Finding a Sisterlocks Consultant

In 2013 Vanity Hair Studio NYC introduced Sisterlocks to the menu of services. Almost instantaneously a flood of women contacted the unique hair studio requesting "re-tightenings." Their accompanying stories & complaints from prior experiences  prompted this blog. Enjoy the read!

What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks is a trademark company founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. The Home Office is in San Diego, California, and there are trained practitioners  and Certified Training Associates in over 30 other states. The company has developed an innovative approach to marketing its natural hair care system to African American women. The company motto says it all: “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.”

Why do you need a Consultant to install Sisterlocks?
Consultants are formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. Training is approximately four days, which includes classroom instruction, practicals, and document completion. Students pay an average of $1200-$1500  to complete a Sisterlocks course.

Where do you find a Sisterlocks Consultant? 
Sisterlocks Consultants can be found on the Sisterlocks website in two areas. " Certified Consultants"(http://www.sisterlocks.com/certified-consultant-registry.html) and "Official Trainees" (http://www.sisterlocks.com/official-trainee-registry.html).
www.sisterlocks.com

The difference between a Sisterlocks Trainee & Certified Consultant.
Sisterlocks Consultants & Trainees are both formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. "Consultants"  have submitted images of three clients they Sisterlocked from start to finish. Identifying clients who are interested in NEW installations can be a challenge when you are newly trained. Becoming a "Certified Consultant" can take time-on average three months to one year.  Sisterlocks Trainees are authorized to install and re-tighten hair as well. The difference is, they have not submitted the appropriate documents for "certification." Being listed as a "Certified Consultant" is  beneficial to the consultant, because it gives a perception of a higher skilled technician. Seasoned consultants  have the ability to charge more money as well.

What should I expect after making contact with a Sisterlocks Practitioner?
Once you find a Sisterlocks Practitioner via www.sisterlocks.com, schedule to meet with them. Consultations average between $35 and $50.  A good consultation is between 45 minutes and an hour.  The consultation has three elements (information sharing, information gathering, sample loc installations) and will be explained in detail by your practitioner.

Some people have complained about  the length of time it’s taken to schedule a consultation. Don't rush, you cant get your hair done that day anyway. A full explanation of this is below.

Expect to visit someone's private home. Most Sisterlocks Practitioners are not “hair stylists.” For this reason, it is not uncommon to meet a practitioner, working out of their home.

Vanity Hair Studio NYC offers Sisterlocks services in a traditional salon environment and offers private and enclosed booths during installations. The benefit of coming to Vanity is that you are working with a Licensed Cosmetologist AND a Sisterlocks Practitioner. This means you can have your hair washed, Sisterlocked, tightened, colored and groomed at one central location.

During the consultation, what questions should I ask?
Questions are always a great way to show your commitment to getting Sisterlocked. Come prepared. Asking questions off the cuff may devalue your consultation. Remember you are paying for this. 

Sample questions are:

1. How long does it take for  the  installation?

2. How do I maintain my locs?

3. Can I maintain my locs without a practitioner?

4. If one of my locs unravel, what do I do?

5. Can I wash/dye/cut my locs?

6. How often  should I re-tighten?

7. What kind of hair products can I use?

8. How much is the installation?

9. How much hair do I need for an installation?

What tool should be used to install and re-tighten locs?
There are two different Sisterlocks tools. See image below. Sisterlocks Trainees and Consultants are the only individuals authorized to order these tools. You wont find these tools on amazon or ebay!!

If you see someone using a crochet hook or latch hook tool...you are probably not dealing with a Sisterlocks Practitioner.

What should I expect the 1st day of my Sisterlocks installation?
1. You will be expected to pay upfront. Some payments are broken down into percentages depending on the number of installation days, which is fine.

2.  You will be tired. Sisterlocks take several hours and in most cases require a second day to complete.

3. Don’t rush your practitioner. Once you have discussed an estimated time frame, don't try to negotiate an earlier completion time. Rushing creates anxiety and can compromise the executions of your locs. The installation is the foundation of your Sisterlocks. This is the most important part of your Sisterlocks journey.

