Salon Management I – SS2 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Second Term)

Salon management is the planning and running of a salon so that it works safely and earns money.

• Concept and location: the kind of salon you open and where you open it.
• Layout and workflow: how the space is arranged so work moves smoothly.
• Equipment: the furniture and tools needed to serve clients.
• Utilities: electricity, water and ventilation.
• Back office: inventory, record keeping and first aid.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain what a salon concept is and list three features of a good location.
2. Name and describe the four essential zones of a salon.
3. Identify the main pieces of salon equipment and state the use of each.
4. Explain why a salon needs a reliable power plan, clean water and good ventilation.
5. Describe the back-office tasks of inventory, record keeping and first aid.

How do you choose the concept and location of a salon?

A successful salon starts with a clear concept and a location close to its customers.

What is a salon concept?

A salon concept is the kind of service and atmosphere a salon offers, and it decides who your customers will be.

• Luxury spa: offers relaxing, high-priced services such as massage and facials.
• Neighbourhood barbershop: gives quick, low-priced haircuts to regular local customers.
• Specialist braiding centre: focuses on braids, weaves and other hair-plaiting styles.
• Nail studio: focuses on manicure, pedicure and nail art.

What makes a good salon location?

A good location is a place where your target customers can easily see, reach and trust your salon.

• Visibility: people can see your signboard from the road.
• Accessibility: the entrance is easy to reach, with no steep stairs or hidden alleys.
• Competition: check how many salons are on the same street. If there are five already, offer a service they do not.
• Customers nearby: choose an area where enough people live, work or pass by and can afford your prices.
• Security and utilities: the area should be safe and have access to electricity and water.
• Rent: the rent must be low enough for the salon to make a profit.

How should a salon layout be designed?

A good layout looks attractive and lets work move smoothly, and this smooth movement of work is called workflow.

• Space: stylists should have room to work without bumping into each other.
• Movement: clients should move easily from reception to the station to the wash area.
• Safety: walkways stay clear and wet areas are kept away from electrical sockets.

What are the essential zones of a salon?

There are four essential zones in a salon: reception, styling station, wet zone and storage or utility room.

1. The reception: the first impression of the salon. It should be clean, have comfortable chairs and a desk for the appointment book.
2. The styling station: the heart of the salon. Each station needs a large mirror, a comfortable chair and plenty of light.
3. The wet zone: the area with the sinks. It should be tucked away or well drained so the rest of the floor stays dry.
4. The storage or utility room: keeps extra towels, hair dyes and cleaning supplies out of sight.

What is the teacher’s tip on mirrors?

• Placement: place mirrors so they do not catch the direct glare of the sun.
• Reason: glare in a client’s eyes makes the service uncomfortable.

What equipment does a salon need?

Salon equipment is the set of furniture and machines used to serve clients, and good quality equipment lasts longer and saves money.

Why do electricity, water and ventilation matter in a salon?

Electricity, water and ventilation keep a salon working, comfortable and safe for clients and stylists.

• The power plan: dryers, irons and clippers use a lot of electricity. The wiring must carry the load without blowing a fuse.
• Backup power: keep a backup such as a generator in case the power goes out during a service.
• Generator placement: keep the generator outside the working area so its fumes do not reach clients.
• Water supply: the salon needs a constant flow of clean water and a water heater. Nobody likes a cold hair wash.
• Ventilation: hair dye, acrylic nail liquid and hairspray give off strong smells.
• Ways to ventilate: use big windows or a strong extractor fan to keep the air fresh and prevent headaches.

How is the back office organised?

The back office is the part of salon management that deals with records, stock and safety rather than styling.

What is an inventory?

• Meaning: a list of everything the salon owns and everything it uses.
• Stock count: you should know how many bottles of shampoo are left.
• Benefit: you do not run out of supplies on a busy Saturday.

What is record keeping?

• Daily earnings: a book showing the money the salon receives each day.
• Daily expenses: a record of rent, light bill and staff pay.
• Reason: if you spend more than you make, the salon will close.
• Appointment book: kept at the reception desk to record client bookings.

What should a first aid kit contain?

• Bandages: cover and protect small cuts.
• Antiseptic: cleans wounds to prevent infection.
• Burn cream: treats minor burns from hot tools or water.
• Availability: accidents happen, so keep the kit ready at all times.

What classroom activities practise salon management?

1. The walk-through: look around the school lab. If it were a real salon, where would you put the reception desk, and why?
2. Safety check: why is it dangerous to have a shampoo bowl right next to an electrical outlet?

Evaluation

1. Name the four essential zones of a salon.
2. State three things to consider when choosing a salon location.
3. Why should styling chairs be hydraulic?
4. Why does a salon need a backup plan for power?
5. List three items that should be in a salon first aid kit.

Assignment

1. Budgeting: list five items of salon equipment and find their current prices in the market. State the use of each item.