The Salon Scoop

arrivals to cancellations, redo requests to product returns, having clear guidelines in place can help prevent misunderstandings and promote transparency with your clients. However, it's important to remember that there is a time and a place to enforce these policies – and in this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah dive deeper into the professional way to inform and enforce your salon’s policies and explain why social media is not the best platform to do so!

If you’re a salon professional, you’ve no doubt heard of the NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), but do you know what goes on behind the scenes of planning a huge awards event like this?! In today’s episode, we are so excited to have Audra Jones, the organizer behind this prestigious awards ceremony! She spills the tea on everything that needs to happen to make an awards ceremony of this caliber a SUCCESS and you’ll get to learn all about what happens backstage at the NAHAs!

Huge thanks goes out to the amazing Audra Jones for taking the time to have this conversation and share so many secrets with us (and you)!

Now more than ever, our industry must acknowledge the impact it has on the planet and take proactive measures towards sustainability. By adopting eco-friendly practices and embracing renewable resources, we can ensure that our beloved salons not only thrive but also contribute positively to the preservation of our environment for generations to come. In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah give you new ideas of how you can take environmental responsibility in your salon.

Not all loyalty programs are created equal.  In the competitive world of salon and spa businesses, HAVING a loyalty program is essential to retain customers and build long-lasting relationships.  However, it is not enough to simply have a loyalty program in place; if you want it to actually work and change your customer's behavior, the program must include specific features that clients can actually engage with and utilize.  

In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah deep dive into what you need for a successful loyalty program that actually GROWS your business.

AI is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us and for some reason our industry is falling behind by not using it (or not using it effectively). On today’s special feature episode, Scott was interviewed by Larissa on the Salon Owners Collective podcast where he shared 3 simple ways salon owners can use AI to make marketing and communication with clients a lot easier! Huge thanks to Larissa and Salon Owners Collective podcast for having us on their show to discuss this topic we are so passionate about! Make sure to follow them on Instagram @salonownerscollective

At first glance, SEO may seem overwhelming and confusing. However, fear not! Salon S.O.S., a leading provider of digital marketing solutions to salon professionals, is here to simplify this complex topic. In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah break down SEO in simple terms and provide you with 10 cutting-edge strategies that salon pros can utilize!

We sat down with the iconic Celene Dupuis in her episode How to Overcome Obstacles and Break Barriers to discuss her amazing career in our industry. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, stop what you're doing and scroll back! It is clear that Celene is a master of her trade that has a wealth of knowledge, but in this episode, we're getting to know a different side of her! Dive into this episode to hear Celene go through our rapid fire questioning of everything you never knew you wanted to know. Huge thanks to Celene for sitting down with us for this fun segment, make sure to give her a follow on Instagram @celenedupuis

In an era where social media platforms dominate the beauty industry, presenting real and relatable content fosters a sense of transparency that resonates with clients, ultimately driving business growth and success for salon professionals. In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah explain how to do just that so you can easily find your own way of presenting authentic, genuine content on your salon’s social media platforms!

Get ready to level up your social media game with this S.O.S. Roundtable episode featuring Jessica Barkhouse from Summit Salon Services and Jen Raney from Salon Centric! These dynamic sales consultants are here to spill all the secrets on how to use social media to take your salon business to the next level. Whether you're a hairstylist, independent suite owner, salon owner, chair renter, or a sales consultant yourself, these ladies have got you covered with their unique perspective of working on the other side of the industry. From Instagram tips to Facebook strategies, they know exactly what salon professionals need to succeed in the digital world. Tune in for this amazing conversation with Jessica and Jen as they share expert advice and actionable tips that will help you grow your business and stand out in the salon industry! Huge thanks goes to our guests.