4. Don't plan a major event around your Sisterlocks installation. Anything can happen!

What should I expect the 2nd day of my Sisterlocks installation/?
1. You will still be tired!! More than likely you've only had a few hours of sleep and needed to wake up early the next morning. No worries, its almost over.

2. Once you are done, your practitioner should be leaving you with maintenance instructions and a "starter kit."

3. When you get home, you might find yourself staring in the mirror a lot. From afar Sisterlocks immolate the look of micro braids. This can be a little uncomfortable for women at first. However when you wake up and leave the house for the first time-fully installed you will notice the compliments and stares. Your hair admiration will increase as your hair lengthens and begins to "settle." 

How long does Sisterlocks take to tighten?
The shorter your locs, the faster it is to tighten. A skilled practitioner takes 3 1/2 - 4 hours. The average practitioner takes 5 to 6 hours to tighten an entire set of Sisterlocks.  In some cases practitioners will only tighten the  perimeter if requested by the client. This takes around 1 1/2-2 hours. Make sure to check the completed work prior to leaving your practitioner’s home or salon.

General Tips

1. Interlocking, Stitch-locking and palm rolling is not the same as Sisterlocking the hair. Don’t let anyone confuse you. 
2. Don't patronize aloof and unprofessional practitioners. The Sisterlocks technique is trademarked and has a full curriculum associated with it. The expectations for practitioners to be honest, respectful and professional are standard.
3. Don't wait too long to re-tighten your hair. It will cost you more money in the end. Your practitioner will put you on a re-tightening scheduling. Follow it!
4. On occasion customers have to change practitioners. Be professional. Let your practitioner know you are moving on (as a courtesy).  
5. If you are unhappy with a service, allow your practitioner to rectify it. Things happen, life happens. Your practitioner might have had an off day. 

If you are looking for a Sisterlocks Practitioner in NYC contact:

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
325 Nostrand Ave 

Brooklyn NY 11216

718-218-5691

www.vanityhairstudionyc.com

info@vanityhairstudionyc.com

Founder of Sisterlocks TM

          

     Sisterlocks Tools

Whats Your Hair Type?

www.vanityhairstudionyc.com

How to Manage Natural Hair

With little to no effort Vanity Hair Studio NYC  in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn( New York City) has attracted  a  market of women transitioning to natural hair and  existing naturalists in search of a salon to manage their tresses without judgement. 

In an effort to support those in search of solid information for maintaining their coils, we listed a set of guidelines that are sure to help women manage their highly textured hair. 

Below are 13 habits to pick up, if you have natural hair

1. Avoid Styles with Tension

2. Clip Your Ends Once Per Season with Sharp Hair Shears

3. Add Oil to Your Conditioner  

4. Learn Your Hair Type

5. Purchase Products Consistent with Your Hair Type/Hair Condition

6. Use a Wide Tooth Comb When Combing Your Hair

7. Use Heat Protectants When Blow Drying or Straightening

8. Comb Hair from Tip to Root

9. Avoid Products with Synthetic Ingredients

11.Dont Smoke

12. Do Not Apply Hair Dressing to Unwashed Hair

13. Apply a Conditioner  and Leave in for 30 Minutes When Reverting Back to Your Hair's Natural State

If you're wondering why to any of these questions, feel free to give us a call for a free consultation

Vanity Hair Studio NYC

325 Nostrand Ave

Brooklyn, New York 11216

vanityhairstudionyc@gmail.com

929-210-9411

The Indie Review: Indie Review welcomes L'AY of She Tek !!!

The Indie Review: Indie Review welcomes L'AY of She Tek !!!: Set your reminders and tune in!  See ya Saturday :) Indie Review Radio – Hosted by Raychelle & C.Truth 12 pm ...

"The Two Letter Word Your Hair Stylist Should Be Telling You"

Customers are always right...in most cases.

This is really a concept for customer service....not an absolute in the real world.

With that being said, below are FIVE things your stylist should be saying NO to, NO exceptions.

1. Can I bring in my own  relaxer?
Relaxers are chemicals with a shelf life. There is also a temperature requirement when storing. Storage conditions should be managed  by a professional. Allowing relaxers to enter the salon being unaware of the chain of custody places the stylist and salon at risk.

