As we’re all overtly aware, the Australian government implemented strict rules in March to try help stem the spread of COVID-19. These new rules have made it virtually impossible for salons to operate as they usually would and, as a result, many were forced to shut their doors to protect the health of their clients and staff.
Similar restrictions were placed on industries across the board and have changed the way businesses venture about everyday life. The hospitality industry moved swiftly to adopt a takeaway-only format. Offices began to allow staff to work from home to help with social-distancing measures, and salons found new ways to remain semi-operational when something as simple as providing a haircut became the equivalent of beating Usain Bolt in the 100-metre sprint. (Completing a haircut in under 30 minutes is no small feat, and even though that rule was only around for what seemed like thirty minutes, hopefully, it will be something we can laugh about one day.)
As a community, we have adapted and banded together to help see each other through what will be one of the most challenging years of our lives. We have been inspired by your grit, resilience and creativity to overcome problems, and want to share the solutions we have seen online with everyone. We have asked salons from across Australia to give us insight into the activities they’re doing to stay afloat in these uncertain times and bring some love to their clients and their hair.
Be inspired by and utilise these ideas to make the most of these times and power through in any way you can – and know that the salon industry always supports each other.
“I’m doing a doorstep drop off shampoo, conditioner and treatments. I decided to throw in a roll of loo paper with a custom note just for shit and giggles in the last few weeks because I have been so over the ‘doom and gloom’ vibe. Really I just want a good excuse to take a drive along the beachfront when I get my kids in the afternoon and to feel like I’m still doing some work,” Lisa Polini – De Lorenzo Educator and Colour technician.
“We are offering free postage on all orders and some new deals and details every few days. For example we provided an Olaplex incentive for clients to keep their hair in optimum condition at home,” Jason Walton – Telleish Hair Melbourne
“After just opening a new salon, we had a lot of clients booked in to come to our new space before closure so we are doing same day local delivery. We hired a friend in hospitality who lost his job to do the driving for these deliveries.” Dre Branciamore – Society Salon.
“I have a woocommerce store and I’m sending out vouchers for my client’s next appointment and I can track their buying habits using google and ensure we are offering them the products they need and getting the sale over other retailers.” Sharlene Lee – Circles of Subiaco.
“I have been face timing my clients with lessons from anything included blowdry rollers, toners and leave in conditioners – it’s been so funny to add a bit of humour to the times we are facing,” Deborah Ann Chorlton – Nak Hair.
“Many of our valued beauty clients are offering a product delivery service. We are also implementing a program that supports our clients, offering them incentives if they are selling and promoting our products,” Mia Cassin – True Solutions.
“We are doing ‘SOS my hair’ takeaway home care and delivering to our clients’ homes. We pop in bonus Olaplex treatments with all their haircare needs, giving them some additional bonuses for shopping with us,” Pauline Mcglaughlin – Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio.
“We have a code for our partners to give their customers for support in this time, ease of product delivery and our salon partner is also rewarded,” Marie Enna Cocciolone – INSKIN Cosmedics.
“Our little home shop is all set up if you’d like a no contact pick up service we are at North Curl Curl, otherwise we are currently offering free home delivery. Most of our clients are locals and love this option,” Kelly Kent – Cranium Hair.
“Starting the last week of March, we offered free delivery in our local area and packages left at our front door for pick up. They can even drive through and we pass the package through the window like a drive through service. It’s about giving clients some options at the moment, whether it’s click and collect style or any way that minimises contact.” Terrina Brown – Zedz Hair.
“We are posting retail free of charge to clients and free home drop off within our salon area too,” Michele Williams – The Boulevard.
“Clients have been so grateful that we are willing to deliver them products for free at this time,” Jess Briggs – Jessica Briggs Hair Studio
“Brett and I are delivering products ourselves (contactless of course). Our clients are feeling valued and loving the personal service,” Brett McKinnon – Murphy Gozzard.
“Every client is getting a gift voucher with purchase – for example a $50 voucher for the next visit or more. We are also sending them custom care kits with bonuses,” Jaye Edwards – Edwards and Co.
“We are offering postage on all retail products to clients – so far we’ve seen an increase in clients wanting our in-salon treatments at home, but we are strictly trying to take care of at-home retail.” Nathan Cherrington – Salon Zephyr
“I’m also doing free door to door drop off within a 15km circumference around St Kilda. With every $200 a client spends, they get a free fusion tong or straightener to better style their hair at home, regardless of the tools they have. Over $300 they also receive a $50 voucher with no expiration date.” Annette Carter – The Do Salon.
“We are sending gift vouchers to our client’s inbox if they purchase product with free delivery in our local Paddington area,” Kristy Hines – Element Aveda Lifestyle Salon.
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