For even more social media strategies, give them a follow on Instagram:

Jessica @jessica_summitsalons   

Jen @jenraney_saloncentric 

We are so excited to release this episode of The Hairdresser Strong Show that shines the spotlight on our CEO Scott Moon! In this episode, Scott discusses the importance of incorporating tech and digital marketing strategies into your salon business in order to create an incredible experience for your clients both in salon and online. This conversation is packed full of valuable information and tangible tips on how to get started, you won’t want to miss it! Huge thanks goes out to The Hairdresser Strong Show for featuring us, make sure to check them out on Instagram @thehairdresserstrongshow

As we step into 2024, it's time for salon owners to take their guest experience to a whole new level. Gone are the days of simply offering great haircuts or pampering treatments – today's clients expect more. So buckle up for this Digital Debrief with Scott and Sarah and get ready to discover some easy and inexpensive ideas that will leave your clients raving about their time at your salon!

Your audience wants more from your social media in 2024, salon pros. They want you to dig deeper, and it can be a struggle to know what to ditch and what to keep when you’re re-evaluating your digital marketing strategy. 

In this week’s episode, Scott and Sarah present you with a comprehensive list of what’s in and what’s out in terms of social media practices for salon pros this year. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your online presence, attract new clients or simply strengthen your brand, this detailed guide will provide invaluable insights on what to do and what to avoid when navigating the dynamic realm of social media!

What exactly does it mean to find your WHY as a salon or spa owner? Why is finding your WHY so crucial? In this episode, Scott and Sarah share insight into the importance of using your WHY to connect with your audience in an authentic way as well as how to nail down your WHY in a way that's easy to communicate.  Scott and Sarah also answer their own WHY factor questions about their businesses to inspire you with some examples! Want to share your own WHY factor?! We want to see and share it! Make sure to tag us @salon.s.o.s on Instagram and/or TikTok and use the hashtag #theWHYfactor

The new year brings a frenzy of resolutions and the popular obsession with gym memberships and diets. But there's something even more crucial to our success that often goes overlooked - our mindset.  In this episode, Scott talks about the revolutionary concept of the Mental Gym and he explores how cultivating our mindset is not only essential but also a skill that can be practiced. Get ready to learn as Scott shares three powerful techniques to train your brain muscles to create the mindset you need and deserve to thrive in our ever-evolving industry!  

Have you ever wondered what kind of advice industry icons would give to new salon professionals or established professionals looking for some inspiration? Would it be about how to execute the perfect cut, how to apply a seamless color, or perhaps it would be something deeper about how to maintain work life balance?

In today’s episode, we ask some of the best in the biz what ONE piece of advice they would give their younger self if they were starting over again.  Their answers are helpful, sometimes funny, and inspiring for everyone. Whether you’re a salon industry newcomer or have been in the biz for years, you won’t want to miss these pieces of advice that are worth their weight in gold. HUGE shoutout to our amazing guests for sharing their wisdom! Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram:

Heather Bagby @heatherbagby

Shawna Russell @hairbyshawna_russell

Sean Godard @seangodard

Adrienne Dara @adriennedara

Michelle Oliver @michelleoliverhair

Pascal & Jeremie @pascaljeremie

The end of the year serves as a perfect opportunity to reset, re-evaluate our priorities, and implement effective techniques that will not only benefit our well-being but also enhance our professional performance. In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah explore essential self-care tips specifically tailored for salon professionals, highlighting why it is important to take the time to recharge after the holidays and implement some new techniques to start the new year refreshed.

We are so excited to have industry icon, Adrienne Dara, on The Salon Scoop!

Whether you aspire to be a hair educator or attract new clients as a hairstylist, this conversation is jam packed with valuable insights on maximizing your online presence and reaching your full potential. From decoding the algorithm to crafting engaging content strategies, Adrienne shares her firsthand experiences and expert advice on growing your Instagram following (hers is up to 285k and counting!). Tune in for an in-depth exploration of this powerful platform that will leave you equipped with the knowledge to thrive and set yourself apart!

Huge thanks to our amazing guest, Adrienne Dara, for sharing so much insight and tangible advice! Make sure to check her out on Instagram @adriennedara

In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah explore how gift-giving during the holidays can be an incredible opportunity to strengthen client relationships. We'll share ideas for digital gifts that will make your salon clients feel special and appreciated without going overboard on spending. Tune in to learn how to say thank you and show gratitude to your valued guests this holiday season!