2. Can I get that style?
Every hair style is not fitting or age/lifestyle appropriate. Identify looks  that flatter you versus what's trendy. Celebrity images are great guides but not the end all. Remember celebrities have a team of people following them around, placing every hair into place. Do you have a glam squad on 24 hour call?

3. Do lace front wigs look natural?
Lace front wigs can look natural if you have it custom made. A good custom job can run between 300 and 1000 dollars. So if you're not sure why the $30 lace front is not fitting well, take a guess.

4. Can I relax and dye my hair today?
Receiving two chemical services in the same day is a recipe for disaster. Be patient..get a semi permanent color and wait a few weeks after the relaxer.

5. I washed my hair already, can you just style my hair?
Any stylist willing  to perform a service and they have not cleansed the hair/scalp, is not only putting you at risk, but any customer after you. Styling tools should be used on cleansed hair only.

Feel free to add to this list.

"Natural State of Mind"

Why I Decided To Wear My Natural Hair

For the first time in years I felt the breeze caress my scalp...

I almost forgot what fresh air felt like against my hair. Last night I took out the weave and replaced it with cornrows and double strand twists. After an hour of detangling the mess I created , I blow-dried my hair. Who would have thought, I actually had a head full of hair beyond shoulder length, that laid hidden under sewing thread, nets, plats, etc. A weight was lifted, literally. I usually wear three bundles of hair!!

My decision to transition to natural hair was due in part  to being inundated with women of color patronizing my salon asking to cut off relaxed hair or looking for a stylist who could maintain their curly tresses.  If they could do it, why couldn't I? Was I so connected to my false sense of security, that I refused to consider this as an option? Conforming to societal norms was the standard. Natural hair almost felt radical or revolutionary!!!!

The fact is,  I was neither radical nor revolutionary. I was a black woman tired of investing  hundreds of dollars into someone else's human hair.

But what if changed my mind?

The realty is, I could change my mind and there is no "hair gustapo," documenting my inconsistencies. I was making a conscious decision and as long as I was happy, everyone else would appreciate and support my styling  preference.

Nevertheless... it is DAY TWO  and I am still smiling.

Owner, Vanity Hair Studio NYC

Black Hair Care: Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Hair

Black Hair Care: Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Hair

"When the PROS CON you"

Is Your Hair Stylist Licensed?

How Do You Know?

In a Linkedin Group  of Salon Owners one of the most infectious topics that seem to resurface every few weeks, is the difficulty of finding great stylits. One of the most importnt factors is the lacking certifications/licensing.

Would you feel any different if you found out that your hair dresser was not certified to wash your hair, let alone administer a chemical relaxer?

In case you were always wondering, here are three ways to research your stylist

1. New York State issues cosmetology licenses to hair stylists once they have completed a minimum of 1000 beauty hours, completed a written exam and passed the five hour practical exam. One issued, cosmetologists are required to renew  their licensing every four years. If you go to the New York State Department of State website http://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/cosmetology/cosmetology.html, you can look up your stylist by name or id number.

2. All licensed cosmetologists are required to post their cosmetology license in a conspicuous location,  according to the NYS Apprearance Enhancement Law. During your next visit to the salon, look around for this document.

3. If your stylists  owns his/her salon they would've applied for an Appearance Enhancement Business Application. This information is listed with the New York State's Division of Licensing Department.

If you still can't find your stylist information online, simply ask them for it. 

Good Luck!

New Salon Seeking Talented Stylists

New Salon with Private Booths for Clients-Seeking Stylists 

(Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn)

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
"The Private Salon"

About us:
"Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc. is a full service boutique hair salon located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn (New York City). At Vanity, our goal is to create your exceptional hair care experience, offering expert styling with professionalism and discretion. Our distinguishing salon feature is our private styling booths which provide clients with one on one attention from their stylist and eliminates the discomfort of those facing hair challenges. We understand that a great hair style is picture perfect, but a customized experience is memorable."

