Photography: Roberto Ligresti Hair (left to right): Dora Oppedisano, Gay Dering, Kim Hyo
Photography: Roberto Ligresti Hair (left to right): Dora Oppedisano, Gay Dering, Kim Hyo

Are you ready for a spring surge in salon business? Study these trends and tips and you will be well on your way!

 

  1. Play the shell game. Poke around on Instagram and you’ll quickly discover that #ecaille is popping up as the newest color buzzword in the color community. French for tortoiseshell, the ecaille color technique mimics the differing shades found on the reptile. This new take on ombre maintains the hair’s depth while enriching blonde color with shades of honey and amber and brunettes with caramel and butterscotch. More on the trend: https://www.modernsalon.com/how-to/hair-color/all-about-ecaille-hair-color

  1. Go up, down…up, down. Blame Victoria's Secret models (or thank them, depending on your perspective) for making long, loose waves elegant. But updos are coming back. In fact, the entire April issue of MODERN SALON is dedicated to special occasion styles. We challenged artists from all over the country to create a modern version of the updo. A chignon can still be trendy and made young by pairing it with a basketweave detailing on the side. A French twist can be youthful and prom-friendly when paired with a sparkly headband or hair piece. Check out modernsalon.com/digital in April for more details.

  1. Brow wow. It used to be all about statement lip color, but eyebrows are more important than ever. Not only can adding brow services to your arsenal of service offerings satisfy a major client request, but it can add big bucks your tickets too. At $14 a wax, on just 5 of your clients a day, you can earn an extra $350/week. That's a car payment!

 

  1. Bobs are back. You've probably heard of BB Creams but have you heard of the BB Cut? Blunt Bobs are quickly becoming a celeb favorite (have you seen Vanessa Hudgens' new 'do?). Last year was all about the lob (maybe because celebs were growing out their pixies of 2013?) and now it's all about varying lengths/symmetries/textures of the Bob. More on the trend here:  https://www.modernsalon.com/inspiration/trend-alert-bb-cut-blunt-bob

  1. Update your updo skills! Even if special occasion styling is not your specialty, up-styles and definitely defined down looks will be in demand over the next three months—for at least some of your clients. Brush up on your basics, seek out some new twists, braids and bun techniques (online or in classes), and promote, promote, promote. Create a tasteful station sign or card and a social media post that states, “Ask me about special occasion styling.” When rebooking, ask clients if they have parties, weddings or events coming up, and recommend scheduling an extra appointment or to tack on a half-hour for a styling workshop and tips.

 

  1. Create a primping package. Update your service menu in-salon and online to reflect a contemporary approach and names for your updo and special occasion services. Set your pricing for these special styles, and put together party packages of retail products, too—just a few, fun sample-size duos or trios. Create a station or shelf display with a chic party bag—all will enhance your position as a special occasion authority and boost sales, too.

 

  1. Here’s a tip: offer nails advice. Even if you don’t offer nail touch-ups or manis, you can stock a few on-trend polishes to retail or display, and offer your take on the hottest looks for the season.

 

  1. Brush up on balayage.  This color painting technique keeps gaining trend traction, thanks to social media mentions and new product innovations, and there are “solo-station” sized kits to encourage experimentation.

 

  1. Plan to post. Set a social media strategy to start posting in April about your special occasion styling services and your take on important trends. Then, as you start doing updos and other party styles, ensure your service process includes encouraging your client take a “salon selfie,” post it immediately and tag your salon.  Ask also if you can snap an image and get permission to post on your pages.  Let Solo Artist see your great work, too—tag it with #SoloArtistSnaps.

 

  1. Hold everything! Special styles require extra support. Pick your faves from the range of hair sprays and style-securing products, and be ready to recommend a range for every client texture, every spring weather whim.

 

  1. Make waves. Show off and offer “curl confidence” and you will wow clients who want to experience new options. Consider updating and upgrading your curling iron tools and techniques, and work on you demo skills. Show client what they can do to add volume and style, whether with heat or a whole new range of styling innovations. Watch for the texture! guide in the June issue of MODERN SALON and a whole range or resources at modernsalon.com/texture.

 

  1. Explore add-ons. Just because you are on your own doesn’t mean you can’t add ticket-boosting mini services ranging from deep conditioning to extensions to makeup consultations and more to your offerings.

 

  1. Guy time: Are you focusing enough on the men in your life. Or the ones who should be in your chair? The men’s category, barbering techniques and specialty grooming services and products are hotter than ever. Plan to get in on the action if you haven’t already. Ask your rep or visit your local store for product and merchandising ideas.

 

  1. French connection: Ever dreamed of adding a chic boutique to your salon experience? Next month, your vision can become a fun—and profitable—reality. CosmoProf has partnered with a number of brands to introduce a limited edition selection of “Parisian Chic” themed products and tools, all specially designed to add flair and boost sales within your retail selection, tools and sundries. Watch your May issue of MODERN SALON for a special insert and ask your CosmoProf rep or your CosmoProf or Armstrong McCall store professional for more details. Ooh la la!

 

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