Salon Etiquette 101

Etiquette Basics

How much do I leave for the shampoo girl? Who do I tell if I'm unhappy with my cut? What if I really don't want to buy the products the salon is trying to sell me? If you feel unsure sometimes about the ins and outs of salon etiquette, you're not alone. At our salon, we get a lot of questions from clients wanting to be sure they're doing all they should to ensure great service and great hair.

What I hope our clients realize, and every salon patron should know, is that a salon experience should be all about servicing you. Your comfort and happiness should be top priority, wherever you go.

That being said, keep in mind that being pleasant and open to suggestions is a nice way to treat salon staffers and stylists, especially as they are aiming to please you. A little reciprocal TLC is always appreciated and noticed. For salon success all around, try these suggestions.

Etiquette Basics

• Most salons have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so if you can't make an appointment, let the salon know as soon as possible.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time, so you can be changed and chair-ready at the appointed hour.
• Explain in detail what kind of look you have in mind; photos are helpful too. You and your stylist should also discuss your lifestyle, personality, and different ways to style your new look in your pre-cut consultation.
• If your salon offers to sell you products, it's most often because they are the products that were used to get your style at the salon, and will help you recreate the look at home. If you're not interested, or if the product's not in your beauty budget right then, don't be afraid to say so. Your stylist can suggest alternatives or other ways of maintaining your style.

Tipping and Haircut Remorse

Tipping Tactics

• Good service deserves to be recognized. Just like a restaurant, a salon is a service industry, and it's expected you will acknowledge those who have assisted you. Giving 10 to 15 percent of the cost of your service is an average tip; it demonstrates that you like what you had done and are happy. A 20 percent tip shows more appreciation for that awesome job you really love.
• Spread the love to others in the salon and they'll remember you kindly on all your return visits. Be sure to tip all the assistants who work with you and any other helpers in the salon -- 5 percent is standard.
• Should you tip the salon owner? It depends on his role in the salon. If he just meets and greets, it's not necessary. If he is an actual technician who worked on your hair, the answer is yes.

When You're Unhappy with Your Hair

• People are often nervous about speaking up about something they don't like at the salon, but owners and managers need to know the problems within their walls, and appreciate your input. For example, as soon as you notice something you don't like about your hair or service, express your concerns so that your stylist can make adjustments.
• If you're not happy with your style when you get home, stay calm. It often takes some time to adjust to a new look and a little practice with the new techniques and products your stylist should have explained to you. If you're still unhappy after two weeks, often a salon will offer a free or discounted repeat cut.Please understand these are just basic guidelines for salons across the country, not mandatory in any way.  

Hair's To You, FAQs about Salon Promotions, Prices, and Products.

Hello Everyone!

I get asked a lot of questions about my service prices, products, and promotions. If you scroll throughout my photos and pictures, you might have noticed I get a lot of inquiries about prices, ect. Depending on the date of the photos, the answers might be different. Throughout this year, I have tried many a promo to see "what works best". I have decided after deep thinking to make it standard, across the board. I will now be offering product promos, instead of service discounts. This way, it will be much more fair to all of my clients who visit me throughout the year.

All New Clients- Listen Up! 

For all first time clients, you are eligible to recieve 20% off  for your first color or haircut service. This offer is only valid Monday- Friday, not valid on weekends. I have a very flexible schedule, so please contact me for an appointment and we can arrange a time that works best for you. Of course, you are more than welcome to book a weekend appointment, but it will not be for 20% off.

Returning Clients- <3 

Thank you for returning to me again and again. You rock! As always, you are never forgotten when I am creating new salon promotions. I have created two raffles this year, each with a great prize. They were both hugely successful and I will continue to offer the raffles in 2 month incriments. This allows everyone atleast 1 chance to enter each raffle.

I will also be offering product promotions. Professional products are very important when it comes to maintaing the vibrancy, style, and overall health of your hair. Your hair services are your investment in yourself. Invest in yourself, and your appearance. Its crazy to think that some people pay $100 for hair color, only to shampoo with suave or pantene pro v!

Referals are amazing, and I appreciate everyone who spears the word! Effective immediatly, for every new client who visits me that you referred, you will be mailed a $5 gift card to my salon. This can be used towards product or services, and never expires. You can collect as many as you want! I have found we both tend to forget when you've sent someone to me, and I hate to not say thank you properly. This way, we both remember! :)

Product promotions! I am now offering take home products to all of my clients. In addition, there will be some weeks/months that I will be offering a free product gift with your service! This will be an excellent way for you to not only try new products, but still be rewarded for your continued loyalty to me. 

