Up-level to Luxury

Ok, let’s get real… so many people call their services luxury because they want to charge a high price point, or offer perks like fancy refreshments or aromatherapy…. But often skip the basics.

✨✨LUXURY IS AN EXPERIENCE AND NOT A PRICE POINT✨✨

Charging luxury prices, or marketing your business as luxury means the expectation is going to be that THE BASICS are exceeded and done so consistently, and THEN there are little touches that take it into the luxury category.

Stop ✋ justifying inconsistent, lackluster experience by slapping a high dollar ticket on it.

Your ultra trendy high end decor is insignificant if you are operating in complete chaos inside it. Or you can’t deliver on the promises made to the client.

Clients these days are savvy and choosy about where they spend their money.

Focus first on getting these basics down and then building from there.

Basics:

Clean, clutter free space.

Well lit, appealing environment.

Everyone is polite. People working directly with client are attentive, kind, and helpful.

Stylist is mentally present and prepared for the client’s visit.

Put together neat and clean appearance of stylists and other people working in the salon.

No unpleasant or unrelated smells (stinky food, etc. should not be what clients smell in the salon).

Attention to detail.

Remembering client preferences.

Focus on the client. Conversations at their pace and about them. Not you. Always bring it back around and never get deep on unsavory personal issues.

Beverage options.

Businesses that deliver on the true meaning of luxury are the ones that THRIVE. Here are some ideas:

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Inclusive pricing – luxury isn’t about nickel and diming. One price is quoted for all services.

Welcome emails & follow up texts for first time clients and existing clients who received new services/ new look

Luxe Amenities – well presented refreshments, and above and beyond amenities. Examples: lunch included for long services, charging stations, laptop tables, lumbar pillows, ottoman foot rests, etc.

Pampering mini services – little add-ons that will make their visit feel extra pampered: hand treatments, aromatherapy options, shoulder massage

Plush comfort options – warming or cooling pads, warm bath towels for the lap, padded neck collars or double drape for neck comfort.

Surprise & Delight – so many possibilities here. Some ideas from what others are doing. These work best on a salon/spa wide level. If you rent, gather the other renters and split the costs:

Saturday barista onsite (if solo, order coffee delivery and know their favorite drink!)

Sunday brunch (if solo, order in and get their preference beforehand)

Live music at just the right volume (if solo, swap this for a playlist of their favorite songs or artists – get them low key style in previous visits).

Included extras: pampering mini services, after service home maintenance kit, extended scalp or neck massage, hand, eye or lip treatment, etc.

Remembering their details & anticipating individual preferences and needs

For hairdressers – An amazing finish that lasts – a style/ finish that will last a few days is one of the top mentioned things from clients that they appreciate

The best scalp/ hand/ neck massage (depending on what services you provide) they have ever experienced – like a really good one with perfect pressure and some signature moves

Innovative protection for their present possessions – handbag covers, gowns they can change into, eyeglass arm sheaths for color/ chemical services, coat closet with doors

Let them pick the music – offer the controller at the beginning of each appointment. Have a variety of stations or playlists ready to go.

Leaving cleaner and cuter than when they arrived – no product remaining anywhere on them – for hairdressers, no hair left anywhere.

These are just a few ideas – not all will apply to everyone. However, these have been implemented with good results in other salons that offer high tough, luxurious experiences. Ultimately, stylists who understand their clientele – and what will make them feel like they had the ultimate experience – are stylists who have higher retention rates and more stability and success in their beauty businesses.