The Future of Salons: How Technology is Changing the Beauty Industry

While we used to imagine tech as something poured over by computer enthusiasts and Silicon Valley developers, it’s now a crucial part of the way every industry grows and develops. The tech industry is worth $1.6 trillion in the US alone, and its growth shows no sign of slowing.

The most effective way of future-proofing your salon and its success is not by resisting the call of modernization but by implementing technology in your day-to-day operations. Here’s how.

Virtual Try-Ons

Salons avoid customer disappointment by using virtual imaging software to allow them to try out different hairstyles or makeup looks before arriving at the salon.

That way, there’s no walking out with a hairstyle you don’t like, boosting customer satisfaction and your chance of receiving positive reviews.

More Scope for Marketing

There’s undoubtedly still a place for word-of-mouth and physical marketing in the form of handing out flyers and attending events.

But the majority of your clients will find you online, with 98% of consumers using the internet to find more information about local businesses.

This means your social media and Google presence have to be up to scratch, with regularly updated profiles and friendly responses to users who interact with you. If you have a little left over in your budget, it could be worth hiring a part-time social media manager to perfect your online presence.

Customer Preference Tracking

One of the easiest ways to provide excellent customer service is to remember the preferences of each customer. The good news? You no longer have to write them down or rely on memory.

Technology allows salon owners to note their clients’ preferences using software, so you’ll never have to dig through a notebook to find your customer’s perfect shade again.

Increased Importance of Online Reviews

Before the widespread use of the internet, particularly social media, consumers were more likely to visit the first local salon they came across or prioritize recommendations from friends and family.

Now, where’s the first place consumers look for recommendations? Google.

And with nine out of ten consumers saying online reviews play a role in them finding a new business, having numerous positive reviews isn’t a nice-to-have - it’s a must.

Asking your most loyal customers to leave positive reviews is a great place to start, as is incentivizing clients to leave reviews with discounts and other perks.

Consumer Demand for Digital Services

With an increase in technology comes an adjustment in what consumers expect from your brand. Gone are the days of them being happy to have to take time out of a busy day to call and wait to get through to make a booking.

Nowadays, consumers want salons to have their own apps, or at least access to a booking app, where they can select and book services in their own time without speaking to a staff member.

Transform Your Salon With Technology

Looking for an app that will future-proof your salon’s operations and success in one fell swoop? MyCuts is the salon app that can be accessed from any device, aiming to boost your productivity and profits, increase client retention, and reduce your manual workload.

You can easily control your inventory, allow clients to book appointments, and keep a record of client references. No more digging through paperwork needed - just a salon business that’s built for the future.