Salon of the future

POWER CUT
Winnie Loo, salon owner, A Cut Above, Kuala Lumpur
Clients will be able to work in the salon of the future, with WIFI or even a small business centre if space permits. A snack and café corner for those in a rush, a corner for wigs or a ‘my new look’ concept without a haircut, a retail area that makes clients pick up their favourite products or brushes or even their nail care… perhaps even a juice bar for the health conscious. Private rooms are a must for those planning to excel into the crème de la crème market as they are proven to be highly in demand.

DESTINATION HAIR
Paul Simbler, director, hob salons
Salons will become more spacious and less cluttered. With separate backwash areas to the salon floor, the clients will enjoy a pampered and relaxing spa-like shampoo section away from the hustle and bustle of the shop floor. A focus on detail will see salon owners tailor their shop lighting to the needs of that area. For example, brighter lights will be used in educational sections, softer lighting for the backwash area and correct lighting for the colour sections, as opposed to the blanket lighting used across most salons in the past. More money will be spent on higher-quality furnishings instead of opting for the cheaper choice. The quality and list of refreshments and possibly food available to clients will also expand as salons of the future become more of a ‘destination’ for their clients.

OPEN AND LUXURIOUS
John Parker, director, Rainbow Room International, Glasgow
More than ever, people are realising the importance of environment and wellbeing. Salons of the future will reflect this by incorporating more organic shapes and wide, open spaces where you can see everything going on. In our Academy in Glasgow, the staff room is situated on the salon floor. The team have to interact with their clients all of the time and it encourages the team to exchange ideas openly. People still want a ‘wow’ or luxury experience and don’t mind paying for it. Salons will become more luxurious and be able to cater for all services. The salon/spa experience will become standard.