we keep doing the same things in some cases making the same mistakes or errors.

We have to take responsibility and stop blaming circumstances external forces or others! We have to avoid being drawn in to the competitive down spiral of the discounting for business game.

I was chatting with my wife Cindy with today. We were talking about hotels and how so many no longer offer the luxury items we so like. Those free bath products that pack of chocolates that complimentary sparkling water.

It’s not free it’s factored into the price. The point being the bigger slightly more expensive hotels are still busy and doing well. Whilst the smaller cheaper one struggle compete and yes discount against each other creating a cheap discount market one where something has to give.That thing being service and the experience. Competing creating a discount market is negative destructive some one has to lose !! Why is this?

We agreed it’s because although the larger hotels are more expensive. They are providing an experience we feel pampered. We all like to feel special!! Are you getting the idea. Luxury, excellence, high standards of service delivered by highly skilled professionals. These are not in the same grouping as cheap discount short changed businesses struggling to stay afloat!

What do you prefer when paying for something special unforgettable or a cheap very forgettable experience?

The Price of success is?

To honestly take a step back in some cases seek help takes a real want for change. Ask the questions. What should i change? How can i change it. Why should I ? Will it make a difference. If your honest it will. If your willing to take up the challenge to do things differently it will. It’s changing your mind set. It’s suggesting specialisation. It’s creating the place that is special. That place that clients have to be seen in have to be a part of it’s creating that something so unique so special that experience thats unforgettable. Was this not your vision when you set out? It should have been!

It applies to your salon. It apples if your a booth or chair renter in salon. It’s skill it’s your creative talent but what remembered is the experience.Those extra lengths you go to that extra service you provide.

Maybe take some time for this needs some thought and reflection.

Ask yourself some tuff questions. Give your self some honest answer’s:

What makes you stand out? What makes you unique? What makes what you do special?

If nothing it’s time for a list to make some change. Remember it’s the experience not the discount ! Clients do not remember the discount they do remember the experience. ! What can you do about this?

One thing is very clear booth an chair rental is growing as a business option driven by the demand of the client. Salon owners have a responsibility when developing a booth rental establishment to present a stylish and professional image. The booth renter responsibility is to the service offered but also maintaining the image and appearance to still work with the salon owner to develop the salon and culture no free passes. To develop a reputation as a place of excellence for creative and skilled professionals to work. Both salon and business owners and the stylist running a booth rental business need to work together embrace this new growing opportunity. Collaborate to develop a location a business that works for all parties. Share that vision!!!

This web site my blog all set up to help and offer advise. but also to raise question get you thinking.I;m happy to help just contact me we can talk over your situation finds ways forward have a Skype call put am action plan in place. The development and resources page is there to offer help and support.

all you have to do is Ask reach out change can happen you just have to want it ! DO YOU ?

Mike B2MR.

Vidal Sassoon dies aged 84

b2mradmin — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:43:29 +0000

Legendary hair stylist Vidal Sassoon dies aged 84

Created iconic hair cuts of Sixties and Seventies including Mia Farrow’s crop in Rosemary’s Baby
Born in London in 1928 and died in Los Angeles surrounded by family
Hairdresser had been married 4 times and had 4 children

Salary: In the hair salon

b2mradmin — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:56:25 +0000

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

Salary for stylists: In the salon commission. chair or booth rental

I have read many topic’s and discussion recently on the topic’s of stylist’s leaving salon taking their clients with them .The panic this can cause with owners. The cases of Stylists dictating terms of employment and pay structure that I think it worthy of some discussion.

First and foremost every one has the right to negotiate salary pay structure and work condition hours terms. This is a given and accepted practice . Having said this a line should be drawn with the bully tactic’s of dictating terms .What should be expected reasonable practice of open and fair negotiation in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism. The first question to raise is who’s client are they? The salon’s? The stylist’s? The answers is ‘NEITHER’ At the end of the day none of us own or have rights to our clients they always have choice. Our job. Our role is to offer. The service. The experience.The value for money that keeps them coming back.

It’s one visit at a time so treat each one like it’s there first.

