In this article, we’ll share some of the best salon ideas to attract new clients.

What attracts clients to a salon? Ideas to bring new clients to your salon.

The salon business is competitive but rewarding. To attract clients, you’ll need to offer to create an unforgettable experience. Here are seven salon ideas to bring in new clients to your salon and keep them coming back.

#1 Create a welcoming ambiance

Your salon’s ambiance sets the tone for the entire client experience. Clients want a space that feels inviting, relaxing, and stylish. The right atmosphere will make clients feel pampered from the moment they walk in the door. Whether you own your own salon or rent a salon suite, be sure to invest in comfortable seating, soft lighting, and even soothing music.

#2 Hire the best of the best

Clients seek out salons with skilled professionals who can deliver top-tier results. Whether you’re hiring hairstylists or nail technicians for your salon, you need to know they can fulfill clients’ beauty needs with confidence. Be sure to train your staff and encourage them to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques.

#3 Offer in-demand services 

To get more clients in your door, stay on top of in-demand salon services. For example, offer personalized hair consultations. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t cut it anymore. Clients appreciate salons that offer personalized consultations to understand their unique preferences and concerns. By taking the time to listen and tailor your services to individual needs, you demonstrate your commitment to client satisfaction and build brand loyalty. You can even earn some extra money from these consultations.

What types of services are most requested in a salon?

Your requested services will vary depending on current trends, client preferences, and even location! But there are a few tried and true services that never go out of style. Make sure these are on the service list:

• Haircuts and Styling: Haircare services, including haircuts, styling, and treatments, are consistently in high demand.
• Hair Coloring: Whether it’s covering gray hair, achieving a natural look, or making a bold statement with vibrant colors, hair coloring services are immensely popular. From highlights and balayage to full-color transformations, clients seek out skilled colorists to achieve their desired look.
• Manicures and Pedicures: Nail care services are a staple in many salons, with clients indulging in manicures and pedicures to keep their hands and feet looking and feeling their best. Gel polish, nail art, and spa treatments are often requested add-ons.
• Facials and Skincare Treatments: As skincare becomes increasingly important in beauty routines, facials and skincare treatments are in high demand. You may want to collaborate with a local esthetician or have one on staff. 

#4 Make hygiene a priority

Cleanliness is non-negotiable in the salon industry. Clients prioritize a clean and hygienic environment when they choose a salon. They want to feel confident that their health and safety are prioritized. Maintain impeccable workstations and equipment to reassure clients and earn their trust.

#5 Invest in High-Quality Products

The products you use during a session can make or break the client experience. Clients like salons that use high-quality, reputable products known for delivering A+ results. (And they’re willing to pay a premium for better products!) Invest in professional-grade products that align with your salon’s brand and ethos. For example, use hair care products with natural ingredients if you’re a holistic salon. 

Also, don’t hesitate to educate clients on the benefits of these products for their beauty routines. You may even make some product sales to earn an extra income.

#6 Offer Convenient Booking Options 

In today’s salon market, convenience is key. Clients prefer salons that make booking easy. Your best bet is to get a user-friendly booking app. Booking apps, like PocketSuite, give you an online booking site and send out automated reminders to streamline your booking process and enhance the overall client experience.

#7 Get more online reviews

Referrals and reviews are the most powerful tools to get new business for your salon. Clients often turn to online reviews to gauge the reputation and reliability of your salon. You should encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Page and social media channels. They will showcase your salon’s strengths and attract new clients in the process. PocketSuite makes it easy to solicit more 5-star reviews from clients with our Google Leads and Reviews feature.

The Bottom Line

Use these salon ideas to have the best business year yet in 2024! Remember, little details that make all the difference in building lasting client relationships and thriving in the competitive beauty industry. PocketSuite can help. We’re an all-in-one scheduling tool for salon owners and independent stylists. We offer everything you need to run a successful hair business.

StyleSeat is a go-to booking app for hairstylists. But it’s still missing some essential features to run a beauty business. So, you might end up paying for other apps to fill in the gaps.

In this article, we look into some issues with StyleSeat and compare the app to PocketSuite.

Is StyleSeat right for your business?

StyleSeat is a leading booking and payment platform for hair professionals. Hair stylists and other salon professionals use the app to manage clients and run their businesses. 

On the surface, StyleSeat is a decent option because the app also functions as a marketplace where clients can browse through other hair businesses in the area. This might bring a few new clients to your door, but the app is missing some basic functionality. 

Here are common problems users may have with StyleSeat and how PocketSuite solves them.

#1 Limited Forms 

As a beauty pro, forms and contracts are a must. Sometimes, you need a client to fill out an intake form and agree to a contract before the appointment. But if you’re booking with Styleseat, you may be out of luck.

Styleseat only provides forms and waivers on its Premium Plan. This plan is $35 a month. So, solo professionals have to upgrade their subscriptions just to have this essential feature. But are StyleSeat’s forms even worth it? They only offer a single form with four questions, and they can not be edited or customized for your business needs! 

At PocketSuite, we know forms are essential. All our users have access to forms and contracts. You can create custom forms and attach them directly to your appointments. You can send forms to clients individually as well. And to get you set up quickly, we even created custom templates just for beauty pros.

#2 Pricing 

So, how much is it going to cost? Styleseat does offer a free plan. However, it’s not actually free because you will have to pay a percentage per new client appointment made through Styleseat’s marketplace. (and your clients are charged a booking fee when they use StyleSeat). 

Also, StyleSeat’s lead generation feature is an additional 30% charge per new client. This feature cannot be turned off in the free plan. Most importantly, the free plan has very limited functionality. So, you won’t get the essential features you need to run a successful business. 

