How to Be Hair Salon Owner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Hair salon owners have the potential to be successful if they make sure they pay attention to all the important elements of running a successful business. One of the most important elements is having a strong customer service focus. If customers feel valued and respected, they will be more likely to return, creating a steady stream of ongoing business.

Another key element is to make sure the salon is well-equipped with the right tools and products to provide quality services. Finally, it is essential that salon owners have a good marketing strategy in place to maximize their visibility and reach potential new customers. All of these factors together can lead to a successful and profitable hair salon.

Steps How to Become

Develop a Business Plan. Before you open a hair salon, you will need to develop a detailed business plan to ensure your success. Your plan should include the services you will offer, pricing, start-up costs, target market, and marketing strategy.
Secure Funding. Once you have a business plan, you will need to secure funding for your hair salon. This could come from personal savings, a loan, investors, or grants.
Find a Location. When searching for a location, consider the foot traffic in the area, the cost of rent, and the demographic.
Purchase Supplies and Equipment. You will need to purchase supplies and equipment for your hair salon such as chairs, mirrors, styling stations, and products.
Obtain Licenses and Permits. You will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for your state and city.
Hire Employees and Train Staff. Once you have secured funding and obtained licenses and permits, you can begin hiring employees and training staff.
Market Your Salon. To get customers in the door, you will need to market your salon. This can include advertising in local publications, handing out flyers, and creating an online presence.

The success of a hair salon depends heavily on the owner's ability to identify and hire ideal and qualified staff. Finding the right stylists, receptionists, and other personnel for the salon is essential for providing a great customer experience, ensuring quality services, and increasing overall profits. The owner must not only have a keen eye for talent but also have the skills to accurately assess the qualifications of prospective employees.

To ensure they are well-equipped to make the best decisions, the owner should have a clear understanding of their own business needs and industry standards, be familiar with local labor laws, and take the time to thoroughly review resumes and interview potential candidates. With the right staff in place, the hair salon business can become an overwhelming success.

You may want to check Hair Care Technician, Hair Extensions Specialist, and Mobile Hair Stylist for alternative.

Job Description

Receptionist: Responsible for greeting customers, answering phones, scheduling appointments, taking payments, and managing the salon's booking system.
Hair Stylist: Responsible for cutting, coloring, styling, and providing other hair services to customers.
Shampoo Technician: Responsible for washing and conditioning customers' hair prior to styling.
Nail Technician: Responsible for performing manicures and pedicures, as well as providing other nail services to customers.
Skin Care Specialist: Responsible for providing facial and body treatments and waxing services to customers.
Makeup Artist: Responsible for providing makeup services for special occasions, such as weddings and proms.
Inventory Manager: Responsible for ordering and maintaining stock of all salon supplies, such as product and equipment.
Floor Manager: Responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the salon, such as scheduling staff and overseeing customer service.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Business management and marketing skills
Knowledge of hair styling techniques and trends
Knowledge of health and safety standards
People skills and customer service
Ability to manage staff and finances
Knowledge of beauty product lines and services
Understanding of local laws and regulations
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Creative problem-solving abilities
Excellent organizational skills

Running a successful hair salon requires a combination of important business, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for a hair salon owner to effectively interact with customers, understand their needs and preferences, and create a positive experience for them. Being able to manage the salons staff, finances, and day-to-day operations is also fundamental for the success of the business.

Having a comprehensive understanding of the hair care industry, including the latest trends and services, is necessary to attract and retain customers. creativity and problem-solving skills are important in order to come up with innovative ideas that can help in increasing sales and attracting new clients. Finally, good business acumen and marketing skills are needed to promote the salons services to potential customers and ensure its continued success.

Hair Stylist Apprentice, Hair Product Specialist, and Salon Apprentice Hair are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the hair salon industry?
What do you think sets your salon apart from others?
How would you manage customer complaints?
What strategies have you implemented to ensure a positive customer experience?
How do you ensure that your staff is providing quality services?
What measures do you take to ensure the safety and hygiene of your salon?
How do you handle scheduling and appointment conflicts?
What are your plans for marketing and promoting your salon?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in the hair care industry?
How do you handle difficult customers and staff members?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Clippers. Used to trim hair. (eg: Wahl Professional 5-Star Cordless Clipper)
Hair Dryer. Used to dry and style hair. (eg: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer)
Styling Brushes. Used to style and detangle hair. (eg: Denman Natural Bristle Styling Brush)
Hair Irons. Used to straighten and curl hair. (eg: GHD Classic 1" Styler)
Curling Irons. Used to create curls and waves in hair. (eg: Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron)
Hair Color. Used to color hair. (eg: Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Color)
Hair Cutting Shears. Used to cut hair into desired shapes and styles. (eg: Kamisori Professional Hair Cutting Shears)
Hair Pins and Clips. Used to secure hair in place while styling. (eg: Goody Ouchless Bobby Pins)
Hair Extensions. Used to add length, volume, or color to hair. (eg: Donna Bella Hair Clip-In Extensions)
Hair Spray. Used to add hold to finished styles. (eg: L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Cosmetology Association
Professional Beauty Association
American Board of Certified Haircolorists
National Association of Barber Boards
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association
International Hair and Skin Care Association
National Network of Salons
International Association of Professional Hair Designers
National Hairdressers and Estheticians Association
Society of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists

We also have Hair Replacement Consultant, Hair Loss Specialist, and Hair Stylist Educator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Receptionist. The first point of contact for customers at a hair salon. Receptionists typically handle appointments, payments, and customer inquiries.
Hair Stylist. A professional who specializes in styling hair for clients. They are responsible for cutting, coloring, and styling hair according to the customer's desired look.
Colorist. A professional who specializes in coloring hair. They typically use a variety of techniques and products to create the desired look or color for their clients.
Barber. A professional who specializes in providing haircuts for men. They use scissors, clippers, and other tools to cut hair according to the customer's desired style.
Manicurist. A professional who specializes in providing manicures and pedicures to customers. They typically use polish, nail art, and other tools to create the desired look.
Esthetician. A professional who specializes in providing skin care treatments such as facials, waxing, and makeup application.
Salon Supplies. The products and tools used by professionals in salons such as shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and tools.