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.