StyleSeat’s paid plan is $35 per month. PocketSuite offers more dynamic features starting at $24.99 per month. It’s unclear how long StyleSeat’s free trial is. At PocketSuite, you have 30 days of free access to our complete list of features. 

#3 Limited product sales

Retail product sales are essential to hair and salon professionals. StyleSeat does have a product sales feature, but it’s only available on their premium plan, and it’s very limited. 

If you sell products on StyleSeat, they cannot be purchased on their own. Products must be attached to an appointment during checkout. And products can’t be made visible to clients when they book you online. So you’ll have to add them manually. 

Pocketsuite lets you build an online store right on your booking site. Clients can purchase products online as stand-alone items or when they book a service. We even give you the option to upsell products to clients during checkout. Plus, you can track shipping, delivery, and fulfillment all on the app. It’s a full-service e-commerce tool at no extra charge. 

#4 Pricey Lead Generation

Lead generation is vital for a small business. StyleSeat has a New Client Connections feature to help users get leads. However, StyleSeat charges a whopping 30% of your booking for each new lead. And you can only turn this feature off in the paid plan.

It’s much easier to go with PocketSuite. With our Google Leads and Reviews, you can add a Book Now button to your Google Business profile and get booked straight from a Google search. You only pay $1 per new lead. Plus, you can set a lead budget, so it’s on your terms. And you can solicit Google reviews from clients and respond to reviews in the app. 

#5 Rigid Appointment Reminders 

Nothing’s worse than a no-show. That’s why beauty professionals rely on appointment reminders to keep their chairs booked.  

StyleSeat does send appointment reminders to your clients, but only 48 hours before the appointment. This might cause issues for your long-term appointments like bridal hair appointments or next-day services. 

With PocketSuite, you can send appointment reminders anywhere from 3 days to 2 hours before an appointment. It’s totally up to you! We know every client is different. So, you can even set a custom reminder frequency for specific clients 

#6 No Invoices or Estimates

Invoices and estimates are a staple for any service business. They help you land more bookings and get paid faster. StyleSeat will send your client a receipt after a payment has been made. But, oddly enough, StyleSeay doesn’t seem to offer invoices or estimates as one of their features. 

PocketSuite allows you to send custom invoices and estimates to all of your clients. You can add additional items or expenses and schedule invoices so they’re sent out automatically.

#7 Limited Client Messaging 

It’s important to stay in contact with your clients. But it gets frustrating texting clients from your personal phone number. 

Styleseat does offer an in-app messaging feature, but it’s limited. Clients will have to message you first, i.e., you can’t contact them to start a conversation. Plus, they will have to go to your StyleSeat profile to start the conversation rather than send a text message. StyleSeat also doesn’t offer a dedicated business line to communicate with clients. 

PocketSuite has advanced in-app client messaging and offers a business line to all premium subscribers. You see all communications with your clients in the PocketSuite app. And their replies come straight to you. You can even create and save message templates to share with clients quickly. 

Bonus:  Affiliate Opportunities

At PocketSuite, we love to reward our pros. Our affiliates earn $50 (real cash) for every referral who completes the purchase of an annual plan. And your referrers get $50 off their annual plan. 

Styleseat does offer a referral program. But you only get paid a flat amount after your referral completes six bookings with the app. 

The PocketSuite affiliate program puts money in your pocket!

Are you ready to make the switch?

With all the limits to StyleSeat, you may find yourself shopping around for other apps to fill those gaps. You can avoid that with PocketSuite. We’re an all-in-one app to run your beauty business. 

If you’re already using PocketSuite (or another booking platform), let our dedicated Imports Team upload your client and appointment data from StyleSeat into our app. It’s easy!

We put together a must-read list of hair industry trends for 2024.

What trends will we see in the hair industry in 2024?

Here are some hair trends to consider for your esthetician business in the new year.

#1 Clients want dreadlock specialists over traditional stylists and braiders

Locticians specialize in creating and maintaining dreadlocks. They are experts in popular techniques used to maintain the look of locks, like palm rolling, interlocking, and twisting. 

Dreadlocks are a beautiful hairstyle, but they can be difficult to keep looking fresh. So, the demand for dreadlocks specialists is increasing. Locs need regular TLC. So, you’re sure to get loyal repeat clients as they come back for maintenance and touch-ups, i.e., you get a steady stream of income for your business.

If you don’t already offer loc services at your salon, now’s the time. Or, if you have a team, it may be worth it to hire a dedicated dreadlock specialist. You’ll attract more clients with specific needs. Adding loc services to your business is a smart move for 2024!

#2 Traditional salons will offer men’s hair care and grooming services

If you want to expand your business, try adding men’s hair services to your salon. Men’s grooming is a rapidly growing industry. Now more than ever, men are looking for professional hair care services. They often have to go to a barber for grooming services, but you can serve them right in your salon!

Men’s haircuts, styling, and grooming services can help you attract a new customer base to your salon and boost your income. You differentiate yourself from other salons by offering these unique services to your clients.  With the right marketing and promotion, you can establish yourself as a go-to destination for men’s grooming.

#3 Scalp treatments will be a big hit with clients

As a hairstylist, scalp treatments are a game-changer for your business. Scalp treatments nourish the scalp, promote hair growth, and make it easier for your clients to maintain healthy hair. Moreover, scalp treatments can help alleviate common hair concerns like dandruff, oily or dry scalp, and hair loss, making it a must-have for your clients.

