Should You Follow Your Hairdresser To A New Salon?

Should You Follow Your Hairdresser to a New Location?

Consider These 7 Factors First

Why You Should Reconsider Following Your Hairdresser to a New Salon

When your trusted hairdresser decides to leave a five-star salon and go independent, wonder should you follow your hairdresser to a new location. After all, they know your hair, and you’ve built a great rapport. However, before making a decision, it's important to consider several factors. Following your stylist to a new location might affect your overall salon experience in ways you haven’t anticipated.

The Loss of Salon Ambiance

Top-tier salons are known for their luxurious atmosphere and professional settings. From the refreshments to the welcoming vibe, every visit feels special. These salons are designed to pamper you with high-end amenities and a team working in harmony. Following your stylist to a solo setup, like a home studio or a rented chair, may leave you missing the ambiance and full-service treatment you’re used to. If you love that pampered feeling, switching might not live up to expectations.

Limited Access to Premium Products and Tools

Salons often have exclusive partnerships with high-end hair product brands, giving them access to premium products. When your stylist goes independent, they may lose that buying power. While they might try to use the best products, budget constraints could impact the quality over time. Without top-tier tools and products, you might notice a difference in your hair's health and appearance.

Scheduling and Availability Issues

A five-star salon has a professional scheduling system, offering flexible hours and stable availability. Everything from booking appointments to cancellations is managed efficiently. Independent stylists must handle scheduling themselves, which could lead to less flexibility and longer wait times. If your stylist is still adjusting to the business side of things, you may face difficulties booking convenient appointments.

Lack of Additional Expertise

One of the biggest advantages of a five-star salon is the team environment. There are stylists specialising in cutting, colouring, and styling who can offer support or a second opinion. Independent stylists work solo, without a network of professionals for collaboration. This can be particularly problematic for complex services, like colour corrections or intricate styling, where additional expertise can be invaluable.

Potential Price Increases/Decreases

Running an independent business is expensive, and your stylist may need to increase their prices to cover costs. While some clients are happy to pay more for a stylist they trust, others may find the new rates too high. On the other hand, if their prices decrease significantly, it might indicate a downgrade in products or services, which could affect the overall quality of your experience.

                                                                  The Risk of Inconsistent Quality

Why You Should Reconsider Following Your Hairdresser to a New Salon

At a five-star salon, stylists are held to high standards. Independent stylists don’t have the same checks and balances. With the additional stress of running a business, there’s always a risk that quality might fluctuate. This can be particularly true during the early stages of their transition, where they’re managing new responsibilities, like sourcing products and handling finances.

Unforeseen Challenges

When a stylist leaves a stable salon, they’re entering a new and potentially unpredictable business environment. They may face unexpected challenges such as licensing issues, difficult lease agreements, or financial struggles. If they run into these problems, you could end up searching for a new salon all over again. By staying at a five-star establishment, you avoid this uncertainty and ensure reliable service.

Conclusion: Think Carefully Before You Follow Your Hairdresser to a New Location?

While it’s natural to feel loyal to your hairdresser, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. You chose a five-star salon for a reason – ambiance, professionalism, premium products, and consistent service. If those factors are important to you, it might be better to stay with the salon. A reputable salon will always have experienced stylists who can meet your needs and provide exceptional care.

Before you decide, have an open conversation with your stylist. Ask about their new setup, the services they will offer, and how they plan to maintain the level of service you expect. Ultimately, your salon experience should align with your standards, whether it’s with your current stylist or a new one at a five-star establishment.