We are thrilled to have the incredible Leanne Cordeiro or today’s episode of The Salon Scoop to talk all things social media in the salon! Leanne is the owner of Salon Cordeiro and has taken her salon to new heights and has found major success using Instagram in her digital marketing strategy!

In this episode, Leanne shares her tried and trued best practices and tips and tricks for how salon pros can take their social media game to the next level and turn followers into paying clients.

HUGE thanks goes out to our amazing guest, Leanne for sharing such valuable insight, make sure to follow Salon Corderio for continued inspiration on Instagram @saloncordeiro

We are back with another batch of salon horror stories just in time for spooky, Halloween season!

In this episode, we talk with a salon professional who dealt with the inner workings of a cult, a hairstylist who had quite the surprise when a client presented a medical issue to her in her chair (like LITERALLY presented it to her), and another stylist who had a very unfortunate and "crappy" day at work (excuse the terrible pun, you'll understand after listening!)

In this Digital Debrief, we dive into the world of Threads, a new social media platform that presents unique opportunities for salon professionals. We can't say for sure if Threads is the new big thing, but one thing is certain – staying on top of the everchanging social media world is crucial for your salon business. Seamlessly integrated with Instagram, Threads offers a personalized experience for sharing moments with clients and potential customers. Whether you're looking to create a private space away from the noise or strengthen existing relationships, this app has got you covered. Join us as Scott and Sarah explore how to effectively set your salon up for success on Threads and take advantage of its unique features to elevate your business.

In today's Roundtable Discussion, Scott explores the future of sustainability in the salon industry. We are thrilled to have 3 industry-leading salon owners share their insights as we dive into the exciting advancements and initiatives that are reshaping sustainable practices in salons. They share tangible advice on how salons can adopt greener technologies, reduce waste, and promote ethical practices without compromising style or quality. 

We could not be more excited to have the iconic duo Pascal and Jeremie back once again for our Rapid Fire segment! They shared so much insight and valuable information in their episode Fashion Forward, Onward and Up (if you haven’t caught that yet, make sure to put it on queue!) but today, we’re keeping things light and asking these industry legends everything you never knew you needed to know about them!

Thank you so much to our incredible guests, Pascal and Jeremie for sitting down for this fun rapid fire segment! Make sure to follow them on Instagram @pascaljeremie

As we approach the end of another eventful year, it's time for salon professionals to reflect on their business performance and plan for a strong final quarter of the year. In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah dive into 8 key areas that you need to consider, such as financial performance, client feedback, marketing strategies, staff engagement, and much more to make sure you end 2023 with a bang!

We were honoured to be featured on Shop Talk by Elevated Stylist podcast to talk about our favourite topic… Digital Marketing! In this episode, the incredible ladies of Shop Talk pick Scott’s brain on all things digital marketing and how to utilize it effectively to grow your salon business. From how to recruit and retain a solid clientele, to best practices, this crossover episode will give you all the insight you need to start getting serious about a digital marketing strategy for your salon or spa. Huge thanks to the amazing team at Elevated Stylist, we had a blast being a guest on this amazing podcast! Make sure to check them out wherever you find podcasts and on Instagram @elevated_stylist

In the ever-evolving world of salon businesses, finding your niche and establishing a strong brand identity is essential for long-term success. While many salon professionals focus solely on delivering exceptional services or keeping up with the latest industry trends, they often overlook one powerful tool that can guide their business toward greatness – the mission statement. So why is it crucial to establish a mission statement for your salon business? In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah delve into the significance of having a clear-cut mission statement and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to establish your salon’s WHY!

