Hook Clients On Color

How to get clients to do it for the first time? (We mean color.)

Just about everybody likes a hint of tint. Men use haircolor to look younger and sexier. Younger clients (even preteens) think it's a changeable cosmetic. Most baby boomers refuse to settle for those grays. So getting any regular haircutting client hooked on color just takes a little noisemaking on your part. And if you only do one more haircolor service each day (for 270 days) at $35 a pop, you can increase your salon revenue by $9,450.

Seven simple tips.

1. Salon decor should say "color."

Keep updated haircolor picture books in the reception area. Change posters every season.

2. Seeing is believing.

Take "before" and "after" photos of your color clients; make a photo album and keep it at your station.

3. Pump up color benefits to every prospect that sits in your chair. Examples:

• It brings out the lines of a haircut.
• It adds depth, dimension and body to hair.
• It leaves hair shinier and glossier than before.
• It's an important and ever-changing fashion accessory, like cosmetics.

4. Let brochures talk when you can't.

Use a computer to print up a menu of color services with descriptions. Keep an inviting "take-one" stack in the reception area.

5. Use color attention getters.

Make color one of the "highlights" of your salon, with special colorist aprons and zany colors for highlighting foils.

6. Look the part.

You're a walking advertisement for fabulous color; update your own color and highlights when needed.

7. Keep your ears open.

During your client consultation, take heed to what your client is saying. Does she want to look and feel younger? Trendy? More professional? Then create a color that works for your client's real needs.