Category Archives: Salons
Top 7 Salon Hairstyling Tools You Must Have
Starting up a hair salon is not going to be cheap as you are going to need many different hair salon supplies and products. However, here is a list of the Top 7 Hairstyling Tools you must have in order to serve your clients.
1. Hair Scissors & Thinning Shears
2. Hairstyling Combs & Brushes
4. Flat Iron
5. Curling Iron
6. Hair Dryer
7. Hair Clips
Hair Salon Job Role Descriptions
Whether you own a salon, are looking to work in a salon or already work in one, it is important to know your role and what is expected from you. Here are Salon Job Role Descriptions to help you learn the duties and expectations that are going to be required of you.
Salon Owner/Manager
As a salon owner or manager it is up to you to run the business. Although you may or may not be a cosmetology graduate, you main role in the salon business is to focus on budget, book keeping, the hiring and orientation of stylists and support, conflict resolution, inventory purchasing, event coordination, payroll, PR and business operations.
Receptionist
The role of the receptionist is to meet and greet customers, answer phones, schedule appointments and handle inquiries for the stylist staff members.
Apprentice/Salon Assistant
This is usually a student or recent cosmetology grad who is working in the salon for advanced learning opportunities. An apprentice or salon assistant’s role usually consists of general cleaning duties (ie: sweeping up hair), washing and blow-drying clients and color formulation and application. An apprentice who has cosmetology education will be more likely to receive more guidance as well as instruction than that of a salon assistant with no cosmetology schooling.
Stylist
As a stylist, you are the one who provides the cut and style of the salon clients. Many hair stylists also do the wash and final blow dry and hairstyle. A hairstylist may also provide specialty services such as hair extensions and updo’s for special occasions. Most stylists are also responsible for building and maintaining client relationships as well as be required to sell salon products such as hair care and styling tools.
Colorist
Also a job a hairstylist may fill, many salons will have a colorist who mainly works with hair color. Many salon colorists will also offer other chemical services, such as perms and relaxers. Colorist receive advanced training in coloring techniques and can gain certification as a Colorist.
Estheticians
Many salons offer more than just hair cutting and styling and have incorporated skin care as well. An estheticians role is skin care procedures such as facials. Some estheticians also offer makeup application and hair removal.
Nail Technician
A nail tech can also be known as a Manicurists or Pedicurists. The role of a nail tech is to groom and beautify the fingernails and toenails by shaping, filing and polishing. Many nail technicians apply artificial nails and perform procedures to hands and feet to soften skin.
Be sure to check out related articles -
How to Run a Successful Hair Salon
Must Have Hairstyling Tools for Hair Stylists & Salons
Must Have Hairstyling Tools for Hair Stylists & Salons
The list below are the essential items any hairstylist or salon will need to have on hand. Of course, the items below are not everything your salon will need, such as hair care products and salon accessories however, these are the Must Have Hairstyling Tools for Hair Stylists & Salons.
Hair Shears - any trained hairstylist will know that the hair shears they choose to use is important. Professional, salon quality hair shears are a 
must have for every salon and hair stylist. You will also want to consider thinning shears and a slide razor so that you can provide your clients with the hairstyle they desire. Be sure to check out our Guide to Buying Hair Shears for great info and tips.
Hair Dryer - a professional hair dryer is key. You want to choose a hairdryer with no less than 1500 watts (2300 watts is ideal for all hair types) and includes features such as heat selection, cold shot button and swivel cord. A professional hair dryer will provide a faster drying time, be heat resistant, lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.
Flat Iron - like all other hairstyling tools for salons and hair stylists, having a professional, salon quality flat iron is essential. You want to 
choose a flat iron which has solid plates as coated and painted plates end up peeling and chipping which in return cause hair damage. You want your flat iron to include features such as ceramic, tourmaline and ionic technology. A 1″ plate size is ideal as these can also be used to flip, wave and curl hair as well as straighten. A hair straightener also needs to get hot enough to straighten all hair types so make sure the hair iron you choose has a high of at least 400 degrees.
Curling Iron - again, salon quality, professional hair tools is a must if you want to provide your clients with the best in hairstyling. A curling iron should be none the less and it is best to have curling irons available in different sizes in order to be able to create everything from spiral curls to large, loose curls.
How to Choose a Hair Stylist
When it comes to choosing a hair stylist there are a few ways to go about it so that you end up finding a hair stylist that not only does a great job with your hair, but someone that you like as well.
- Ask around. Ask friends, family, strangers with great hair, who they recommend.
- Choose a salon with a good reputation.
- Find a stylist who specializes in your hair type.
- Schedule a consultation and ask questions.
- Don’t be afraid to ask them about their experience, how long they have been doing hair etc..
- Check out the stylists hair. If her hair looks less than impressive this should be a warning, after all if she doesn’t take care of her own hair why would you let her care for yours?
- Do you click? Does your stylist seem to genuinely care about your concerns, does he/she answer all of your questions?
- Ask your stylist if they attend on going training and education in the salon or elsewhere. You want a stylist who is up to date with the hairstyling world.
- Check out the salon where the stylist works as well, is it clean? professional? is their work area organized?
- What days/hours do they work? You want to find a stylist who is available when you are.
- Visit hairstyling and hair care forums in your area for recommendations on salons and stylists.
Some hair care forums you may want to check out include:
How to Run a Successful Hair Salon
If you are a salon owner or are thinking of opening a salon then this article is a must read! After much research, the following are the key elements in running a successful hair salon year after year.
Location & Atmosphere
- A clean and sanitary salon is crucial. Anything less will not only deter clients but can put them, and your business at risk. You must ensure that you provide a safe and healthy environment for both your clients and employees.
- When it comes to atmosphere, professionalism is key but you also want your customers to feel welcomed and at ease.
Salon Staff
- When hiring staff you want qualified and experienced employees just as much as you want employees that are both professional and friendly.
- Respect each other! It is very important to respect your employees and to have them respect you and each other in return. Good staff is key when running a business, especially a hair salon. Clients become attached to their stylists, if you loose your stylist, you loose your client.
- Keep your staff knowledgeable and their skills updated by providing training classes. It is important to have your stylists up to date in regards to the latest trends and products.
Happy Clients
- A happy client means a return customer as well as potential new customers. A happy client is most important in running a successful salon, after all word of mouth is what can quickly help build your reputation.
- Always make sure your client is satisfied and leaves with a smile. If a client seems unhappy take the time to talk with them to find out why and come up with a solution to fix the issue.
- A customer wants to trust their hair stylist so make sure that your staff listens and consults with every client before hand. Taking the time to listen to your clients wants and needs will make them feel at ease and trust you.
Convenience
- This applies to both location and services. A convenient location for your salon will attract more customers. You want a location that is strategically situated in a busy area, if not in a mall, that is accessible from all parts of town.
- Offering a wide variety of services can benefit you big time, after all, someone who takes the time to have their done is most likely to take the time to have other beauty treatments as well. Offering other beauty treatments such as eyebrow shaping, make up application and nail care is not only convenient for your clients but beneficial to you and your salon as well.
Superior Products & Supplies
A client not only comes to your salon for a hair cut and style but for salon quality hair care products as well. Keeping your stock updated and maintained is important.
Providing the best quality hair care products and styling tools for your customers is important and will also play a role in your reputation.