Email:  info@vanityhairstudionyc.com with your resume and recent work 

Opening a Hair Salon in New York City

18 Valuable Things They Don't Tell You 

1. Maintain your credit and finances. Commercial spaces are not easy to obtain. You have to show that you are capable of building out the space and have a cash flow once everything is completed. You will be expected to pay broker's fees and rent/security deposits. Have your banks statements, credit report, tax returns, pay stubs, etc on hand. The landlord's calculation to determine if you can afford a space is (commercial rent x48=last full year's salary/income). This means if the commercial rent is $1000 per month then you should have earned  at least $48,000 last year. Email us if you are still confused.

2. Hire an Architect  or General Contractor to develop your floor plans. The construction process is easier, when you've identified where your electricity will run, plumbing and stationary vs interchangeable equipment.

3. Inspect your commercial space thoroughly before signing your lease. Do you have a boiler? Do you have access to the basement? Check for any outstanding utility bills for the location.  A prior tenant may have left a bill and you would be responsible for paying it, if you want it transferred to your business name.

4. Purchase business insurance, including liability and professional. If you rent out booths, your independent contractors will be expected to maintain insurance as well.

5. Identify a monetary reserve in case you run out of money. Build out stages can be very costly especially unanticipated expenses. After a while, everything becomes an unanticipated expense!

6.Hire a general contractor who will outsource the plumbing, electrical and cleanup.  Make sure they start their day early and have a regular reporting schedule. Agree on a final price including material and labor. Get everything in writing. No exceptions.

7. Micromanage every process  until your doors open. Do not designate individuals to oversee tasks on your behalf that may affect your business later on.

8. Identify your service model prior to purchasing equipment. Independent contractors are responsible for 90% of their hardware, while commission employees are provided with most of their supplies (excluding styling tools).

9. Avoid a cash and carry business if you plan on expanding or obtaining a bank loan in the future. The more you report to the IRS, the better your loan application looks. The banks don't lend to businesses not turning a profit.

10. Adjust your business plan as things change. Yes you need a business plan! Your plan becomes a living breathing document. Use it as an infinite guide.

11. Don't hire friends and family. Even though it seems tempting, dealing with a stranger may prove fruitful. If friends and family are around, let them volunteer to assist  with furniture selection and decorating.

12. Contractors will usually charge additional fees, for things like, removing old decals from windows or mounting a television. Pay the extras, it will cause less of a headache in the long run.

13. Have a car handy. You will need to pick up and return items very frequently. Don't let your contractor return items if you're not there. If you have purchased excess items, get a store credit. More than likely you will need to purchase future items.

14. Purchase your styling products in bulk. This is always cheaper.

15. If you have intention on becoming an exclusive salon, contact the supplier early. Keep in mind that exclusive products have to be purchased in bulk as well, and can cost thousands of dollars for your initial investment.

16. Hire an Accountant. While it is always a great idea to manage your own finances, you will need a professional to review your numbers to ensure proper reporting.

17. Invest in a computer system. While some of us are still fond of the archaic process of writing things down on paper, it's simply easier to report data, utilizing a software.

18. Hire licensed individuals to work in your salon. It might be tempting to hire a fab stylist with a great track record..who simply didn't "get a chance to take the state board" however it will cost you at the end. If an individual improperly performs a service and you are sued, you will be responsible for damages. As a salon owner, you agree to hire licensed and insured individuals when you apply for your Appearance Enhancement License. Don't take a chance!!

Feel free to add to this list by commenting below. If you have any questions, feel free to email info@vanityhairstudionyc.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
"The Private Salon"

New Brooklyn Salon Seeking Talented Hair Stylists

New Salon with Private Booths for Clients-Seeking Stylists (Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn)

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
"The Private Salon"

About us:
"Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc. is a full service boutique hair salon located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn (New York City). At Vanity, our goal is to create your exceptional hair care experience, offering expert styling with professionalism and discretion. Our distinguishing salon feature is our private styling booths which provide clients with one on one attention from their stylist and eliminates the discomfort of those facing hair challenges. We understand that a great hair style is picture perfect, but a customized experience is memorable."

About the neighborhood:
Bedford-Stuyvesant, popularly known as "Bed-Stuy", is located in central Brooklyn, nudging up against Clinton Hills and Williamsburg to the north and Crown Heights to the south.