If you’re looking for an exceptional new off that caters to real hair care needs, scalp treatments are your best bet in 2024. Plus, scalp treatments help your clients relax and de-stress. This is a perfect way to grow your business because a happy client is a repeat client! They’re an excellent add-on to your regular hair services. Clients will love this unique addition to their hair appointment. 

#4 Clients will lean into the copper hair trend

Your clients are staying on top of color trends, and you should, too. You can expect your client to ask for bold and vibrant colors in 2024. Copper hair, specifically, is expected to go viral. So make sure you and your team can produce an even copper tone. 

Also, bright hues will be popular, as well as bold and edgy haircuts that complement these colors. We can also expect to see a lot of natural-looking hair colors, such as soft honey blondes, rich chestnut browns, and warm tones. 

#5 Sustainable hair care is becoming the standard

The beauty industry is evolving. Clients want to work with businesses that align with their values as much as they offer good service. In 2024, hair stylists should focus on natural and sustainable hair care. Your competition will be using organic and eco-friendly products, as well as promoting hairstyles that require minimal heat and styling tools. And your clients will expect you to keep up! With this trend, you can also assume that low-maintenance looks that don’t need as much upkeep or styling time will take off! So be sure you and your team can give clients the look they’re craving.

#6 These trendy hairstyles will go viral

Of course, our 2024 hairstylist trends list wouldn’t be complete without actual hairstyles. More and more, clients want hairstyles that are feminine, soft, and romantic i.e., curly bobs, pixie cuts, sleek buns, and face-framing layers. 

More than a specific style, clients want versatility. They want a look that can easily customized to suit their features, outfit, and occasion. If you want to appeal to a broad range of clients, add these styles to your service list! 

Can you keep up?

To grow your hair business and maintain a steady stream of clients, you’ll have to keep up with some industry trends. From dedicated dreadlock specialists to sustainable hair care, make sure you offer top-tier, unique services to stand out from your competition. PocketSuite can help you with all the rest. From bookings to payments to contracts, we’re the #1 app to grow your hair business.

We found the best Facebook groups for hairstylists who want to learn and grow their business.

What’s the best Facebook group to join as a hairstylist?

Facebook groups are key to growing as a hairstylist. Here are the top Facebook groups for stylists in 2023.

#1 Ask Mags

Ask Mags is primarily a teaching group for stylists who want to learn about the industry. You must be a licensed hairstylist or cosmetology student. They will verify your ID, so have it ready before you hit “join!”

The group is run by Mags Kavanaugh, a hairstylist with decades of experience. She ran an award-winning salon in Clearwater, Florida. You can also check out askmags.com for up-to-date articles on beauty science, trends, and techniques. 

Active since: 2013

Members: 20K+

#2 Hair extensions advice and support

Hair Extentsions Advice and Support` is a Facebook group dedicated to hair extension specialists. If you’re a qualified hairstylist looking to showcase your work, this is the place for you!

The group is also open to potential clients. They’ll be able to check out what’s available. So, you may get a few bookings. Plus, this group does have an announcement section to advertise products and services. It may be an excellent place to show off your PocketSuite affiliate link. Just make sure not to break any of the group’s rules.

This group was created by Michelle Montgomery.

Active since: 2020
Members: 70k+

#3 Hairdressers helping hairdressers- questions, tips, ideas, and inspiration

The group welcomes anyone in the hairdressing industry, including new professional and experienced stylists. It’s a creative and learning space to share, educate and inspire. Hairdressers Helping Hairdressers was created by Suzi Ward.

Active since: 2015
Members: 140k

#4 Hairdressing Advice Tips and Tricks

Hairdressing Advice Tips and Ttticks is the perfect online place to discuss your problems as a professional hairstylist, ask questions from other professionals and give expert industry tips. It’s a fun and inspiring community. This group is exclusively for professionals in the hair and beauty industry, such as hairdressers, apprentices, trainees, cosmetologists, and beauticians.

Active since: 2018
Members:130k+

#5 Salon Business Owners

The group was started by Salon Ops, a coaching company for salons and spas in New Jersey. If you run a salon with employees or have booth renters, you’re welcome to join!

Active since: 2015
Members: 27k+

#6 Help for hairstylists

You can join Help for Hairstylist’s private group or follow their public Instagram page.

Members: 39k+
Active since: 2020

#7 Behind the chair

This group is exclusively for licensed beauty professionals or students enrolled in a beauty school. If you looking for advice, answers to your burning questions, or just encouragement on your journey as a beautician, this is the group for you!

Active since: 2009
Members: 76K +

#8 In salon education

In Salon Education is dedicated to educating hair professionals on practical salon knowledge. The group is exclusively for licensed professionals and students.

Members: 7K+
Active since: 2015

#9 PocketSuite Community

The PocketSuite Community is a great Facebook group for anyone with clients. Talk with other hair stylists using PocketSuite to grow their business. Ask for tips to set up your booking site and take advantage of other features. You’ll participate in polls and group discussions to learn how to use PocketSuite to earn more money. Sign up for PocketSuite to join this flourishing community.

Members: 2k+
Active since: 2016

Join Today!

If you’re a hairstylist looking to connect with and learn from other professionals, facebook groups are a great place to start. Facebook groups can also be  a great tool for hairstylists to promote their business and get new clients. Just make sure you follow the group rules! 

PocketSuite also offers an exclusive Facebook group for our pros! We’re the number one app to grow your hair business.

GlossGenius is a go-to booking app for hair, makeup, and skincare pros. But it’s still missing some essential features to run a beauty business. And you might need other apps to fill the gaps.

We dive into some issues with GlossGenius and compare the app to PocketSuite.

What’s the problem with GlossGenius?