Prices- 

I have a price list on my website www.hairbyalise.com as well as in the information section of my professional facebook page www.facebook.com/wish.upon.a.style 

You may notice that all of my prices have a "starting at" or "+" symbol next to them. What does that mean exactly? It means that those are base prices for all of my services, but they may increase based on the length, thickness, or amount of product used on your hair. If you have longer hair that requires more product usage, in addition to more amount of time, this price will be raised. Usually, only by $10-$20, and it will all be discussed before we start. I never  start a service on someone without disclosing a price first. This way, there are no suprises at the end! I always offer a complimentary consultation at any time, if you would like to simply come in and talk about your next hair color or cut. Also, haircuts with a color service are $25 and $32 without a color service. Why is that? All of my haircuts include a shampoo, condition, and style of your choice. By combining the color and cut together, you are saving me time since I already will be blow-drying and styling your hair! This savings is passed on to you.

Booking Appointments

I have a very flexible schedule and work hard to be readily available for your needs. However, I am becoming a very busy bee with all of my freelance work as well. In addition to my time in the salon, I work on-site for various special events, photo shoots, and weddings. Please understand that sometimes I am unavailable on Saturdays, but am often willing to work Sundays as a thank you for your patience.

I also offer pre-booking for clients as well! You have the option to book up to 8 weeks in advance to secure the time that works best for you! I can be reached for appointment scheduling via email: alise24@gmail.com, through facebook, text message or phone calls to (404) 247-0473. I will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

I am passionatly committed to providing you the best service and experience possible. It has been an amazing first year of owning my own, and I hope it will be an even better 2013!

www.hairbyalise.com

http://beyondthefringeblog.blogspot.com/

 

How I Spent My Summer

This spring and summer was wonderful for so many reasons... I don't even know where to begin! Each week I got to spend it with a different beautiful bride surrounded by her loving family and friends. I cannot begin to express the gratitude of love and respect I have for my mentor, Tanesha Dupree. Here is a sampling of our work together throughout the beginning of 2012. 

Danielle + Alex

Venue: Lowndes Grove, Charleston, SC
Photography: Berrytree Photography, Atlanta, GA
MUA: Elizabeth Quinton, EQ Make Up
Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha, Alise Buckner

Girl... Did You Lose A Bet?

So I've been watching this trend for awhile now, hoping it would lose steam but alas, its made its way onto the top of our favorite pop star's heads.

We saw the shaved look awhile ago on Britney Spears, but that was a case of crazy and we all knew it. But recently the half shaved hairstyle debuted Cassie.. and then on Rihanna, Willow Smith, Mel B, Pink... and Miley Cyrus. She really is trying so hard, bless her heart. I hope this trend stays relegated to those in Hollywood, and doesn't appear  outside of the 90210 zip code.

Secrets of a Recessionista

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I like to spend $$..$. I am always on the look out for best deal to get the most out of my hard earned cash! I've complied a list of my drugstore beauty faves that are just as amazing as the brand name, salon quality products. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn't use professional shampoo and conditioner, because that is a must (especially for us hair color queens). 

The Ultimate Hairspray- Garnier Fructis Anti Humidity Spray $4
This hairspray does it all! It provides great, all day hold without flaking and crunch. Plus, it smells like apples. 

. Provides 24-hour, bounce-back hold – even in 90% humidity!

. Creates an instant barrier against frizz

. Gives your hair shine and smoothness

Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner $4

Super deep conditioning for a seriously simple fix to dry, damaged hair. It's your own little wonder for any wrongdoing done to your 'do. Moisture is essential for keeping hair healthy and shiny, which is why weekly deep conditioning treatments for colored hair is recommended. But even if your hair is as natural as the day you were born, applying a hair mask 1-2 times a week can save your hair from damage during the winter months. The cold, dry months of winter can dry out your hair, leading to split ends, fly-aways and dull, tough to control locks.

Instant Volume- Got2Be Powder'ful $5

What girl doesn't want a little volume? I've used the salon version of this product for years, but discovered this little thing a few months ago. Want to know a secret? Its still made by the same professional company! how does it work? Shake a small amount into your palm and rub hands together. You will see the powder disappear but you will still feel it on your hands. Distribute into dry hair, focusing on the roots, for instant root boost and volume.

Tips: For an extra volume boost, shake powder directly into the roots of your hair, using your fingers to work it in and create big, volumized styles.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets $5

Control oil and shine with blotting papers like Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. They are thicker than other brands and don't fall apart while you're using them. The sheets pop up easily from the container and won't smudge your makeup.