About you:
We are seeking several stylists with a comprehensive background. Whether you specialize in one area, or have mastered the art of hair, we are interested in bringing you aboard!

Styling:
Natural Hair Care/Locs
Color/Cut
Hair Styling --All Hair Types
Undetectable Weaving Techniques

Interpersonal Skills:
Patient
Exceptional Customer Service
Self Starter
Multi-Tasking
Get It Done Attitude

Other:
Knowledge of Social Medium Platforms
Develop Content for Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Ability to operate the salon in the absence of the owner

Salary:
Booth Rent or Commission

Salon Operations:
Monday-Sunday 9am-8pm

Please forward resume/a recent image of yourself /images or link to your work to this Gmail address: VanityHairStudioNYC or reply to this ad

Please indicate "Private Salon" and your full name on subject line. 

How to Shop for Hair Products

Avoid hair care products that contain alcohol. 


Check the ingredients for these words:

• isopropyl alcohol
• propylene glycol
• mineral oil or petroleum
• sodium lauryl sulfate
• sodium laureth sulfate
• chlorine
• diethanolamine
• momoethnanolamine
• triethanolamin
• imidazolidinyl
• urea DMDM hydantoin

How to Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female: 15 steps

How to Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female: 15 steps

Smoking and Hair Loss

If you are skeptical about whether smoking can cause hair loss or not, a recent study says “yes”. A recent observational study has found that smoking can cause hair loss and also baldness.

There are many ways cigarette smoking can cause hair loss, and most of these are related to the effects of cigarette smoke on your hair follicles. Cigarette smoke contains almost 4,000 lethal and damaging chemicals that can cause normal hair loss.

Smoking also causes dull, lank and smelly hair. Not only your smoking habit affects the look and smell of your hair, it can also make your hair break off.

Smoking stops the flow of an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients through your blood. Because your hair does not get the right amount of the vital nutrients, your hair becomes unhealthy and may also break off.

So if you are already a smoker, give up the smoking habit for shiny and healthy hair.

Smoking and Hair Loss

First, let’s take a look at the effect of smoking on blood circulation. Smoking affects blood circulation, which interrupts the supply of blood to the scalp and hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Smoking affects blood circulation in the following ways:

Smoking Stimulates Adrenaline

Nicotine stimulates adrenaline production, which raises blood pressure and heart beat. As the body goes on overdrive, it starts to wear down due to regular smoking. This hastens the aging process. This is the reason why chain smokers look older than their age. Smoking-linked aging naturally takes a toll on the hair as well.

Nicotine Narrows Blood Vessels

Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, which impacts the circulatory system. Hair grows constantly and hence requires constant blood supply. As smoking impedes this supply, hair loss occurs as a result.

Carbon Monoxide Affects Circulation

Tobacco smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide which reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. As a a result, your hair follicles get less vital nutrients and oxygen. Hair follicles are fast growing cells and need a constant supply of adequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen to grow. Carbon monoxide impedes this supply, resulting in hair loss.

Poisons in Cigarette Smoke

Smoking cigarettes floods your body with thousands of poisonous chemicals. Your body is thus taxed with the job of getting rid of all these dangerous chemicals to retain good health. As your body’s systems are engaged with this task, they have lesser resources for things like keeping your hair healthy.

Research on Mice

The effects of smoking on hair can be gauged from a recent research study on mice. The rodents were exposed to cigarette smoke for three months. As a result, the mice developed gray hair and suffered hair loss. The link between

smoking and hair loss

is conclusive. So, if you are a smoker, quit this dreadful habit as soon as possible to save your hair and avoid other debilitating effects.

Source:  http://smoking.ygoy.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC 

12 Things You Should Know About Beauty School

A recent blog from Beauty Schools Directory prompted me to think about my own beauty school experience. I thought I would share some of my highlights and low lights in the world of hair, makeup and  tests!

I decided to attend cosmetology school  in 2001 after graduating from college and struggling to find work in my field. The job market was erratic and quite unpredictable. Lay offs were plentiful and  the premise of  “knowing someone” was quickly fading. Getting a trade was my back up plan.

When I enrolled, I was surprised at all of the paperwork involved. You had an option of financial aid or loans. I wasn't eligible for financial aid, since I already had an undergraduate degree. One week later, I was approved by my credit union for $10,000. 