GlossGenius is a leading booking and payment platform for beauty professionals. Hair stylists, make-up artists, and estheticians use the app to manage clients and run their businesses. 

On the surface, GlossGenius is a decent option. But when you dig in, the platform seems to be more style than substance. It’s an aesthetically pleasing app, but it’s missing some basic functionality. 

Here are seven problems users may have with GlossGenius and how PocketSuite solves them.

#1 Limited Forms 

As a beauty pro, forms and contracts are a must. Sometimes you need a client to fill out an intake form and agree to a contract before the appointment . But if you’re booking with Gloss Genius, you may be out of luck.

GlossGenius only provides forms and waivers on its Gold Plan. This plan is $48 per month, and it’s actually meant for teams. So, solo professionals have to pay double the cost of a regular subscription just to have this basic feature.

At PocketSuite, we know forms are essential. All our users have access to forms and contracts. You can attach them directly to your appointments. And to get you set up quickly, we even created custom templates just for beauty pros.

#2 Rigid Appointment Reminders 

Nothing’s worse than a no-show. That’s why beauty professionals rely on appointment reminders to keep their chairs booked.  

GlossGenius does send appointment reminders to your clients, but only 24 hours before the appointment. And they won’t send a reminder at all if they book less than 24 hours before an appointment. This might cause issues for your long-term appointments like bridal makeup or next-day services. 

With PocketSuite, you can send appointment reminders anywhere from 3 days to 2 hours before an appointment. It’s totally up to you! We know every client is different. So, you can even set a custom reminder frequency for specific clients 

#3 No Invoices or Estimates

Invoices and estimates are a staple for any service business. They help you land more bookings and get paid faster. GlossGenius will send your client a receipt after a payment has been made. But, oddly enough, GlossGenius doesn’t seem to offer invoices or estimates as one of their features. 

PocketSuite allows you to send custom invoices and estimates to all of your clients. You can add additional items or expenses and schedule invoices so they’re sent out automatically.

#4 No Business Line or Client Messaging 

It’s important to stay in contact with your clients. But it gets frustrating texting clients from your personal phone number. And GlossGenius doesn’t offer a solution for you to message directly. 

The app does send confirmation and follow-up texts to your clients. But clients can’t respond to you or vice versa, which makes communication complicated.

PocketSuite has advanced in-app client messaging and offers a business line to all premium subscribers. You see all communications with your clients in the PocketSuite app. And their replies come straight to you. You can even create and save message templates to share with clients quickly.

#5 Limited Booking and Services

GlossGenius’s booking workflow leaves a lot to be desired. For one thing, there’s no way to bundle your services as a package or membership. If you want to sell a package of services on GlossGenius, you can set it up as a single service. But, this makes it difficult to track the number of services your clients used in that package. 

PocketSuite allows you to sell services as packages or subscriptions. This way, you can make more money from a single sale. And we automatically keep track of appointment usage. 

Also, with GlossGenius, you have to take time to set up a client profile and add their details at checkout. This can be frustrating for last-minute or walk-in appointments. Booking shouldn’t be a pain. So, PocketSuite gives you the option to make anonymous charges and sales. 

#6 Short Free Trial

When it comes to business software, you need time to adjust. Unfortunately, GlossGenius only offers a 14-day free trial before you have to pay up. Are 14 days really long enough to decide if this is the best app for booking, payments, and marketing?

It’s likely you’ll spend most of that time transferring over your business without the opportunity to use your workflow before committing to a payment. Before you know it, you’re locked into an app that doesn’t work for you.

At PocketSuite, you have 30 days of free access to our full list of features. 

#7 Lacking Customer Support 

A lot can go wrong with a booking app. Just look at dozens of reviews this year of the GlossGenius app crashing. Crashes and bugs make it difficult to run your business. When they do happen, you need A+ customer service. 

According to GlossGenius reviews, you may not get much help. At PocketSuite, you can message our support team anytime, right in the app. Or, hop on to one of our customer support calls in PocketSuite Academy. 

Bonus:  Affiliate Opportunities

At PocketSuite, we love to reward our pros. Our affiliates earn $50 (real cash) for every referral who completes the purchase of an annual plan. And your referrers get $50 off their annual plan. 

GlossGenius does offer a referral program. But you and your referrers only get $30 worth of subscription credit, i.e., the money’s going right back into GlossGenius. 

The PocketSuite affiliate program puts money in your pocket!

Are you ready to make the switch?

With all the limits to GlossGenius, you may find yourself shopping around for other apps to fill those gaps. You can avoid that with PocketSuite. We’re an all-in-one app to run your beauty business. 

If you’re already using GlossGenius (or another booking platform), let our dedicated Imports Team upload your client and appointment data from GlossGenius into our app. It’s easy!

Read this guide to learn how to transfer from GlossGenius to PocketSuite.

There are lots of annual events for hair professionals. So, we rounded up the top events to help grow your hair business in 2023.

What hair expo should I attend in 2023?

Each year, dozens of companies and membership organizations host conferences to bring together hair professionals from across the country. Hair shows are a mix of classes, workshops, seminars, and exhibits. And there’s typically a few fun excursions or parties on the agenda. You get to learn more about your industry and make connections to grow your business. 

Here are eight hair expos and beauty trade shows coming up in 2023.

#1 America’s Beauty Show 

America’s Beauty Show, hosted by Cosmetologists Chicago, is a highly anticipated event for all beauty professionals. You can look forward to parties, exhibits, and live classes. And hear from industry experts on topics like:

• Cutting techniques
• Text marketing to grow a business
• Mastering undertones
• The ultimate balayage
• The beauty of finance
• Make more money with express blowouts

Also, stick around to see the winners of the ABS global image awards. Stylists can win awards for a number of beauty categories, such as barbering, hair cutting, and texture expert. 