In this episode of The Salon Scoop, we dive into the world of social media growth with successful salon owner and business mogul, Chelle Neff.  Chelle shares tips and strategies that have grown her salon's Instagram account @urbanbetty. We also discuss how to improve your salon’s online reputation and create an appealing web presence that not only attracts potential clients but also ranks higher in Google results. Whatever your role is in the salon, you won’t want to miss this conversation jam packed with invaluable tips on growing your IG account, crafting compelling content, boosting Google ratings, and mastering website optimization techniques! Huge thanks goes out to the amazing Chelle Neff. Make sure to give her salon a follow on Instagram @urbanbetty

So you know that TikTok is a popular social media platform, but you still haven't used it, right?  Maybe you've told yourself it's just for teenagers or that you can only be successful if you sing and dance.  Regardless, you are probably frustrated because it's 1 more thing to do and you don't know where to start and what you would even post for your salon business. The reality is that TikTok has become a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their creativity and reach a wider audience. With over 800 million active users worldwide of all ages, it presents an incredible opportunity for salon professionals to tap into this vast potential and showcase their creativity in unique ways. By not being on this platform, you are missing out on a big opportunity to get additional exposure for your business.  In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah fill you in on why you should utilize TikTok as a salon professional as well as specific ideas and inspiration to get you started!

We couldn’t be more excited to have the absolutely incredible Brigette Sobus on The Salon Scoop! In this episode, Brigette shares her years of insight and wisdom about how to create a lifestyle you love and how to put yourself first in an industry that focuses on making others feel their best. She gives advice on how to set and stick to boundaries and reiterates the importance of filling your own cup before pouring into others. Brigette herself is a salon owner and recognized the importance of strong coaching to be able to not only survive but thrive in our industry. She has been a Certified Coach for over a decade now. HUGE thank you to our amazing guest, Brigette Sobus for this incredibly insightful episode! Make sure to check her out on Instagram @brigettesobus

In today’s Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah scratch the surface on the ever-evolving world of AI! Now, you might be wondering, "What's all this fuss about AI and how can it possibly help the hair salon industry?" Well, hold onto your combs because we're about to spill the tea on how AI can take your salon from fabulous to absolutely jaw-dropping!

 We’ve also got an amazing offer for Salon Scoop listeners you won’t want to miss! If you’re wanting to start diving into the world of AI, we have created a training specifically for salon professionals! For a limited time, you can score this training for only $23 Canadian (tax included)! Hit the link below to get yourself signed up today. 

We could not be more excited to have the iconic duo Pascal and Jeremie on today’s episode! They are the founders of Pascal & Jeremie Concept, one of North America’s most established fashion styling, trade shows and events firm and have produced, styled and directed shows in over 100 cities. Pascal and Jeremie are here to share the insights they’ve gained from their experiences at some the biggest industry events worldwide and we cannot wait for you to hear what they have to say! We shop talk everything behind the scenes and get up close and personal with the geniuses behind Pascal & Jeremie Concept in this jam packed episode.

Thank you so much to our incredible guests, Pascal and Jeremie for sitting down for this amazing conversation! Make sure to follow them on Instagram @pascaljeremie

As a salon or spa owner, you're always looking for ways to increase revenue and keep your clients coming back. One way to do this is by offering hair care/beauty subscription boxes. These are monthly boxes that contain a variety of beauty products, including hair care items, skincare products, makeup, and more. Subscription boxes can be implemented as an extra stream of revenue for small businesses and when executed properly, can result in new and repeat retail customers for your salon.
Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer convenience and surprise. Instead of having to go out and shop for individual beauty products, customers can receive a box full of goodies each month and try products they perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have!

In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah explain how to effectively offer and execute beauty product box subscriptions at your salon!

