How Small Add-Ons Add Up To Big Money For You

Would you like fries and a drink with that? Burgers pay the bills, but it’s the add-ons that build the bottom line. That’s true for every service business, whether you’re offering Big Macs, hotel suites or hairstyles.

In the salon, add-ons add up. And they don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Something like a quick brow shaping or backbar upgrade like the Vinegar Shine Treatment at Bliss Hair Studio in Shorewood, IL takes just a few minutes and only increases your client’s ticket by a few dollars. But for you, those dollars add up and before you know it, you’re earning enough for an extra car payment! What’s more, the right add-ons will upgrade your client’s experience, making her service memorable, ensuring her return and opening the door to glowing referrals.

There are no limits to the add-on services that can be offered. You can create an add-on for every service, head to toe. Here are some examples.

Lash Detox
Lash extensions are one of the fastest growing categories in beauty today. Clients are clamoring for the service that adds length and volume to their lashes and eliminates the need for mascara. Caidy Brasure of Caidy Marie Beauty in Utica, MI enhances her lash enhancement with a special Lash Detox. “It includes a deep clean around the entire lash strand, which improves lash longevity,” Caidy explains. “The service takes five minutes and costs $10. We do about 10 per week, for a total of $400 each month. It’s super quick and truly great for lash extensions!”

Paraffin Hand Dip
Want to earn extra money while your client’s color processes? At Tammy K Hair Design in Calgary, Canada, clients luxuriate in a moisturizing and relaxing paraffin hand bath after color is applied and before it’s removed. Tammy charges $10 for the dip (which is super popular in Calgary’s cold, dry winter season) and brings in between $400 and $600 in extra revenue per month. 

Scalp Facial for Fine Hair
Looking for something special for clients with fine or thinning hair? At Vita Beauty Bar in Saskatchewan, Canada, Rebecca Zirk performs decadent scalp facials, using a Surface system of shampoo, conditioner, elixir and scalp spray. The treatment includes deep scalp cleansing and massage. “It adds volume to fine hair, feels amazing and adds just 10 minutes to a regular shampoo,” says Rebecca. She charges an additional $20 for the treatment.

Deep Treatments
At The Blend by Sam in Cypress, TX, Samantha Rae swears by Redken treatments and Chemistry Shots to instantly upgrade the condition of clients’ hair. “It’s 10 extra minutes at the bowl,” she says, “and I charge an additional $65. I have several ladies who do it and love it!” Tip: Many manufacturers offer customizable pro-only conditioning treatments such as the new Biolage Deep Treatment Paks and L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Powermix collection.

Hair and Skin Extras
At Industry NKY in Newport, KY, Jordan Hoffman offers two choices of botanical hair therapy treatments for extremely dry hair. “These $15 add-on treatments are applied during the shampoo,” she says. “I let the treatment process for five to 10 minutes while the hair is wrapped in a hot towel. During processing, we give guests a stress-relieving mini-facial. The hair therapies are color- and texture-safe, making them suitable for everyone. Not only do they provide a boost as an easy add-on service for me as a stylist, the guests feel amazing and knows I am going above and beyond for their hair and skin.”

More for Men
Guys are perfect candidates for add-ons. “Men come in for a haircut,” explains Sexy Hair Global Artist Kelly Bileddo, owner of Salon Antebellum in St. Louis, MO. “They don’t know what else they need but they are open to what needs to be done to look and feel good!” Kelly includes a la carte services like beard shaping, neck shaves, straight razor shaves, scalp microdermabrasion treatments for thinning hair and brow waxing on her service menu. “When my guys come in, I tell them what I think they need,” says Kelly. “I’ll say, ‘I would really love to trim and shape your beard. Would you like me to do that? It’s $10.’ Usually they agree. Hairdressers think guys don’t want anything extra but they need the extras most of all!”

Vinegar Shine Treatment
Vinegar-based rinses are the latest way to lock in color longevity and shine. At Bliss Hair Studio, owners Mary Smith and Stefanie Gruber display the offering, along with other add-ons, on chalkboards in the shampoo area. To boost appointments, they offer front desk staff an incentive to add additional services when they book or pre-book appointments.

It’s in the Cards
And now for something completely different! Add-ons can be unique and fun. To answer clients’ questions about marriage, kids, career and health, New York’s Boom Boom Room Brow Bar brings in a tarot card reader! She offers 20-minute readings for $30. The readings are conducted in a private room in the salon and certainly provide a point of difference for the salon! Is there an add-on in your future? 

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