The event offers 40+ CEU courses. 

Date: April 15th – April 15th 2023

Cost: $79- $159. Salon groups and students may get discounted prices.

Location: Rosemont, IL

#2 Cosmoprof 

Cosmoprof North America is a B2B event for beauty professionals. The event focuses on professional retail and distribution of hair care, skincare, and beauty products. It’s a place to collaborate and build relationships in the hair and makeup industry.  

You can sit in on “Cosmo Talks,”  i.e., speaker presentations on topics like mass distribution, the fragrance industry outlook, or indie beauty trends. Or, you can join their buyer program to connect with exhibitors in pre-arranged meetings.

Attend to see the launch of new beauty brands, get a front-row seat to live demos, and learn about creative packaging and manufacturing techniques. 

Date: July 11th – July 13th, 2023

Cost: Not Available

Location: Las Vegas, NV

#3 Premiere Orlando 

Premiere Orlando is one of the largest beauty shows in the United States. The conference offers education opportunities from top-tier beauty pros and exhibits from popular companies.  You can choose from over 650 professional courses in topics like:

• Hair loss
• Texture curls and locs
• Extensions, wigs, and weaves 
• Barbershop
• Hair trends 
• Social media marketing 

Or take part in the job fair, attend parties, and participate in competitions. It’s a great option for beauty professionals that are curious about everything from color trends to cutting techniques to barber designs. 

Premier Orlando is not open to the public. You must be a licensed professional to attend.

Premier offers two other beauty shows this year in San Antonio (Oct. 1st) and Columbus (Oct. 8th).

Date: June 3rd  – June 5th 

Cost: $75 – $125 (Professional), $55 – $105 (Student)

Location: Orlando, FL

#4 International Beauty Show

The International Beauty Show is a dynamic hair event. You can view live presentations and demos by popular hair artists.  Or, take part in hands-on workshops led by exceptional hairstylists. 

You can choose from 80 professional classes to learn how to hone your hair techniques, maximize your business growth and improve your client experience. Topics include:

• How to fire a client and avoid negative reactions
• Create social media to boost your business
• From zero to fully booked in under 12 weeks
• 5 steps to Six-figure Solopreneurship
• Learn to Cut the It-Girl Bob

And, if you’re up for a stroll, browse hundreds of beauty products, services, and tech on the exhibit floor.

Date:June 24th – June 26th, 2023

Cost: $75 – $350 

Location: Las Vegas, NV

#5 PBA Executive Summit

This event, hosted by the Professional Beauty Association, was made with leaders in mind. It’s an exclusive place for salon and spa owners, manufacturers, and distributors to share their expertise and collaborate on industry ideas. 

The 2023 speakers have yet to be announced. But, last year’s speakers included top-tier experts like:

• Heather Mcgowan – renowned business strategist and future of work expert
• Brian Solis – digital anthropologist and VP of Global Innovation at Salesforce
• Larissa Jensen – Vice President and Beauty Industry Advisor at Circana

You can save on this event with a PBA membership. 

Date: November 13th – November 14th, 2023

Cost: Not available

Location: Phoenix, AZ

#6 CT Barber Expo

It’s time to clean your clippers! The Barber Expo is almost here. You can attend education seminars led by top barbers and visit the trade show floor to browse booths from popular brands and barber shops. 

It won’t be all work and no play. At the expo, barbers take to the stage to compete and see who can produce the best cut. Who knows? You may even win a Barber Grammy award!

Date: May 20th – May 22nd, 2023

Cost: $25 – $265

Location: Montville, CT

#7 AACS Annual Conference

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools brings together owners and directors of cosmetology schools across the nation for its annual conference. It’s a motivational space to learn from industry leaders, collaborate with your peers, and get updates on government laws and regulations that can impact your business. 

This event caters to cosmetology school professionals, but it may be a good choice if you’re interested in a career in beauty education.

Date: October 13th – 14th, 2023

Cost: TBD (In 2022, non-members paid $475 – $950 for tickets to the conference.)

Location: Houston, TX

#8 Image Expo 

The Image Expo is the largest hair and beauty trade show in Texas. The image expo is all about hair care and hair styling techniques. Watch presentations and live demos from featured speakers. Or, get your gloves on for classes and workshops, like: 

• The future of hair color
• Buildable looks
• Balayage techniques
• Chunky highlights
• Beginner brainding courde
• Hair loss
• And much more!

You can also take part in their Fantasy Hair Competition, where hairstylists compete for the most otherworldly look!

You earn 1 CE credit just for attending the show.

Date: November 12 – November 13th 

Cost: $75

Location: Houston, TX

Register Today!

Whether you’re a color specialist, barber, or braider, a hair expo can help grow your business. Take your pick from dozens of hair expos and beauty trade shows in 2023 to learn from industry experts and expand your network. You’ll leave with new techniques and tips to help your clients. 

PocketSuite can help grow your hair business. We’re an all-in-one app to manage bookings and communicate with clients. You can schedule appointments, accept payments and sell products straight from your phone.

If you are struggling with content creation and want to get advice from a true social media expert, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are sharing an interview with one of our top creators, Shemieka. 

Shemieka is a salon owner and TikTok influencer who grew her account to over 10K followers with one year’s worth of work and dedication. She is known for her healthy haircare and extension services as well as her expert advice for other salon owners and stylists. Shemieka’s TikTok videos have helped thousands of stylists take their business to the next level. On her TikTok, she shares tips on everything from marketing and social media to product knowledge and customer service tips. Shemieka is passionate about helping other stylists succeed and we couldn’t be more excited to have her as a PocketSuite Pro.

