These are challenging economic times for salons and barbers. The recent campaign to cut VAT on haircare services is an indication of how the industry is coming together to survive, while increases in the National Living Wage (+6.7%), the National Minimum Wage (+16.3%) and Employers NIC (+1.2%), along with rising bills and costs, are heaping even more financial pressure on business owners.
As a leading equipment manufacturer, Takara Belmont works in partnership with salons and barbers around the world and we're sharing a 3-point plan on the positive action your salon or barbershop can take to mitigate these challenges and prosper in an unprecedented economic environment.
Plan your way to success
“The first thing salons and barbers should do is plan,” says Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager, Katie Fielder. “These are worrying times and it’s tempting to carry on and hope things will be OK or change for the better. Look at what services you offer and pricing. Ask clients and staff to contribute their ideas and decide how you can evolve your service menu and reset your pricing to alleviate these financial impacts. This may involve looking at where you need to invest, how this can be financed and, importantly, creating a marketing plan to raise awareness, so your existing clients try new services while attracting new ones.”
Invest your way to success
It may be hard to think about investing and expanding service menus when your focus is on reducing costs, but strategic investments can result in growth. Differentiating your salon or barbershop with new service ideas can increase client numbers and revenues and, with Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme, you can invest both affordably and tax efficiently.
Katie comments: “Japanese Head Spas, scalp care, beauty and well-being services are on the increase in salons and barbers, so look for growth areas in the industry and set about capitalising on this demand. Salons like ROKU in Edinburgh refocussed their business around the Japanese Head Spa and reported a 33% increase from December 2024 to January 2025, so there are positive outcomes to be gained from careful planning.”
ROKU invested in our full Head Spa package using our 0% Finance Lease Scheme and owner Robbie Bruce comments: “This flexible scheme allowed us to invest without straining our finances. The application process was straightforward and hassle-free.” As part of their repositioning, ROKU also benefitted from FREE training in the Yume Head Spa treatment technique, which has contributed to their success.
Promote your way to success
Marketing is key to growth and, with a watchful eye on budgets, there are many things salons and barbers can do to promote their way to success. Katie comments: “First, promote your services and add-ons in the salon or shop with POS and in every client communication. Design packages to upsell clients and add value by offering incentives on additional services to protect the value of your core offering.
"This could include a colour discount for clients booking a cut and style, or a reduced-price scalp care treatment for clients booking a cut and colour. In barbershops, it could include receiving a complimentary facial for a limited period or a promotion on hot towel shaves or beard care.”
As part of your marketing plan, it’s also important to make sure your services and offers are advertised on your website, blog and social media. “Many people Google to find the services they’re looking for,” continues Katie. “Make sure your website is up-to-date and share your expertise on your blog. When it comes to social media, look into social marketing to amplify awareness in your area and reach a wider audience too. Social advertising is less expensive than more traditional forms of advertising and it’s effective in raising awareness to people you wouldn’t otherwise reach.”
Finally Katie comments on the role of technology, which is helping salons and barbers become more effective marketers in a relatively inexpensive way. “Many salon software platforms automate bookings and marketing campaigns,” she says. “Building a client database and communicating via email, text or WhatsApp is effective and far-reaching. Design exclusive offers for loyal clients, promote new services and products and run tried and tested promotions like bring-a-friend to engage your clients and attract new bookings.”
Learn more about our 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme and FREE Yume Head Spa training
0% Finance Lease Scheme
Takara Belmont was the first company to introduce a 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme. This innovative scheme allows salons and barbershops to upgrade to world-class equipment in an affordable and tax efficient way. Finance runs for 2 years and at the end of the term you can own the equipment with a final payment or upgrade again with a new agreement.
Japanese Head Spa package with FREE* training
As the first company to develop and introduce the Original Japanese Head Spa to the professional salon market, Takara Belmont has developed equipment essential to support this exclusive technique. Salons purchasing the package, which includes a Yume Series shampoo system, Yume Series stool, Spa Mist II processor and Head Bath accessory benefit from FREE Yume Head Spa training for the whole team*.
For more information about our products visit https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/
Learn more about Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme and apply today
* Subject to location and availability. UK only.
