As many of us begin to step back into the salon it can be a great time to get organized and tidy our beloved space. There are several items that are essential for your business—and others that actually hinder your productivity. From expired products to a closet full of old capes, there are likely at least a few areas in your salon in desperate need of a serious decluttering, not only for a little peace of mind, but also to enhance your efficiency and, in some shape or form, to meet the requirements set by your State Board. Here, our top tips for decluttering your salon, along with easy organizational systems to implement now.
The Space: Reception
Organization is essential when it comes to booking appointments. The main goal should be to eliminate old paperwork and develop a system that ensures scheduling is a breeze.
What to Toss:
Loose paperwork; old receipts; old pens, highlighters or pencils; office supplies (i.e. paper clips, staples, etc.); flyers; customer cards; etc.
How to Stay Organized:
Create manila folders for the remaining paperwork. Next, separate office supplies in containers or bins, or store everything in assigned drawers. Once this is all organized, start on your appointment book. For best results, create a color-coding system for your stylists so it’s easy to see who is available and on the schedule. Alternatively, you could invest in a digital booking system to increase efficiency and cut down on missed opportunities.
The Space: Waiting Area
Clients should feel completely at ease as they wait for their appointment. To ensure this: zero clutter and a bright, inviting lounge space is key.
What to Toss:
Trash; old magazines; ripped, discolored or broken furniture.
How to Stay Organized:
To create a comfortable, relaxing waiting area, everything must serve a function and have a designated space. To start, purchase a few magazine holders and place them around the waiting area. You can also store extra amenities, such as pillows, phone charging cords, etc. in bins behind the seating area to make the space feel fresh and tidy.
The Space: Workstation
Perhaps the most important area to keep organized is your workspace. By knowing exactly where all of your tools or products are while your client is in the chair, you can cut increase efficiency of appointment times.
What to Toss:
Old or expired products, products that you haven't used for more than six months, old combs or brushes, broken sectioning clips, etc.
How to Stay Organized:
Purchase several small bins and containers to store all of your supplies. You should aim to create a “home” for every item. Store tools such as shears, brushes, hot tools and combs in small containers in one drawer, then do the same with bobby pins, hair elastics and hair bungees. Now is also a great time to detangle any cords. Store all of your products in a separate drawer, and keep your go-to products at the front for easy access. You may also consider hanging shelves around your workstation to provide you with ample storage space.
The Space: Backbar
Your backbar needs to be in tip-top shape in order to allow clients to come and go quickly. With a quick assessment a few rules and easy-to-find cleaning supplies you’ll be able to keep the area in ideal condition.
What to Toss:
Expired shampoo and conditioner bottles, torn or frayed towels
How to Stay Organized:
To ensure that your backbar runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible, store shampoos and conditioners on a shelf behind your sinks for easy accessibility. Additionally, store fresh towels in baskets by your sinks so stylists can quickly grab them after washing clients’ stands.
The Space: Storage closets
Storing too many products can immediately lead to clutter and chaos. To organize this area, perform a major product overhaul, then vow to complete a monthly inventory to prevent overcrowding.
What to Toss:
Expired products, product lines that are no longer being carried, expired dye, old coloring tools, etc.
How to Stay Organized:
Again, designating a spot for everything is key. Invest in a shelving system that allows you to see everything you have. Next, group products by type (i.e. shampoos, conditioners, hairspray, extra color, etc.), then sort by brand. You’ll also want to create a seperate area where you store the rest of your salon’s supplies, such as extra paper towels, toilet paper, capes, aprons, etc.
The real key to success? Aim to perform a weekly or monthly inventory to ensure that you’re well stocked and using the items you have on hand before placing another order. This will save you time and money while ensuring the salon is running smoothly for both stylists and clients.
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