Expert Content Creator Shares Tips for Success

In this interview, Shemieka shares her insights on how to create engaging content, build a following, and monetize your work. She also shares some of the mistakes she made along the way, and how you can avoid them.

If you’re thinking about becoming a content creator, this interview is a must-read. Shemieka’s advice is invaluable, and it will help you get started on the right foot.

I hope you enjoy the interview!

Turning a Salon Business into a Social Media Platform

PocketSuite: Shemieka, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. We know you’re a busy woman, so we appreciate it.

Shemieka: It’s my pleasure! I’m always happy to talk about content creation.

PS: So, let’s get started. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in content creation?

S: Sure. I’m a hairstylist and salon educator who helps stylists grow their business. I’ve been creating content for social media for quite some time now, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.

PS: That’s great! So, what are some of your top tips for creating engaging social media content?

S: My top tips for creating engaging social media content are know the intended audience, get out of your head and just do it. Also, always have a plan before you hit record. All of these things help to eliminate wasting time and also helps you to build your community.

PS: That’s fantastic advice for new creators! What are some of the most important things you’ve learned as a social media content creator?

S:That done is better than perfect. Sometimes we have to just create the videos (or other content) with no makeup on or when we aren’t so put together. The people who are looking for the info aren’t as hung up on the aesthetics as we are-they just want the info that’s going to transform their lives.

PS: That is so true! I know it is hard to not get hung up on perfection, but I agree, it is much more important to just do it! So, what are some of your most effective marketing strategies as a social media content creator?

S: Just being myself and making sure I research who I am trying to reach online. Once I know that, I can definitely hone in on the messaging and am able to have fun making relatable content. Also, I don’t overwhelm people with too much info in one post-it’s bite sized so they can process it quicker. Make sure you can get your point across in 15-30 seconds because people’s attention span is short. 

PS: Those shorter info filled clips really are key then! What are some of the most common mistakes you see content creators make?

S: Not having a strategy, not knowing who their ideal clients are, and being inconsistent with posting.

PS: Consistency is something I think we can all relate to needing to be better about when it comes to posting on social media! Before we go, I have one last question: What advice would you give someone just starting as a content creator?

S: To really know what you want your page to be about and to know when it’s time to build community and when to sell the product. Understanding the psychology of how, why, and when clients buy is so important. Also having fun is a huge part of it. If you don’t it becomes like a job and when that happens, people tend to say forget it and quit before they even start.

PS: Those are great tips! Thank you for sharing them with us.

S: You’re welcome! I hope they help you create engaging social media content that will help you achieve your business goals.

If you’re thinking about becoming a content creator, Shemieka’s advice is a great place to start. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and build a successful career in content creation.

Here’s everything you need to know about a career as a hair braider.

Hair Braider Career 

Before starting your journey as a hair braider, there are some things you need to know about the career to decide if it’s a right fit for you:

• You must be comfortable standing for a prolonged period because it can take several hours to complete new braids for an entire head of hair.
• To find employment or clients, you must scour job boards, knock on salon doors with your resume, and join networking groups or professional associations like, Professional Beauty Association and Associated Hair Professionals.
• A hair braiding session performed by an experienced professional can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the look the client desires. At current prices, working with only 2-3 clients per day can result in a nice income.

Hair Braider Salary

Are you still interested? Amazing! Read these guides to learn more about life as a professional hair braider and how to become an African hair braider.

Hairstylists typically make about $50,000 per year (including tips) working in a salon. But you have the potential to earn six figures a year by starting your own African hair braiding business. As a business owner, you’ll set your rates and control your schedule. Clients are willing to spend hours in a salon chair and pay well for a perfect set of braids.

Are you ready to turn your hair braiding side hustle into a high-earning business? (We can’t wait!) You can start an African hair braiding business and make more money doing what you love. It will take time to build a loyal client list and hit six figures per year, but it’s worth the wait!

Read this guide to learn how to build a six-figure African hair braiding business.

Hair Braider School and Training

Cosmetology school is where aspiring hair, nail, and skin specialists go to turn their passion into a certified professional career. Cosmetology school provides extensive, hands-on training so you can pass your licensing exams and take on clients like a pro! 

In cosmetology school, you study techniques to beautify hair, skin, and nails. You learn modern and classic concepts to make your clients look and feel great. Your instructors teach you essential skills to be a real-world cosmetologist. 

Many cosmetology schools don’t teach hair braiding. But some beauty schools and hair braiders offer specialty courses, like Ross Beauty Acadamy and Beauty Concepts Salon.

Ultimately, you should choose a cosmetology course that matches your state’s licensing requirements and has a strong focus on business development. After all, you’re there to advance your career.

Read this guide to learn more about cosmetology school.

Hair Braider License 

Most states require regular hairstylists to earn their cosmetology license before they can start a business. Thankfully, hair braiders have a bit of breathing room. In the US, 32 states exempt hair braiders from receiving a license.

Read more about the fight for braiding freedom. 

These are the states that still require braiders to get a cosmetology license: 

1. Hawaii
2. Montana
3. New Mexico
4. Wyoming

These states (plus Washington D.C.) require braiders to get a specialty license, 9 of which require coursework from a cosmetology program:: 

1. Oregon
2. Nevada
3. Missouri
4. Illinois
5. Louisiana
6. Alabama
7. Tennessee
8. North Carolina
9. South Carolina
10. Ohio
11. Pennsylvania
12. New York 
13. New Jersey

Open a Braiding Salon 

Hair professionals can take their business to new heights by opening a hair salon or barbershop. To get started, ensure you have all your necessary licenses and a clear business plan. And when you’re ready to open up shop, choose software that can easily manage your beloved clients.

