The Benefits of Visiting a Home Based Salon

Photo by Cyndi White.

I have noticed that some people have a stigma against going to a salon in someone's home.  Some newer clientele have informed that, had they not been referred by someone they trusted, they would not have come in solely because my salon is in my home.  I have also been asked a couple of times if I have a shampoo bowl.  I find it slightly amusing to realize that when some people hear the phrase "home salon" they envision a creepy basement, garage, or unprofessional looking salon area where they are rinsed in a kitchen sink. To ease some people's minds, I am going to go into detail about my experience as a hairstylist, my reasoning behind the choice to open a home based salon, and I will share a list of benefits to becoming a patron of a home based salon, as well as pictures to show that Salon Lotus is as nice and professional looking as any other salon.

A brief history:

My cosmetology license.

I graduated from La James International College with a license in cosmetology.  Right out of school, I landed a position at one of the most prestigious salons in the Quad Cities. 

This particular salon had an assistant program for stylists that were fresh out of school.  I assisted the owner and the lead stylists and received extensive training for a year.  I decided that this particular salon was not where I wanted to be employed and I was offered a position at a couple other top salons in the area. 

Salon Lotus' license.

I worked at another top salon for a while, but after much reflection, I realized that I did not wish to be in a high priced salon environment.  I wanted to bring the high class hair that I was very capable of producing to the general public.  I also did not want to be in a stressful, high pressure, fast paced salon.  That being said, I have nothing negative to say about any salon I have worked for and I greatly appreciate all of the training and advice I have received from them.  I would not be where I am today without the help of the owners of those salons. 

Illinois Business Authorization

I love doing hair and I am good at it, so I decided to open my own shop.  After much research, I realized that the quickest, cheapest way to open my own business would be to have a home based salon.  I went through the long process of having my home commercially zoned, my shop licensed by the state, remodeling, and securing some investors.  I have never been more happy and my skill level has increased by leaps and bounds by being by myself and eliminating the pressure I was feeling.

On the set of Paula Sands Live.

Through connections I had developed over the years, I landed a segment on Paula Sands Live last spring and have become the only regular hairstylist the show has ever had.  I usually am on the show once a month and I will have my 6th segment on January 5th, 2012 to showcase the 2012 hair trends.

The following is a list of benefits for clients to come to a home based salon:

1. Every client receives one on one time with me.  A lot of other salons tend to take the assembly line approach to hair.  They may have an assistant shampoo the client, pass them off to the stylist for a quick color application or haircut, and then pass the client back to an assistant for rinsing color and styling.  This can cause the client to feel rushed, not know who to tip, and can cause confusion and issues with the services.  At Salon Lotus, I realize that you are paying for my time and so I take my time with each client, educate them on products and styling, and I do everything myself.

Photo of Salon Lotus by Nick Campos.

2. The environment is very relaxing in a home based salon.  At some salons, rows of stylists are crammed in next to each other with hardly any elbow room and the sound of lots of conversations and blow dryers can become annoying and stressful.  I have had many clients comment on the fact that Salon Lotus is very quiet and peaceful.

Photo of Salon Lotus by Cyndi White.

3. Children are always welcome.  At some salons clients may feel uncomfortable bringing their children with them, but at Salon Lotus there is no need to worry about misbehaving and bothering other stylists or clients.  I am very understanding and patient.

Salon Lotus price list.

4.  Less overhead costs.  This may sound like a benefit to the owner only, but with less overhead costs I am able to keep my prices low and run monthly specials.  A full color and cut at one of my previous salons was $130-$150.  I do the same exact services for $85-$105.

5.  Clients can develop a closer personal relationship with me.  There is a running joke that hairstylists are also therapists, at Salon Lotus my clients feel free to talk about anything they wish without having to worry about eaves dropping.  I am also able to cater the experience to each individual client by allowing them to listen to whatever music they chose.

6. There is no judgment here.  In the past I had some clients tell me that they were intimidated to walk into my old salons because they felt they had to be dressed perfectly, be in full makeup, and have their hair already styled.  At Salon Lotus no one but me sees you covered in foil like a baked potato.

Salon Lotus waiting area.

7. Fair pricing.  I am the one in charge and so I am able to discount pricing if I do not perform a full haircut or only put in a couple of foils.

8.  Anonymity for male clients.  Some men do not want the world to know they cover their gray hair or get their eyebrows waxed.  It is very easy for my male clients to sneak in and  to be comfortable getting whatever service they want.

Salon Lotus waiting area.

9.  Clients still receive all the perks and professionalism of a "real salon."  Salon Lotus has a waiting area and offers a complimentary beverage bar, light snacks, wine or beer by request, a full magazine rack, and complimentary confirmation texts or emails.  I have a shampoo bowl with a comfortable reclining shampoo chair, a hydraulic styling chair, have top of the line shears, clippers, and other tools, and only carry and use professional products and color.  I also regularly attended classes to further my training and to keep myself on the cutting edge of the hair world (pun intended).

