SEPTEMBER IS NOTORIOUS for bringing in younger clients for back-to-school services. We asked our Solo Artist Advisory Council, a panel of industry experts who lend their voices to important topics for independent stylists, their advice on the topic. We asked them, “What back-to-school services are smart for solo artists (and all stylists) to offer this September.” They offered us their two cents and gave us some service and product ideas, too.

RICARDO SANTIAGO, Global Artist, Joico :“When going back to school, your clients need to freshen up and repair everything that has been done over the summer from being in the sun, pool, etc. The first thing is treat the hair. For blondes, I use Joico Blondelife Brightening Masque, which removes any chlorine build-up and hydrates the hair while brightening. I love to follow that up with our new Blondelife Brightening Veil, a leave-in spray that provides UVA/UVB thermal protection. Another great option is a quick glaze application using my favorite Joico Lumishine Liquid Demi. Whether I’m using it to cancel unwanted warmth that happened from being out in the sun, or refreshing color that has been faded out, it’s the perfect quick solution that add tons of shine while conditioning the hair simultaneously.”

EVELYN AYALA, Education Manager, Kadus Professional: “Get your clients ‘back-to-school’ ready with perfectly styled hair. Quick styling appointments have become a huge trend in salons and Kadus Professional offers four simple looks that you can customize for each type of client. From straight hair to wavy, to creating a fun braid or even an updo, Kadus Professional offers eight essential styling products to choose from to create these looks! Use them alone, layer them up or mix them together! You can have your clients walking out feeling great and the best part is that you can create these looks in 15 minutes or less! Enjoy learning how to for free with our CosmoProf/Armstrong McCall exclusive Kadus app.”

ROBERT CROMEANS, Global Artistic & Business Director, John Paul Mitchell Systems: “Since back-to-school also means the end of summer, in-salon treatments are a must for all our guests. Talk to your clients about bringing their kids into the salon to enjoy a back-to-school bundle. Offer your guest a hair cut, treatment and travel kit for a bundle price!"

LISA MARIE GARCIA, President of Innovation, Farouk Systems: “During the summer you travel, swim and keep maintenance duties light with your hair. The harsh and unforgiving heat can be damaging—internally and externally. Before heading back to school try some hair cocktails to create healthy, shiny and manageable hair. Rejuvenate your client’s natural shine with CHI Silk Infusion and Biosilk Silk Therapy Lite. Or, to boost volume and texture, apply BioSilk Hydrating Therapy Maracuja Oil to the entire mane, then rinse and apply BioSilk Volumizing Therapy Styling Foam.”

CARTER LUND, Framesi Italian Style Team Member, A Carter T. Lund Salon: “Back-to-school services are a great way to add on services. For young boys and teenagers we have what we call a “splash of sunlight.” It involves taking small diagonal or horizontal ¼-inch slices from the front hairline to the vertex and using Framesi DeColorB Shimmer we hit it with a preheated flatiron to lift the hair up to two levels. It’s a quick and easy way to make the hair look sun kissed, and we charge an added fee to increase our ticket. For our female guests we offer the same experience except we also place a few shimmer highlights along the sides as well. This can be executed on short or long hair and once again, it’s quick, easy and smart.”