Read our best tips for opening a hair salon. 

If you’re opening up shop, you’ll need to be insured. When accidents happen on the job, salon insurance helps you cover the costs. It can pay for legal fees, medical bills, repairs, and income reimbursements. Without salon insurance, you have to pay out of pocket if your property is damaged or a client or employee makes a claim. Yikes! 

Read this guide to learn how salon insurance can help your braiding business.

When your braiding salon is good to go, you’ll need to stock up on inventory. Most salon owners and hair professionals buy their products from wholesale distributors. These distributors have partnerships with popular hair brands. So, they can offer products to cosmetologists at a discounted rate. They act as a middleman between you and your favorite brands.

Learn more about Salon Service Group and other salon product distributors.

Tips for Hair Braiders

#1 Mix Up Your Services

Hair braiding is naturally repetitive but doesn’t have to be boring. You can take your hair braiding services to the next level by using a mix of colors in your styles. Clients will love it and tell their friends about your skills. So, it’s a great way to get repeat bookings for your business.

Read our best tips for mixing different braiding hair colors.

#2 Build a Social Media Presence

As a hairstylist, you already know what you love and what works for you and your current clients. So as an influencer, you can share what works for you! Authenticity truly shines through when you are talking about products that you already love. 

Many of these companies you love have affiliate programs where you can earn a commission whenever someone purchases through your link. This is an excellent way to share what you love and make extra income!

Learn how to become a hair influencer.

The Bottom Line

You can create a rewarding career as a hair braider with passion, training, and skill. You’ll build your business, set your rates, and hit your income goals. Who knows? You might even open a braiding salon.
Be sure to check our latest posts for professional hair braiders.

But what is a hair consultation? 

Keep reading! We tell you everything you need to know about hair consultations and how to use them to book more clients.

What is a hair consultation?

 A hair consultation is a pre-appointment conversation between you and your client. During a hair consultation, you’ll learn a client’s expectations for the real appointment and talk about their concerns. 

This is your chance to learn about their hair history and goals so that you can make a plan for the big day. It’s also a great time to introduce the client to other stylists or staff that will help you during the appointment.

Some stylists offer hair consultations as a separate service a few days (or even weeks) before the appointment. This is recommended if it’s your first time with a client. But you can also schedule a quick meeting on the day for one of your regulars. Either way, it’s important to block out time for a consultation before every session.

 Why Is a Hair Consultation Important? 

Good communication is key for a stylist. You want to schedule a time to make sure you’re on the same page, even if only to explain the difference between a balayage and an ombre. 

A hair consultation is a lifesaver before a big hair transformation, like a pixie cut or color change. And it’s essential if you’re styling an important event, like a wedding. It’s especially important for new clients who may not have experience with you or salons.

Hair consultations give you an opportunity to build trust with your client. You get to show them that you care about what they want. And you’ll have a better appointment day because of it.

Good hair consultations lead to reviews, referrals, and bookings! Nail the hair consultation, and you could land a client for life (or at least secure a good tip.)

6 Tips for a Successful Hair Consultation 

#1 Ask The Right Questions:

You have to ask the right questions to get more bookings from a hair consultation. In general, you should ask introductory questions to get a feel for their intentions and build trust and questions to understand their preferences. This helps you provide better recommendations.

It’s also good to learn about their hair care routine. A low-maintenance person won’t do well with a style that needs lots of upkeep. And be sure to ask about any allergies or medical conditions that could influence the appointment.

 Here are some go-to questions to ask during a hair consultation:

• How can I help you today?
• What is your biggest hair priority? 
• Do you have any inspo pictures?
• What do you like about your hair? 
• What’s your budget?
• What made you book my consultation service? 
• How did you learn about my business?

 #2 Keep It Conversational

A hair consultation is an opportunity to start your relationship on a high note. This shouldn’t be a stuffy, formal meeting. After all, you don’t want clients to feel like they’re at a job interview. So, be personable and keep it positive. Sit straight across from them and maintain eye contact. A part of being a hairstylist is building confidence in your clients. So, take steps to encourage them and make them feel comfortable.

#3 Do a Demo

Hair is a visual medium. It’s easier to show than tell. Feel free to do a quick demonstration of the style during the consultation. If your hair consultation is online, have a mannequin nearby or demonstrate on your own hair.

The good news is that clients know to come prepared with lots of hair inspo pictures, whether from Pinterest styles or trending celeb looks. If they don’t bring a picture, have some ready to show as an example.

Also, this is the perfect chance to demo and sell your products. Be prepared to answer questions about any products you sell, whether homemade or retail. Remember to detail the product, ingredients, instructions, and how it solves their problems.

#4 Take Notes

The key to a great meeting is to take notes (Or have a fellow stylist help you). Your notes act as a record for you and any other stylist who might step in when you’re unavailable. So, listen carefully. Take note of how they usually style their hair and clothes. You’ll be thankful to have something to look back on to choose the right style.

And be sure to update your notes after the actual appointment.

#5 Be Realistic

As a hairstylist, you have to be the voice of reason. You can perfectly execute a client’s request, but they still leave unhappy because the style is too far out of their comfort zone. It’s your job to keep them in check.

During the hair consultation, be honest about what’s possible for their hair. It’s not worth it to fill them with false hope. The good news is that there’s probably a better option they haven’t considered. This is where your hair expertise comes in handy.