Salary and Pay structure commission all equates to one thing in the end turn over! Number of services carried out. Commission or reward paid for shared portion of the fee’s taken. This level can, will, does vary considerable. There is and will always be an equation that works when trying to find a rate that works for both parties. It is always worth remembering that what we do is not an assemble line. Over booking. Taking short cuts. Short changing clients on. Service. Standards and quality of work will in the end cost both stylist and salon dearly. I’m not suggesting this is common practice but it does happen.sadly more than some might think! So worth airing and addressing.

Lets not be greedy on either side communicate discuss what is fair. Salon owners it’s a natural progression for stylist’s to move on. Be it for what looks like a better deal or to branch out doing their own new venture. Plan for this with ongoing in salon training one person leaving is an opportunity for the next new bright talent to bloom.

Stylist’s be aware of the costs of running a salon a business. Owners don’t penny pinch on products deductions and charges. Working and opening hours be consistent. Work together and share the rewards. Bonus and incentives for client retention and service. keep records of returning clients and recommendation.Work together for the same goals. A great working environment. offering the highest standard of service and skilled work. By motivated professional committed TEAM.

All of this leads to one thing commitment from all parties to grow together sharing in the success of the salon . For how long no one knows ! For as long as it works for all concerned like so much of life it’s a journey. Full of up’s and downs. Challenges. We all make decisions we should all live with the consequences. Owners and Stylist’s alike should treat each other with the respect each deserves and communicate on a regular bases in a open and honest manner.

Put Ego and self importance to one side always consider the big picture.

Over the past weeks i have taken part in open sharing of views and thoughts on a few Industry related topic namely Booth and or chair rental. Staffing issues and hours. Ways to attract new clients. Salon owners attitude and disappointment when staff move on or want a new pay deal or structure. Here are some thoughts and views that have come to mind as I have read and digested some of the views thoughts and advise posted. These are my views only not intended to offend any one just thoughts on topic’s being addressed and discussed.

Maybe I’m out of touch. But i like to think not! But the world is constantly changing so do the challenges of being in business our industry also has to change and adapt. To do this so does our thinking . The way we train young stylist. Their expectation their qualification. The opportunities. Their wants need and goal! How can we find ways forward collaboration shared vision innovative thinking. We cannot assume that stylist will stay with us working on commission making us money forever! We did not we moved on we grew we opened salons we sought our new challenging roles ? right? The natural progression growth maturity is to want more. Be it earning to have more. Responsibility Control. Greater earning potential. This leads to questioning managers and owners. It leads to wage structure discussion taking/stylist turnover against earning. It can and does lead to a parting of the ways! Again all natural.

What has changed over the past years? Stylist can now both rent. Chair rent be freelance be mobile. It’s all choice . But make no mistake our industry has allowed this. We are all guilty of being part of it. So lets look at it and hey it’s not so bad really. Firstly training the old way. Apprenticeships that contract between Salon /Salon owen. To train in exchange for low salary and work. Over an agreed period [3 years] this system is now being re introduced in the Uk! to late i think. Now we have Colleges, Academy’s, In some cases charging but what they offer is quick training with a promise of high return the sky is the limit. Reality in many cases poorly trained expect to much huge Ego little skill and talent.

Out come:

Salon has to work with these young stylist to improve both hair dressings skills but also people and service skills sadly lacking in many cases not all but many! So invest in young stylist for a future return. Having paid for training these young stylist’s want to be earning want to be busy and booked from day one.Very high over inflated expectations. They expect to be provide with endless supply of clients totally unrealistic expectation.

As a salon owner one cannot afford to carry staff for to long. Yes there is an equations very basic that relates to what any given stylist is worth. Simple. Takings turn over.Productivity. Sales. Client retention. Against expected salary. Be that paid salary Commission based/incentive.

There is a cut off point where it does not matter how busy a stylist is as to how much commission can be paid. This is off set against running cost . From reception to bills to stock to assistance so on. In my book working stylist in a salon on the books 50% commission. After this point a really busy stylist should be paid offered bonus incentive based on turn over client retention commitment to the salon. Maybe profit share or share issue. If you wish to keep them!

