How to Manage a Hair Salon

Let’s get real — managing and running a salon successfully takes a special kind of leadership and a whole lot of work. If you’re a salon manager or hoping to become one, you’re going to need to learn the ins and outs of running a salon. 

You’re in luck, though. This article will show you exactly what it takes to manage a hair salon with practical advice on how to do it well. 

A salon manager is the glue that holds all the pieces together and their management style really sets the tone for how a salon operates. A great salon manager keeps business running smoothly while making sure the salon’s people and clients are all taken care of. The salon manager has many duties — from ordering hair salon supplies to creating stylist schedules. 

Before we get into how to manage a salon, let’s talk a little more in-depth about the duties and job description of a salon manager. 

What Is a Salon Manager? 

A salon manager is responsible for ensuring that the salon is running seamlessly. Salon managers are in charge of salon operations, but depending on the size and business structure of each salon, this position may look a little different for everyone. Here are some responsibilities and duties that most salon managers are in charge of: 

• Oversee front desk 
• Manage stylist and receptionist schedules 
• Fill in where help is needed
• Order inventory 
• Replace salon tools
• Manage talent, including hiring, recruiting and firing 
• Handle payroll 
• Open and close the space
• Handle conflicts and client complaints

How to Manage a Hair Salon

Now that you’re familiar with some of the duties a salon manager takes on, let’s talk about how to effectively manage a salon so that all aspects are working together to boost business. 

• Open and Close the Salon Each Day: As the salon manager, you will likely be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. This gives you the chance to make sure the salon is ready for the day, as well as ensure that the salon is tidy for the next day once it’s closed.

• Make Sure Salon Is Stocked and Ready for Business: At the beginning of each day, you will need to make sure the salon is stocked and ready for clients and stylists to come in. Be sure to check that there are enough towels, products, tools and other supplies ready to go so that stylists can do their job efficiently. 

• Order New Inventory: If your salon is running low on products, you will need to make sure new inventory orders are placed and that you have new products constantly replenishing the supply.
  
• Unite Salon Team Members: As a salon manager, it’s your job to bring all aspects of the team together. From reception to stylists and assistants, everyone needs to be working toward a common goal to keep business running smoothly. To unite your team, hold a daily kick-off meeting to get everyone aligned on schedule and goals for the day. This kick-off meeting is also a great way to position yourself as the go-to person throughout the day.

• Manage Talent and Think Long-Term: A salon manager probably knows a salon’s people the best since they are interacting with them every single day. They are also responsible for hiring new talent and letting go of talent that isn’t working out. Keeping your finger on the pulse of your salon’s people and their needs in terms of new talent is key in managing a salon that has high retention and happy clients.

• Prioritize Cleanliness and Organization Throughout the Day: Salons and their people move at a fast pace, which can often create messes and disorganization throughout the space. However, cleanliness and organization are at the center of making sure clients have a great experience and employees can do their job efficiently. 

• Manage Client Feedback and Implementation: If clients have feedback for the salon — whether they are good or bad — chances are that they will go through you. It’s your job to file these complaints and use them to drive new changes or reinforce a good process your salon has.

• Support All Staff Throughout the Day: Aside from uniting every person and team member in the salon, you will also need to support them throughout the day — whether that means stepping in at the front desk or helping a stylist shampoo a client. You’re the go-to person on the floor and, by far, one of the most important!

If we haven’t made it clear, being a salon manager is a big deal. You are the life force of the salon!