"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!

What to expect at a Dominican Style Hair Salon

A growing trend among New York City hair salons is that of the "Dominican" hair salon or "Dominican Style" hair salon. Once a closely guarded secret of low-income neighborhoods, Dominican hair salons were only common place in areas where the populations were predominately Hispanic. The establishments were notorious for having non-English speaking stylist who toiled tirelessly from the wee hours of the morning until the wee hours of the night. While most hair salons would have staggering prices, it was once a mainstay that services at these salons begin at just $20.

In recent times that has mostly changed. A "Dominican Style" is a moniker for meaning "we can do any type of hair". Being of diverse ethnic backgrounds natives of Dominican Republic have learned to adapt to differences in hair textures descended upon them through their African Slave, Indian and Spaniard ancestry. As licensed stylist they are masters of manipulating all types ofethnic hair, including the "normal" hair of most Americans.

Prices are stereotypically low at these establishments and comparable to going rates within the area. While Dominican style salons are usually very successful in acquiring loyal followings and clientele, there are several complaints common among such hair salons.

1. Waiting

There is usually a very long waiting period for service. Most stylists request that you come in very early if you are in need of a service that takes a long time. Even with an appointment most people are in the salon for at least 3 hours.

2. Language Barrier

While not a staple to all, most of these salons have generally Hispanic employees that do not have English as their first language. New non-Spanish speaking clients looking to try out a new place sometimes are turned off by not having a stylist they feel they can not effectively communicate with.

3. Price Variances

Most professional salons have a menu with pricing scales. On sight a patron will know what the low and high end cost of a service is. Typical among Dominican salons is that the main senior stylist will perform a consultation on a client and seemingly come up with a price out of thin air. Regular customers can verify whether or not the pricing seems within range, however newer clients have no verification that this is the "normal" price for a service. Newer clients sometimes come away from one of these consultations feeling like manipulated or like they are being taken advantage of.

Dominican hair salons are important service centers in the communities they are found. If you get a chance to visit one, it would be worthwhile for anyone of any hair type looking to try a new experience. Come early, and be prepared to hurry up and wait.

 Article content by: Irene Ocasio, NY Hair Styles Examiner

Hairdresser Mistakes to Avoid

9 Common Hairdresser Mistakes to Avoid in Hair Salons

This information is meant to serve as a reminder of common hairdresser mistakes that we have probably all made at one time or another while working in a salon.

“An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” - Orlando Battista

By avoiding the simple mistakes listed below, you can improve your earning potential and successfully grow your business.

1. Crossing Off On Your Appointment Book — Far too many hairdressers cross off time on their appointment books or show an inconsistent work schedule that limits their availability for customers. Create a work schedule and stay in the salon. You never know when a customer will call for an appointment or just drop in. Don’t make it hard for customers to book an appointment with you.
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3. Not Inviting Customer Feedback — Invite customer feedback as well as feedback from your boss.  If you receive criticism, consider it an invitation to perfect your skills and excel at customer service. Let your boss and your clients know you value their input.  Desire to exceed owner and client expectations.  I have yet to meet a salon owner that wants to see their staff fail. Give them permission to offer constructive criticism without taking the criticism personally.
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5. Unprofessional Appearance — If you want to be respected and compensated like a professional, look and act like a professional. Hairdressers are in the business of making people look good and feel good about themselves. If you can’t make yourself look good, how can you make your customers look good?
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7. Involving Customers in Your Personal Problems — At times there can be a fine line between being friendly and interactive with your clients, and pulling them in to your own personal drama. They have enough problems of their own, they don’t need to be part of yours.
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9. Not Recognizing the Power of Customer Service — Customer service is often measured not by meeting your clients’ expectations, but by exceeding them. Go the extra mile with customer service. The rewards of doing so can be beyond even your highest expectations.
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11. Frequent Salon Change — If at all possible, seek to find a solution to any work-related stresses that may have you considering leaving your current job. Try to work out a solution with your boss if at all possible. Misunderstanding each others view points is a big obstacle between staff and management.  If you still believe a job change is in your best interest, do so in an ethical manner. Never burn the  bridges behind you. Leave on ethical terms, you may need references or a chance to return at a future date if your new job is not what you expected.
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13. Poor Work Habits — We are creatures of habit. Absenteeism and tardiness is a big problem in our profession. Work hard to value the time of your customers as well as the salon’s reputation.  Showing up on time and being ready to perform creates a sense of trust and projects professionalism to your clients and your profession.
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15. Talking on Your Cell Phone — When working on your customers, your full attention should be focused on your customer.
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17. Poor Customer Handling Procedures — Always greet your customer with a sincere and caring attitude. Develop powerful people and communication skills. You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. A sincere and caring greeting shows you value their patronage.

Article by: SalonProfit.net