10.  Booking appointments in easy and accurate.  The problem with some salons is that the receptionists do not actually do hair and have limited knowledge of products and services.  They do not always know the correct timing for certain services and some clients dread booking over the phone.  At Salon Lotus I make booking an appointment easy and give you many options.  Clients can book appointments directly through me via phone, text, Facebook, or online.

Hopefully I have given clients considering coming to Salon Lotus some things to think about when it comes to home based salons.  If you are a current client, please feel free to send anyone you refer to me to this article so that they are more comfortable.  For more pictures of the salon and examples of my work please go to facebook.com/salonlotus.

That is all my lovelies.

Healthy Hair in the Winter

I did a segment on Paula Sands Live on December 2nd to discuss how to keep your hair healthy in the winter months.  Some clients missed the show and wanted me to share my tips with them and I would like to go a little more in detail, so here I go:


Winter sure can wreak havoc on your tresses!  You have to fight dryness, static, itchy/flaky scalps, and dull, lifeless hair.

Tip 1: For the winter I say it is all about MOISTURE!  This means that you need to avoid harsher cleansers, especially clarifying shampoos, and instead opt for a hydrating shampoo.  I suggest the Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo.  The Moroccan Oil line is magical.  The secret ingredient is argan oil.  The women of Morocco have used this oil for centuries to combat all of the harsh conditions in the desert.

Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

So you have your hydrating shampoo, now you need a conditioner.  In the winter it is best to use a stronger, deeper conditioner.  I suggest the Moroccan Oil Hydrating Conditioner.  You can purchase these items at Salon Lotus or you can get an in salon deep conditioning treatment with a deep conditioning mask (this also includes an amazing scalp massage).

Tigi Bed Head Superstar

Tip 2: Avoid products that are high in alcohol because these will overly dry out your hair.  Products high in alcohol include mousses, gels, and some hairsprays.  The best products to use in the winter are dual purpose products.  I suggest Tigi Bed Head Superstar.  Superstar is a leave in conditioner that is also a volumizing spray and can be purchased at Salon Lotus.

There are many other products that are dual purpose and have a leave in conditioning factor in them.  If anyone wants a list of more products, please email me.

Tips 3: Use less heat and shampoo less.  Some of you gasp when I suggest shampooing less, but it really is better for the health of your hair.  Try to shampoo every other day or every two days.  You may find your hair a little more oily for a little while, but give it two weeks.  Over shampooing your hair strips it and your scalp of your natural oils and therefore your scalp overproduces oil.  After two weeks you will find that your scalp rebalances itself out and starts producing less oil.  If you still feel you have dirty hair, try skipping the shampooing, wet your hair, and condition only.

A tight twisted bun.

You may ask yourself, "How the heck am I going to use less heat and still style my hair?"  I have a few tricks for you!  As soon as you get out of the shower, put in your products and go about your normal routine.  When you are done with your morning rituals, the hair will have air dried a lot and you can use your blow dryer on a lower heat setting to style.  This will cut down blow drying time in half!  Make sure to use a boar bristle roundbrush and use wooden brushes and combs to avoid static.  For a tousled, wavy look, simply put product in towel dried hair and fasten hair into a braid or tight twisted bun.  Let the braid or twist air dry, take it out, and fingercomb through the hair.

Tip 4: Use products with tea tree oil or get an in salon treatment for itchy scalps.  Tea tree oil has been used for centuries as a natural cure for many skin conditions, including dandruff.  Learn more about tea tree oil here: http://www.scalp-health.com/head/tea-tree.htm. My favorite shampoo and conditioner that contains tea tree oil is the American Crew Balancing Shampoo and Calming Conditioner.  American Crew is a brand for men, but this shampoo and conditioner really works well and does not have an overly masculine scent.  They also have some styling products that contain tea tree oil.

American Crew products with tea tree oil.

The other option to cure an itchy, flaky scalp is to get an in salon treatment.  Massaging the scalp stimulates blood flow which makes the scalp produce more oil and this oil acts as a natural moisturizer, plus the massage feels super great.

Welcome To My Blog

Hello all!  I just wanted to extend a warm welcome to all of my readers. 

I am a hairstylist and owner of Salon Lotus in Moline, IL.  I am a regular guest on a local TV show called Paula Sands Live. 

On the show I give tips on various haircare concerns (ie: extending the life of your color, tips for keeping your hair healthy in different seasons, etc), current and upcoming hairtrends, product reviews, and tutorials on styling and that is what I will be addressing in this blog.

If anyone has any questions or suggestions for blog topics, please email me at shearbenji@gmail.com.  For more information about me and my salon, please go to www.facebook.com/salonlotus.