We are absolutely THRILLED to have the amazing, multi-talented, Andrea Sampson on The Salon Scoop! Andrea is the CEO and founder of Efe Magazine, the beauty industry’s first multicultural trade publication. She is best known for her electric and charismatic performances as a platform artist in the beauty industry over the last 25+ years. Andrea has been featured in publications Elle, Flair, Toronto Life, Sharp Magazine, LouLou, Canadian Living, and Fashion Magazine and has made appearances on National TV outlets such as Breakfast Television, The Social, E-Talk, CityLine and Marilyn Denis. In this episode, Andrea talks about dreaming big and HOW to turn that dream into reality, both personally and professionally. She talks about pushing through barriers and boundaries in pursuit of creating an inclusive space for all involved in the beauty industry. We cannot thank Andrea enough for sharing such important and valuable information, make sure to follow along with her salon journey on Instagram @andreasampsonefemagazine

As a salon professional, you know that your online reputation is crucial to the success of your business. A positive online presence can help increase visibility and searchability, which ultimately leads to more clients and revenue. One of the most effective ways to build a positive online reputation is by receiving reviews from your clients. Receiving online reviews is essential for both stylists and salons alike. When potential clients are searching for hair or esthetic services in their area, they often turn to review sites like Google, Yelp or Facebook. Having positive reviews on these platforms can make all the difference when it comes to attracting new clients. In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah break down how to ask your guests for reviews, salon incentives for leaving reviews, as well as best practices to make the most of each client testimonial!

We’ve got the incredible Michael Cole on this episode of The Salon Scoop to discuss a topic that both pains and excites salon professionals, RETAIL!

Join us as we dive deep into how the mindset around retail needs to shift from simply offering retail products in your salon, to making retail a star in the overall guest experience. Michael Cole brings his expertise and years of experience to the table, guiding salon owners and professionals on taking a fresh approach towards retail. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with Michael and Scott as they share invaluable tips on transforming your salon into a retail destination and explore how focusing on the full guest experience can revolutionize your salon's retail success!

We cannot thank Michael enough for joining us, make sure to follow along on Instagram @michaelcole_summit for daily tips and tricks on how to become a millionaire stylist!

As a salon professional, you’ve got to play many roles. From service provider, to therapist, to chemist… and with the rise of social media marketing with salons, you now need to be a photographer as well! Your social media pages act as a digital portfolio, and you want to make sure you’re filling them with high quality photos of your work. In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah are going to give you tips and tricks on how to easily and properly take excellent photos of your work to create an amazing page that attracts new followers and clients alike! 

How many times have you found yourself with writer’s block when it comes to curating captions for your salon or spa's social media posts? Have you ever found yourself wondering how exactly hashtags work and if they add any value to your posts? Sometimes, the most seemingly simple tasks cause the most grief, and this can be the case when it comes to caption writing and hashtags. In this episode, Scott and Sarah give you a breakdown on best practices for caption writing and hashtags in 2023! 

Firstly, if you haven’t caught our conversation with Sean in his Salon Scoop debut episode, Fake It 'Til You Make It, go and give that a listen ASAP! 

Sean dropped so much insight and advice in his interview episode, but in this Rapid Fire, we keep it fun and light! Get to know the multi-talented Sean Godard on a different level in this episode.

Make sure to give Sean a follow on Instagram @seangodard for incredible hair content and behind the scenes action!

Although the pandemic was a huge blow to salon professionals deemed “unessential”, it also provided a huge learning opportunity. As salon owners, you were forced to think outside of the box to create a stream of revenue when in salon services weren’t an option, and a lot of this creativity went into strategizing retail sales. Retailing is such a huge income opportunity in our industry that many salons and stylists are missing out on.

In this Digital Debrief, Scott and Sarah cover why retail is not only important but imperative in your salon business, how to sell without feeling salesy, how to use social media to increase retail sales, and how to boost morale and make retailing exciting for your team.

Memberships are offered in many different industries and have started being found more often in salons and spas. A salon membership is a program offered by some salons that provides both loyal and potential guests with exclusive perks and benefits. Memberships can vary in price and duration, but typically offer discounts on services, priority booking, free upgrades or add-ons to treatments, and access to private salon events or promotions. These memberships are designed to reward loyal salon clients while also encouraging repeat and new business for the salon. They can be a great way for individuals who regularly utilize salon services to save money and receive extra perks not available to non-members. 

In this Digital Debrief episode, Scott and Sarah talk about the prosand cons of offering membership options in your salon and some ideas to get you started!