SHORTCUTS UNVEILS AIRE, REVOLUTIONISING SOLO HAIRDRESSER OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALIA

After 30 years of leadership in salon technology, Shortcuts introduces a game-changing solution tailored for independent stylists.

Shortcuts, a leader in salon technology for 30 years, proudly announces the launch of Shortcuts Aire, a product meticulously crafted for solo hairdressers and small salons. Shortcuts Aire is set to transform the solo hairstyling industry by streamlining administrative tasks and enriching client interactions, allowing stylists to focus more on their craft.

John Benders, Group CEO of Shortcuts, states: “With Shortcuts Aire, we’re launching a significant breakthrough for solo hairdressers across Australia. Aire is crafted to simplify the lives of solo stylists, allowing them to focus more on their craft and less on administrative tasks. This launch marks a strategic step in our ongoing commitment to innovation and to enhancing the professional lives of stylists.

Building on Shortcuts’ leadership in salon technology, it underscores our dedication to elevating customer experiences with meaningful solutions. The hard work and passion of our team have been crucial in developing Shortcuts Aire, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds the demands of today’s independent stylists.”

From local startup to global influence

From humble beginnings as a Brisbane startup, Shortcuts has grown into an international success, now serving the salon industry in multiple countries. The company uniquely blends seasoned expertise with innovative new talent, continually advancing technology that enhances user experience and customer care.

Innovation driven by data:

The development of Shortcuts Aire is supported by extensive data collected over three decades, confirming its necessity and potential impact. Insights from a 2021 survey conducted by the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) reveal a significant shift toward solo operations within the hairdressing industry post-COVID. According to the survey, 42% of staff who left traditional salon roles during the pandemic transitioned to working from home, freelancing, or renting a chair, and 80% expressed no interest in returning to salon employment.

This trend toward independent operation highlights the demand for solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by solo entrepreneurs. Strategically positioned to meet these needs, Shortcuts Aire provides solo hairdressers with a robust platform that empowers solo stylists to not only meet but exceed the growing expectations of their clients, ensuring they can thrive independently.

Sara Teixeira, a solo stylist and owner of Senso Hair, and beta user of Shortcuts Aire, shares her experience: “As a solo operator who’s always on the go, Shortcuts Aire has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to manage all my bookings directly from my phone, making it super easy for clients to book their appointments. I can quickly check my schedule anytime, anywhere, without being tied up in calls all day. Aire really understands what we solo stylists need - it’s like having a pocket-sized assistant!”

Jo Burgess, Co-founder and VP of Evolution, reflects on the journey: “From our early days in Brisbane to becoming an international player, our journey has always been driven by a desire to innovate ahead of the curve. Shortcuts Aire epitomises our commitment to the hair and beauty industry, designed to anticipate and shape future market trends.”

Justin O’Sullivan, CTO of Shortcuts, adds: “Shortcuts Aire represents an amazing collaboration across the Shortcuts team, bringing together deep domain knowledge and decades of experience. I believe the outcome will resonate powerfully with the industry, empowering stylists and transforming their businesses.”

Initial feedback

The initial response to Shortcuts Aire has been exceptionally enthusiastic, highlighting the pressing need for tailored solutions that directly address the unique challenges faced by solo hairdressers. Shortcuts Aire has been crafted with precision to meet these needs, providing solo stylists with features specifically designed to enhance their small and unique business operations. These include seamless booking integrations, intuitive client management tools, and innovative marketing solutions that together streamline workflows and enhance customer engagement.

This feedback confirms Shortcuts Aire’s ability to not only ease administrative burdens but also to empower stylists with tools for real-time insights into earnings, automated upsell opportunities, and 24/7 booking capabilities, enabling them to focus more on their craft and build stronger client relationships.

Shortcuts are inviting all solo operators and small salons to explore its features with a free 30-day trial of the Pro plan. After the trial, you can continue with the free version of Shortcuts Aire, which offers industry-specific booking tools, including online booking for hair and beauty appointments. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Grow plan for added SMS capabilities, or the Pro plan for enhanced business and marketing features.

To start your free trial www.aire.shortcuts.com.au