Or the other option:

Chair and booth rental we encouraged this in the industry when disgruntled stylist want to leave to earn more. An option was keep them in the salon how to do this when the traffic they bring in keeps the salon busy. How about letting them be independent but still getting an income!!!!! Hum i will rent them a chair for £800.00 I still get a lump sum they get to run there own little show! Hum does this work? Sounds good but in reality regular monthly income direct to salon without strings! It still creates issues. Control of hours. Attitude. Appearance. Stock. Assistance. Reception. who pays for these much needed added expenses? Not to mention who decides on charge fee’s for service?

A great deal to consider it’s not clean cut . It’s up to the salon owner and stylist to sit down and discuss what may or may not work for both parties communication is the key. Honesty about expectations from both parties. Certainly not easy big decision for the salon owner but also for a stylist who may never have had to deal with all the issues of being what will be self employed

For the stylist what are these issues?

Keeping books records, Paying tax . Business registration. Unpaid holidays. No sick day cover. Stock.Training. appointments .Time keeping. Assistance. Self promotion. Client retention. professional body membership .Certification registration. Insurance liability. From a Salon point of view some really important things to consider in the salon whether you have commissioned staff or renters is the following. Atmosphere. Appearance. Attitude. All these must be kept positive. The salon should be offering the experience from the reception and the time the client walks in to the full on service.

One can never change the relationship between stylist to client but the experience is worth a great deal and does get talked about. Remember the client is the key! Concentrate on the business we have .The clients who come to the salon they will grow your business with you and for you .It’s not all about finding an endless stream of new to clients to constantly fill seats.Remember this over 25% of new clients to salon never return ! How much business is that lost over a year and Why?

Times are changing : The economy is challenging we have to adapt we have to embrace these changes . Owners and stylist alike need to collaborate communicate share a vision.

Be Professional have mutual respect! Mike B2MR

On the same topic I would also like to recommend this link posted by some one i greatly admire

Elizabeth Kraus

http://thesavvystylist.wordpress.com/

Hair colour hair dye. The Facts

b2mradmin — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:41:52 +0000

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR: regular postings of fresh new topic’s

lets look at hair dye and colour

It is my goal to create a platform that over time will become a place to share thoughts review hair colour and products. How confusing is it for. Both stylist and the consumer when you can go on line for advise to try and find some clear useful information and you get material such as below. quite shocking! always remember re-search what ever you are seeking information on if in any doubt search more than one sight or ask i ahem a contact page happy to offer advise.

lets take a look:

I have written my response in heavy print:

The world of hair colour and dye

TYPES OF HAIR COLOUR:

Permanent Color:

Permanent color gives you 100% complete coverage. Most permanent color uses peroxide (10 to 40 vol.) and ammonia. The downside is regrowth of new hair – it is a different shade and will leave a line of “demarcation”, or regrowth.

Most permanent hair colour uses 10 to 20 volume peroxide 40 vol would only be used for high lift blonde formulations, In most cases 40 vol is not recommended for scalp application. this type of application requires colour balancing unless first application.

Not all colour is driven by Ammonia many options available.

Tubes of pigment

Semi-Permanent Color:

Semi permanent Color usually contains some ammonia and uses a developer of 10 to 20 vol.

Although it normally contains something to slightly open the Cuticle it does not have Ammonia nor does it have Peroxide much less 10 to 20 vol.

formulation

Demi-Permanent Color:

Uses peroxide in low vols. (under 10 vol.). Many have no ammonia and leave little damage. When the color fades, it does gradually so it leaves no line of demarcation.

Normally uses less than 5vol for the oxidation of the colour molecule may have low amount of ammonia or some other substance to open the cuticle fro slightly deeper deposit. long term use of this formulation will result in build up and possible re growth line slow fading, ideal for Grey coverage with out going permanent

Temporary hair colours

Semi-Temporary Color:

These will last a short time (1-4 weeks). The usually incur no damage to the hair. You can expect about 40-60% gray coverage.

A direct dye/stain lies on the surface of the hair very little deposit so fades as washed whilst will blend Grey hair some types more than others will not give full deposit will build up over time, they s sometimes have an alkaline in them to enable a little deposit.

semi temporary colour

Temporary/ Color Rinse:

Color lasts from one shampoo to the next and is deposited on the outside of the hair shaft.