#6 Know When It’s Not a Good Fit

You won’t be the right stylist for every client. If their expectations or price range don’t align with your business, let them know, and feel free to walk away. It’s better than going through with the booking and wasting your time and resources.

You probably have your rates listed on your booking site, but be extra transparent about pricing during the hair consultation.

How much should I charge for a hair consultation?

On average, stylists charge $50 for a hair consultation. But you can charge much more for weddings and special events.

A good hair consultation can land you new clients and repeat bookings. So it may be worth it to offer a consultation for free. Potential clients don’t know much about your services. A free consultation can get their foot in the door. 

The Bottom Line

A hair consultation is all about improving the client experience. It allows you to build rapport with clients and land more bookings. You can also earn extra cash if you charge for this service. So, don’t forget this crucial step.

PocketSuite can help you manage all those new bookings. We’re an all-in-one app to run your hair business. You can make more money using our full features, including appointment scheduling, contracts, invoicing, and payments.

But what is a Salon Service Group? And how does it compare to other distributors? 

Keep reading! We provide tips on buying products for your salon, give you the tl;dr on Salon Service Group, and recommend a few alternatives.

How Do Salons Buy Their Products?

Most salon owners and hair professionals buy their products from wholesale distributors, like Salon Service Group. These distributors have partnerships with popular hair brands. So, they can offer products to cosmetologists at a discounted rate. They act as a middleman between you and your favorite brands. 

Hairstylists and salon owners can save money buying from distributors. They also make money by selling their favorite products directly to clients. It’s good to buy wholesale if you plan on selling hair care items to your clients (and you should).

Typically, wholesale hair care distributors only sell to licensed cosmetologists or cosmetology students. So you don’t have to worry about them selling to your clients.

What’s The Alternative?

Instead of buying from a distributor, some hair pros develop a private label for their salon i.e., they create a unique line of hair care products with their own formula and branded packaging. It’s a good way to stand out from your competition and make more money from product sales. But you have to invest a lot more money upfront. And it takes time to research formulas and build your own brand.

What Is Salon Service Group? 

Salon Service Group sells wholesale hair and beauty products to licensed cosmetologists. If you’re a hair stylist or salon owner, it may be a good place to stock up on hair care essentials. 

On top of selling hair products and salon equipment, Salon Service Group offers educational and career resources for licensed cosmetologists, like in-person and online classes. For example, you can get certified in weft extensions or learn to perfect your blowout.

They also provide  marketing materials from the brands you shop for, like:

• Logos
• Social post templates
• Printable signs
• Price lists
• Product thumbnails

These resources make it easier for you to promote your products on social media or in your salon.

How Does Salon Service Group Work?

To get started with Salon Service Group, all you have to do is sign up for an account and start shopping. You’ll find deals from top brands like:

• Paul Mitchell
• Moroccanoil
• 18.21
• Aloxxi
• Keratherapy

You can purchase items online or in one of their stores across the U.S.

How Do I Choose The Right Products for My Hair Business?

Once you’re set up with an account, you can start shopping. But before you pull out your credit card, you need to be sure that the products are right for business. 

Here are a few best practices to follow when buying from a distributor.

1. Make sure the products fit your client’s lifestyle: You should choose products that appeal to your clients. They might prefer all-natural products or luxury items. Either way, ask yourself if the products are in your clients’ price range and solve any of their problems. 

2. Keep an eye on your competitors: It’s good to offer popular products that are in demand, but you should still make an effort to stand out. Offer products your clients can’t get anywhere else.

3. Keep it simple: Only use two or three brands in your salon, especially if you’re just starting out. It’s tempting to offer a wide range of products to appeal to every client. But this can overwhelm your staff and confuse your clients. You don’t want to end up with a mass of inventory and no one to buy it. 

What Are Some Alternatives to Salon Service Group?

If Salon Service Group doesn’t offer your preferred brands, don’t worry! There are more wholesalers out there. It shouldn’t be too hard one that fits your needs and your budget. Here are some options:

• Marlo Beauty Supply goes beyond salon brands, offering products and equipment for nail technicians, barbers, and estheticians. It’s convenient if you have other specialists working in your salon. 

• Jinny houses brands specifically for curly and Afro-textured hair. It’s a good option if you offer hair braiding services.

• At Cosmoprof, you’ll find a wide variety of hair and skin care brands, like Ouidad, Olaplex, and Murad.

Here’s a tip: Reach out to your favorite brands and ask if they partner with local distributors in your area.

How To Sell Hair Products to Clients

Whether you shop at Salon Service Group or another distributor, the tricky part is getting clients to buy. The good news is that you have an advantage because your clients already trust your hair care expertise.

Here are some tips on how to sell more products to clients.

• Make sure you (and your staff) are educated on the products. Your clients expect you to be a hair care expert. So, if they have a lot of questions, you should be ready with the answers. Some brands offer free training on their products. 

• Make the products easy to buy. You can add products to your services in the PocketSuite app or as stand-alone items on your custom booking page. So your clients don’t miss them on the way to checkout.

• Do product demonstrations. Use the products in your hair appointments, so clients can see the results. Show them how and when to use the product and tell them how it can solve their hair problems. 

Also, if you have a staff, motivate them with incentives to sell products. For example, allow them to earn a commission on every sale. 

The Bottom Line

Salon Service Group is one of many wholesale distributors for salon owners and hair pros. It may be a good option if you can find your preferred brands at a good price. If not, you can buy products from another distributor. Either way, make sure the products work for your clients.

PocketSuite has tools to help you sell hair care products to clients. We’re the all-in-one app for running your business. You can book clients, sell products, and receive payment straight from your phone.