As a hair salon owner, you want to make sure that your doors are open to customers from all walks of life. Accommodating customers is what the hairstyling business is all about, making sure they walk out feeling their best and confident. The same rings true for patients of a certain age, who are set in their hairstyle, but still deserve the utmost respect and care anytime they walk through the door. Here are a few tips for salon owners to keep in mind with elderly patrons.
Be accommodating when it comes to making appointments.
Elderly patrons may not be the most tech-savvy, so online booking systems are simply going to be too much to handle to set up an appointment. That’s why it’s important to advertise your phone number so that your hair care services are just a call away. While on the phone, you can point out the salon stations and services you offer, ensuring that older customers get everything they need, from the shampoo chairs to the dryers.
If you are within a close enough walking distance to a senior living facility, you may want to consider having some of your hairdressers offer walk-in services to take customers on the spot. Make sure that if a customer does walk up to the reception desk that you are more than accommodating for their situation.
Offer price variants.
Some older customers find themselves on a strict budget. Let’s say your salon or barbershop is within a distance of an Altoona nursing home. You may want to offer a special discount through the nursing home or assisted living facility to ensure that their residents get the quality hair care they deserve. You could even bring your services on-site to build a better rapport with those in the facility.
You’ll want to make sure that your stylists consider offering up an all-inclusive package with a wash, cut, and dry, or any other additional services you have in your hair salon. The goal is to afford the best price possible that an elderly customer may be able to handle each month or as needed.
Keep them as comfortable as possible.
Just like in a high-quality senior care facility, comfort is king. You’ll want to make sure that your older customer can sit in a chair comfortably without having them feel like they’re sinking into their chairs. The last thing you want is for your elderly customer to be in pain during a relaxing moment like sitting in the barber chairs, dryer chairs, or just getting a curling iron through their hairdo. Be sure to look into chairs that allow easy elevation for your stylist to provide the best cut possible without their customer feeling like they can’t get adjusted. Make sure that there is enough distance between the mirror to allow hairdressers to move, but close enough space that an older customer isn’t squinting to get a look at themselves.
Make them a part of the salon’s marketing.
While some older customers may not be the most tech-savvy, others are. If they aren’t, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren know how to navigate the internet and the social mediascape. If you’re looking to provide a modern look to your customers, you may want to advertise that new hairdo as part of your marketing campaign. It not only will encourage more customers to come into your hair salon but let those with a new hairstyle feel better about what they see in the mirror. They’ll also feel more like family in your salon and more likely to keep coming back and bringing friends and family with them.