YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

These are challenging times for salons. The recent campaign to cut VAT is an indication of how the industry is coming together to survive, while rising bills and increases in the National Living Wage (+6.7%), the National Minimum Wage (+16.3%) and Employers NIC (+1.2%) are heaping even more financial pressure on business owners.

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As a leading equipment manufacturer, Takara Belmont works in partnership with salons around the world and shares a three-point plan with positive actions that salons can take to prosper in an unprecedented economic environment.

Plan your way to success

“The first thing salons should do is plan,” says Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager, Katie Fielder. “These are worrying times and it’s tempting to carry on and hope things will change for the better. Look at the services you offer and pricing. Ask clients and staff to contribute their ideas and decide how you can evolve your service menu and reset pricing to alleviate these financial impacts. This may involve looking at where you can invest, how this can be financed and, importantly, creating a marketing plan to raise awareness, so your existing clients try new services while attracting new ones.”

Invest your way to success

It’s hard to think about investing and expanding service menus when your focus is on reducing costs, but strategic investments can result in growth. Differentiating your salon with new services can increase client numbers and revenues and, with Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme, salons can invest affordably and tax efficiently. Katie comments: “Japanese Head Spas, scalp care and beauty services are on the increase, so look for growth areas and set about capitalising on this demand. Salons like ROKU in Edinburgh refocused their business around the Japanese Head Spa and reported a 33% increase from December 2024 to January 2025, so positive outcomes are to be gained from careful planning.”

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SERVICES SPOTLIGHT

Japanese Head Spa package with FREE training

After perfecting Head Spa methods for 15 years, Takara Belmont was the first company to introduce the Original Japanese Head Spa to the professional salon market, while developing equipment essential to support this exclusive technique. Salons purchasing the full Head Spa package, which includes a Yume Series shampoo system, a Yume Series Stool, Spa Mist II processor and Head Bath accessory benefit from FREE in-salon Yume Head Spa training for their team*.

0% Finance Lease Scheme

Takara Belmont was the first company to introduce a 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme, which allows salons to upgrade to world-class equipment in an affordable and tax efficient way. Salons finance over two years and at the end of the term they can own the equipment with a final payment or upgrade with a new agreement.

For more visit: www.takarahairdressing.co.uk Learn more about Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme and apply today at www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/finance

* Subject to location and availability. UK only.

PURE MAISON SANCTUARY

ROKU invested in Takara Belmont’s Head Spa package using their 0% Finance Lease Scheme and owner Robbie Bruce said: “This flexible scheme allowed us to invest without straining our finances. The application process was straightforward and hassle-free.” As part of their repositioning, ROKU also benefitted from FREE Yume Head Spa training, which has contributed to their success.

Promote your way to success

Marketing is key to growth and, with an eye on budgets, there are many ways salons can promote their way to success. Katie comments: “First, promote your services in-salon with POS and in every client communication. Design packages to upsell clients and offer incentives on additional services to protect the value of your core offering. This could include a colour discount for clients booking a cut and style, or a reduced-price scalp care treatment for clients booking a cut and colour.”

As part of your marketing plan, it’s also important to make sure your services and offers are advertised on your website, blog and social media. “Many people Google to find the services they’re looking for,” continues Katie. “Make sure your website is up-to-date and share your expertise on your blog. When it comes to social media, look into social marketing to amplify awareness in your area and reach a wider audience too. Social advertising is affordable and effective in raising awareness to people you wouldn’t otherwise reach.”

Finally, Katie comments on the role of technology, which is helping salons become more effective marketers in a relatively inexpensive way. “Many salon software platforms automate bookings and marketing campaigns,” she says. “Building a client database and communicating via email, text or WhatsApp is effective and far-reaching. Design exclusive offers for loyal clients, promote new services and products and run tried-and-tested promotions like bring-a-friend to engage your clients and attract new bookings.