MENU
SEARCHHow have you decided to manage free haircuts for family members? How are you seeing to it that you can take care of family and yet not be abused?
Holiday time is the time to spend time with your families. If you are like most haircutters this means spending time cutting their hair. The shop is hopping at the holidays. Everyone needs to get in to get a haircut. This includes all your family. The worst of these situations are the stories of hair cutters being invited to holiday dinner and being asked to “bring your scissors so you can do a few haircuts”. Isn’t this our holiday, too? Why would we be expected to show up and work?
We all have a few family members we feel we must cut for FREE. We all have a few more that we would rather not cut at all, let alone for FREE. We need to set some limits. We need to be OK with the fact that is it OK for us to set these limits.
Knowing how to say no, set limits and establish boundaries with family and FREE haircuts is an important part of managing our business. I hear of the struggles haircutters have with these limits all the time. This is also a frequent topic of conversation at many of my classes.
Below are two of my favorite approaches to managing family and FREE haircuts. Both of these ideas can from audience members at my classes. Both ideas are easy to implement and fair and reasonable for all involved.
Family Haircut Night – Designate one evening each month as “Family Haircut Night”, perhaps the second Tuesday every month from 6 to 11 p.m. You will cut anyone and everyone between these hours. They must show up with food to share. First come, first served. It becomes a fun family gathering, hanging out, enjoying each other’s company… and haircuts. One of your sisters or cousins can do the shampooing. Your little nephew can sweep. Everyone pitches in. Perhaps your brother can clean the mirrors?
It ends at 11. Done. If you get cut on family haircut night it is FREE. If you cannot make it in that night you are welcome to make an appointment any other time of the month and pay just like anyone else. This allows you to be open and generous, but to set limits on your time and FREE work.
Punch cards – One hair cutter at a class shared that she issues family members a punch card every year at Christmas. The card is good for 3 FREE haircuts and one chemical service at 50% off. The card is good all year, non-transferable, not carried over to the next year. The cuts and color can be redeemed at any time during the year. Once the card is done you are welcome to continue to come for haircuts… on the appointment book and in the cash register like any other client.
I love the punch card idea. It is very generous, totally flexible and more than fair. Family haircut night can be fun for all.
How have you decided to manage FREE family haircuts? How are you seeing to it that you can take care of family and yet not be abused?
Happy holidays!
Ivan
Ivan Zoot AKA ClipperGuy is your healthy haircutter coach. Get and stay healthy, wealthy and wise with clipperguy support. For more information visit Ivan at clipperguy.com
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