I spent the next year-four nights a week, reading, testing and observing. "When was I going to do something," I complained often. What’s the use of being in beauty school if I cant do the hair?

I quickly ate my words after my first customer who was an older women, cried in agony  and discomfort after I completed a shampoo. I had incorrectly draped her and all of the water seeped into her clothing,   The next six months would prove brutal. Patrons lining up to get discounted hairstyles and weekly state board  practice exams, that never seem to offer enough time.This was hair school not the police academy  Why was I losing weight and becoming sleep deprived? 

 It was beauty school, but it was.....still school. 

The one thing I will say is, beauty school was not what I expected.  It was hard and time consuming. I often  wondered if the fly by night stylists I patronized in the past, were even licensed. It takes a committed individual to get through  these courses.

Before you enroll, take an inside look of the beauty school experience.

1. School hours are in the day and the evening. If you attend in the daytime its approximately nine months. If you attend in the  evening, its almost two years. Most schools don’t let you mix it up, but  a conversation with the owner of the school to make an exception, wouldn't hurt.

2. Beauty school is expensive. A full course can run you  between 10k and 15k

3. The instructors are former or active salon owners, so they have lots of information to share.  

4. You should know something about hair. Beauty school does not teach you about hair styling. You  learn the fundamentals only. No... you don’t learn how to weave or braid hair.  If you don’t have a clue about hair, you will fail or drop out. It’s the horrible truth, but it’s the truth! You will need to attend advanced classes after you obtain your cosmetology license if you want to learn market trends.trends.lll

kkkk .
      5. You are required to complete 1000 hours . You can't get around this. Schools are very strict 

          on absenteeism. If you're a chronically late individual, curb it. Beauty schools impose 

          temporary and indefinite suspensions for tardiness. 

6. Your classmates are always willing to be your test dummy.  Capitalize on this opportunity, before you start your practicals.

7. You wont get a job right away as a Stylist. After graduating, you still have to apply for the written exam. After the written exam you are scheduled for the state board. Practice, practice, practice. Practicing for the state board exam is like learning to drive. At first you seem nervous and unsure of yourself. But after a few weeks of  driving school, it becomes fluid. 

8. Don’t apply for a salon job until you become licensed. Even if you wash hair, a cosmetology license is required.

9. Avoid opening a salon  until you’ve actually worked and managed one.  You would also need to determine if you want to be an “off the books’ stylist or a “1099 form" stylist. An “off the books stylist” usually works with cash only and does not report their income to the IRS (illegal).  The upside is, you keep all of  your income. The down side is, you're ineligible for a car, house, medical insurance, loans or anything that requires  proof of employment. Commissioned stylists usually make great money. You are more motivated than a booth renter who pays $100-200 a week for a chair. Commission  arrangements allow you to share the expenses for supplies with the owner. The owner is also responsible for marketing the salon. If you don’t make money, they don’t make money. Stylists are generally paid weekly and receive a 1099 form at the end of the year. 

10. Hair Shows are good, but what else? If you're in the business, you've been to at least one hair show in your city. This is a good opportunity to learn new techniques and test new hair products, but you shouldn't rest there. Attend some workshops on business. Strategic, marketing, branding and customer service are essential in the world of beauty. What's the use of gaining customers, if  poor service and inconsistently drives them to a new salon.

11. Establish a signature. What’s so special about your styling techniques that will be easily recognized? Branding starts with you!

12. And lastly, be a professional. In the world of Face book, blogs and  YouTube...everyone seems to be recording your every move.  We all have flaws but a good stylist will focus on re-inventing themselves. 

If you have questions about this blog, feel free to contact VanityHairStudioNYC@Gmail.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc.

private salon services

The Beauty Business

10 Steps to Opening and Running Your Own Hair Salon 

From the outside, it appears that thousands of women  have mastered the art of opening their own hair salon. From Dominican Hair Shops offering a $10 wash and set to Upscale Hair Studios catering to celebrity clients, the market for hair dressers to earn a living in the beauty industry is a lucrative endeavor.

Below are some tips for anyone interested in opening their own salon . 