As with a Semi permanent these can and do vary in their chemistry and how long they last depend on amount of washing and porosity of the hair, they can cause staining issues

Levels of Hair Color:

1=Black 2= Dark Brown  3=Dark Brown  4=Brown  5=Medium Brown  6=Light Brown 7=Dark Blonde 8=Light Blonde 9=Very Light Blonde 10=Light Platium Blond:

A standard International colour shade chart:

1black 1/0

3Dark Brown 3/0

4 Medium Brown 4/0

colour swatch

5 light Brown 5/0

6 Dark Blonde 6/0

7 Medium Blonde 7/0

8 Light Blonde 8/0

9 Clear Blonde 9/0

10Extra light Blonde 10/0

COLORED HAIR CARE TIPS

Colored and treated hair needs extra special care to keep it in good condition.

Wear hats, scarves or products with sunscreens when in the sun it helps protect against color fade and the drying effects of the sun.

Leave in conditioners generally contain sunscreens to protect against color fade.

Rough shampooing can strip color or dry out hair, so shampoo gently with a shampoo specially created for colored/treated hair.

Condition regularly with an intensive conditioner to restore vital moisture and luster to colored/treated hair.

Use color enhancing conditioners as color grows out to help blend root areas.

Be wary of these colour enhancing products they stain and can effect the hair for future colouring processes :

Do not wrap your wet hair in a towel turban after a shower. The added friction can knot and damage vulnerable wet hair. Instead, carefully blot hair dry.

Don’t brush hair when wet. Comb with a wide-tooth comb, working tangles out as you move from the end towards the scalp.

Don’t overdry. When you blow dry, dry the hair until it is almost but not completely, dry. Leave some moisture in to prevent static.

Well what is over dry? leaving hair damp will make it loose style & shape Hot ceramic irons take care of all moisture just use a blow dry heat protector don’t leave it damp!

Use care when styling. When using styling appliances, use thermal protector for maximum protection. Avoid aggressive manipulation of the hair.

Well this contradicts the about don’t over dry

Use hairspray or spritz with moisturizers and sunscreens to finish the hair. These products will provide continual protection throughout the day.

personal choice some with silicone will tend to make hair limp

Don’t spray lightening agents or put lemon juice in your hair.

Yippee one to agree with

Support your style with a perm. Just because you have color treated hair doesn’t mean you can’t have a perm. In fact, a perm specially formulated for color treated hair can add wonderful body, fullness and texture to complement your color.

Well who has perms these days colouring and perming is double processing will damage dry out cause colour to fade:

look colour condition

Review:

What is written in the heavy print is my view i found this information in this article miss leading and quite scary to think it’s posted as informative educational material. Please please do lots of research when looking for information and advise keep looking until you find articles that are all giving the same advise and information.

Thanks MikeB2MR

Hair colour Brown to shades of Blonde.

b2mradmin — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:12:14 +0000

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR.

Regular postings of fresh new topic’s .

A place to share thoughts review hair colour and products.

Spring early summer a perfect time to think New hair colour . A shade of Blonde

Its almost summer. The perfect time to consider thinking about that hair colour maybe going blonde.Having that sun kissed look whilst wishing for those long hot summer days.That hot holiday hair colour we long for to match that fun summer tan. If you feel the need have the desire to brighten up your hair style with a fun new blonde look?

It doesn’t matter how dark or light your natural hair color is or if you have dark or pale skin tone, there is always a shade of blonde hair to suit you. Blonde is still the most popular hair color choice for most women! Of course if you have already coloured your hair then you will have to take this into consideration when thinking about a shade or discuss with your stylist whats possible.

Highlighted hair colour

Here are some fun ideas if you want to let that inner blonde out to play for a while. If you have shoulder length hair in a brunette tone. Skip going for over-all blonde color. Instead apply some rich caramel highlights throughout your style, focusing on the crown and where the part lands. Your textured waves combined with the rich highlights will reflect the sunlight and create an eye-catching look. This will start you on the road to blonde with out over processing.

