Is it OK to not want to chat at the salon?

As we ease back into life from the quiet of lockdown living and more clients – both new and old – return to the salon, have you considered their noise preference by offering silent or sensory-aware appointments?

Many may be experiencing anxiety surrounding their appointment. While many salons enjoy a bustling atmosphere, there may be a number of potential clients that find this environment overwhelming – and, by not offering an alternative, could see many discouraged or daunted from booking with you.

Who benefits from this style of appointment?

“By considering offering quiet appointments you can attract a niche market that is on the rise,” says Jacki Clarke, CND™ & LashUs education ambassador & owner of Chanteek Holistic Beauty. “Both children and adults live with sensory issues. By offering quiet appointments, you can also be accessible for those who live with anxiety issues as well.

Jacki Clarke

“Some of us love the craziness of the salon: the chatter, the music  but for many it can be overwhelming. This doesn’t mean a client don’t want to experience the treatments we have on offer, so try to look around your salon environment to consider what each of the senses are going to experience including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. You can then try to minimise each of these.

“It may feel new to us to have no radio playing or the usual chat with clients, but that may just be what someone needs.”

“It may also help potential clients on the lookout for quiet and sensory appointments if you offer a free consultation time. This way they can meet you, discuss what will happen during the treatment and be able to see the room.”

How can I offer accommodating appointments?

“The easiest way for a salon to implement quiet appointments is to offer a particular day of the week that will be a quiet day. If it is a busy salon then it may not be possible to accommodate quiet appointments every day so dedicating a particular day can be very effective.” Alternatively, if you have a private treatment room, consider utilising this.

“If you have an online booking system, it could be one of the questions as they go through the booking process.”

“With a specific quiet appointment, my first step would always be to offer a free consultation first, so the client can see where the appointment will take place, what products will be used and I am able talk them through each step. When they arrive for their appointment, I’d ask them to take a seat and ask if everything feels comfortable for them.

“You will need to adapt each appointment for the individual, so you may need to talk some clients through each step before the treatment starts. I would always allow extra time for each one of my quiet appointments.”