1. Get a Cosmetology License. Its easier to run a salon when you understand the craft.

2. Establish a Business Plan. A business plan is a blueprint to your salon's revenue stream, operation and target market.

3. Establish a Niche. What makes you different from the salon down the street? Maybe its your hours of operation. There is a popular salon Downtown Brooklyn that opens at 6:00 am. This should have been a priceless gem, however the service sucked. So while establishing your niche, make sure your unique service also keeps repeat customers.

4. Have a Financial Plan. Don't blow your life savings on a business idea. Get financing from your bank or credit union. People tend to be more responsible, when they are liable for repayments.

5. Learn Book Keeping. A salon can function as a cash  business, but if you cant track your earnings and spending, how can you establish a pattern of income. If you're off the radar from the IRS it can be detrimental later on;  if you decide later to purchase a home or a vehicle.

6. Utilize the OPAL.NY.GOV website to find out what certifications and licensing you need to operate. Having a cosmetology license is not the only thing required for salon ownership.

7. File Your Taxes Honestly. Sure we all hate paying taxes. But recording your revenue will benefit you in the long run. Banks tend to lend money to business owners, who already have income.

8. Hire Talented and Skilled Stylists. A salon is not a catch all  for people interested in making "side money" or temporary income until they start working again  It is a real career that requires licensing and skill. Avoid hiring friends or relative that don't know the business.

9. Don't Rent Booths. Booth rentals create financial strains on salon owners. Both rents tend to be very low and does not cover the salon's operational costs. Both renters are not considered employees and can function under their own  guidelines. This includes the times they work, the clothes they wear and the customer service. If you want to avoid, conflicts and YOU working long hours to make up the difference for the salon expenses, establish a commission arrangement.

10. Hold Weekly Staff Meetings. Regrouping every week or every month will allow the salon owner and  the employees to discuss progress or lack there of. Meetings also promote brainstorming sessions.

While there is not a perfect formula to establishing and running a successful salon ,a guided support can always prove helpful! 

If you have any questions about this blog, feel free to contact us at VanityHairStudioNYC@gmail.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

What Would You Change About Your Salon?

+

Here are a  few responses we received from survey monkey.

1. More privacy

2. Longer hours

3. Professionalism

4. Different music

5. Regulated temperatures

6. Stick to appointment schedule

7 A regular receptionist

8. Natural light

Give us your two cents!!!

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

What Makes A Great Haircut?

If you're like me, you can spot a great haircut from a mile away!! The challenge is, not everyone knows what to look for.

I noted some tips in identifying... if you've gotten your money's worth OR you are in need of a do-over.

A Great Haircut...


1. Starts with a great consultation. What is your daily routine? What do you  do for a living? Do you have a photograph of the desired style? Do you   exercise? Do you really know how much of your hair will have to be cut? These are typical questions you will hear from an experienced stylist.

2. Does not require additional maintenance, like curling, hairspray, re-styling.
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3. Is recognizable the following day. If your haircut looks looks different after you leave the salon, then you have a problem.
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4. Can be worn curly or straight.
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5. Falls into place when the wind stops blowing
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6. Compliments your face shape.
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7. Can be cut with clippers, thinning shears, scissor. Quality shears are essential in this process.

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Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

Nicki Minaj Has a New Fragrance. Are You Buying It?

New American Idol judge Nicki Minaj  has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create a signature scent for her Pink Friday line.  The singing rapper teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create a signature scent. In typical eccentric Nicki style, the fragrance bottle is a replica of an armless brass Nicki in her signature pink wig and lipstick. The fragrance is described as an “intoxicating floral musk.” 

Vanity Hair Studio NYC

The Truth About No Lye Relaxers !!

The main, active ingredient in a no-lye based relaxer is calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. Although the pH level of a no-lye relaxer is typically lower than a lye-based one, no-lye relaxers are often associated with dryer hair due to potential calcium buildup. One of the major reasons someone may prefer a no-lye relaxer is if her scalp is sensitive, as the chemicals in this type of relaxer can be milder on the scalp. This doesn't mean that it's better to use on children or that the chemicals cannot burn you (they can).


Vanity Hair Studio NYC