Affordable offers

In line with the current cost-of-living-crisis, we look at affordable transformations for your clients and the benefits your business could experience by offering colour treatments that require minimal upkeep to ensure retention of bookings.

Regardless of the economic situation, self-care and wellbeing remain important for many consumers. Salon appointments can provide a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation and pampering; all feelings which have seen even more of a demand post-pandemic.

Salon Manager at Reds Hair and Beauty, on behalf of L’Oreal Professionnel, Greg Temple, explained that since the cost-of-living-crisis he has noticed an increasing number of clients opting for a more lived-in look when it comes to hair colour: “clients are moving more towards colour treatments like L’Oreal Professionnel’s French Balayage which gives a softer, more natural feel.”

To ensure you’re nailing these low maintenance looks which are proving popular amongst clients during these testing financial times, Greg explained how consultation is key and managing the expectations of a client is always the most important step when it comes to toning down a client to a more lived-in colour: “keeping lightness around the face helps to keep the client feeling bright while the overall feel of the colour will have a more toned down vibe.”

Even when a client moves to a more natural or low maintenance colour there is still to ensure the colour stays looking its best, meaning you won’t be losing out on repeat bookings, they may just be less frequent.

Showing initiative surrounding the current cost-of-living-crisis can significantly boost the reputation of a business and Lea Shaw of Rural Fringe

Hair Salon explained that being mindful of the current cost-of-living-crisis is something that will go a long way in business: “the fact you are actively aware, showing compassion and relatability towards your clients will be recognised and only positively impact you.

“Being mindful of this specifically when posting about prices etc. is very important. Look at what you can do for your clients, perhaps offer a package deal – adding in a treatment alongside their usual service for a discounted price or giving away a few sample products or sachets to try – allowing them to try before they buy. Each of these are a great incentive especially when looking to purchase retail.”

Capitalising on these affordable treatments can also help to maintain a steady stream of bookings. In a world where the cost-of-living-crisis is very real, Tracey Devine Smith, ASP Global Ambassador, explained that capitalising on affordable treatments and embracing a steady stream of bookings is something you should really want to embrace and work on to ensure a steady flow of business and finances at all times: “look at something that clients will relate to, look at what they are reacting to and requesting, then capitalise on this.”

It’s important to get these lowmaintenance looks right, in order for clients to market your salon through word of mouth. For Safy Burton, Owner of Safy B Salon, she believes that in order to really nail low maintenance looks, it is all about the techniques and the colour formulas – getting them both right will allow you to bring your clients hair goals to life.

“For those opting for a root drag, to avoid overly obvious regrowth, choosing a shade close to that of the natural hair colour and creating a natural blend between this and the main colour shade is incredibly important. They need to be seamless in order to make this work.

“Secondly, advising the clients of the importance of toners and glossing masks is also vital – share your professional knowledge. The use of a toner can really maintain the colour for a much longer period of time, locking in colour and keeping it vibrant and true to tone,” Safy added.

OSMO Ambassador and Hair Colour Expert, Jake Nugent, expects the low maintenance Tiramisu Blonde to be a hit amongst consumers this summer.

The Tiramisu colour trend consists of three different shades of brown: a warm tan shade with a yellow undertone, a deep warm brown, and a light brown with a more gold reflect. The trend also features a shadowed root or a root smudge, where the highlights are lightly painted over with a shade closer to your natural hue.

“This creates a very natural blend of dark and light, which ends up looking really natural as well as being extremely low maintenance,” Jake explained.

Jake revealed that this hair colour is very low maintenance if your client is naturally dark but love a lighter look.

Many clients prefer to keep the heavy money piece framing the face for the brighter months, which is a good way to maintain a more manageable look, but to keep the hair looking lovely and bright.

OSMO Lead Educator for Ireland and owner of Montana BluSalon and Montana BluHairdressing Academy, Debbie O’Keeffe, revealed how she’s noticed now we’re coming into summer, the popular low maintenance root shadow is still very much on-trend.

“Root shadows have very much been on trend since the pandemic and have yet to slow down. This trend involves going over highlighted hair with a colour more similar to the client’s actual hair colour. This is a much more elegant way to manage roots and creates a fabulous lived-in look.”

In terms of showing initiative surrounding the current living crisis to uphold the reputation of a business, Senior Colour Educator at Yuv Beauty, Zoey Olechnowicz, sees that the main factors to remember here are honesty and transparency between you and your client. Zoey advises having a conversation with your client, to see how often they can come and get their hair done, and also what kind of budget they are working with, this gives you both a clear understanding of what can be achieved and what colour is going to work best for the amount of visits your client can afford.

“By having an open and proactive dialogue with your client, you are helping them navigate a very tough time,” added Zoey.

While the cost-of-living-crisis may impact individuals’ discretionary spending, we have established that there is still an enduring need for salon appointments and the cost-of-livingcrisis can be navigated by introducing low-maintenance looks. Salons that can provide affordable services whilst maintaining quality and customer satisfaction are likely to attract customers, even in times of financial strain, due to their initiative and understanding.

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