Hair colour with highlights and lowlights

Long hair

If your long hair is damaged or dull purchase a good color protecting shampoo and conditioner to use to help maintain your color your hair. Treating your damaged hair from roots to ends is an important factor in maintaining colored styles. For very long hair highlights are a better form of colour than an all over application and help prevent root-re growth issues.

hair colour many shades of blonde

Finding the right shade

Before you decide on a shade of blonde. Take into consideration your skin tone and eye color. Also consider your current hair color for it certainly plays a part in choices and possible out come of the new colour you are working towards.If in any doubt seek professional advise. you cannot lift colour with colour. If you currently have bleached blonde hair, you may want to opt for a deeper, richer shade of blonde.This might require putting some pigment back into your hair if bleached very light. If your skin tone is very pale, you may want to keep your blonde shade a bit lighter.

brunette caramel and beige tones

Dark brunettes. A deep honey highlight throughout your style might be best, you are then working with your hairs natural pigment rather than fighting it, try to avoid bleaching as this just damages your hair. Choose your colour carefully consider all your options. You may need to seek professional advise. Remember combining a fun new blonde hair color with a new cut can completely change the way you look and feel about yourself and the way others look and see you!

light shade could be introduced for summer

Layering colors

Applying a variety of blonde hair colors throughout your hair on various areas of layering creates a very striking and unique look. If you have a light brown base then highlights to lighten the top sections keeping your layers underneath dark this gives dimension and a great two tones look . This type of coloring looks particularly good on straight, medium-length hair with short or longer bangs.

toned for very natural light blonde tone

A few Examples of Blonde looks:

highlights added for shape and texture

These are just a few thoughts and ideas for those interested in creating a new blonde hair color try to do something different and new with your blonde hair this season.Blonde hair in small or large doses is a good way to update your appearance and help lift your mood!

hair colour many shades of blonde

In the fall or as we know it in the Uk autumn with a demi application we can go darker with out any ill effects or possibility of damage. playing with shade and tone without and side effects to conditions whilst allowing seasonal change. In some cases of over lightened hair one would have to rebuild the pigment in the hair if going to a darker shade to tone.

short platinum blonde look

Mike B2MR

More on this subject available via search of blog topic’s.

Keratin treatments at last a safe alternative

b2mradmin — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:19:41 +0000

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea’s. B2MR

a safe Keratin relaxer

CHI ENVIRO KERATIN

by Farouk.

For quite some time i have been posting warnings about the dangers of Keratin treatments. keratin straightening and well known Brazilian keratin hair treatment all relaxers that were thought to produce fumes from the formaldehyde and the high heat required in the process. I have been debating safety issues on a global scale I have not been alone in trying to champion safety and health before profits. Warnings of issue relating to breathing and long term side effects cause from formaldehyde and aldehydes.

keratin relaxer at work

Below is some information posted by Pam Decharo another passionate person in this cause Sal Lo Gerfo thank you both for your professional support and relentess search for a safe alternative

Chi-Enviro Keratin smoother from Farouk, it works very well, lasts for 4
months and has no formaldehyde or harmful chemicals. I sent a sample of
this product to McCampbell labs in Pittsburg, Ca and received the results
yesterday…no detectable levels of formaldehyde.

above posted by Pam Decharo LinkedIn.

below useful link

http://eruan.biz/services/chienvirofaq.pdf

When Keratin treatments arrived on the scene, they dramatically changed the way women look and feel about their hair. Unfortunately, the earliest products to arrive on the market contained dangerous chemicals that posed threats to the client, the stylist and the environment. As someone committed to the safety of my clients and the planet, I sought out the only 100% safe product on the market today, CHI Enviro Straightening Treatment by Farouk.

Thank you for this information to:

http://cristinapurplerain.wordpress.com/chi-enviro-keratin-straightening-by-farouk/

There are some other safe alternatives also being promoted but it’s hard to find information on how they work or what there formulation is they make claims as many do but it’s hard to find independent reviews so for now I will stick with this .However I will keep you informed when tried and tested information is forth coming.

Mike B2MR