What does the younger generation like to see in a modern beauty salon?

I am trying to make my salon more appealing to younger clientel, any suggestions on how to make the business popular. My salon is located in a small town in New Jersey.

Define younger?

I'm 34, dress like I'm 16 and get mistaken for 22.

I want hip, not some Queer Eye tragically hip, but someplace I feel comfy in that makes me feel as if I'm the coolest one around

Let there be something to see.
I spent this valentines day in a spa getting everything done. After about 5 hours, I was bored to tears.

You should have young, informed stylists - not Suzy's Mom or Aunt who's reading teen beat,but someone we can relate with.

I live in Chicago, and a lot of places that target the young and hip offer martinis and manicures a few nights a week and show fun television like American Idol or Project Runway. It builds buzz about the salon, and it becomes more of a fun destination than a necessary evil.

Go to a mall in the big city. Its har dto go after two demographics. Anyway consider the age of people working for you. Consider your deco. Just the style of the building (inside and out) will do a lot. Some nice paint on the walls very modern also some cheap modern paintings. Maybe music,etc.

Now product. This is number one. If you have the drive in you be creative. Look for the latest trends. Take your research further. We can all look at magazines but look at european culture and styles. Look at things happening n the west coast. Be the first to bring things to the east coast or America.

Not just hair styles either. YOu can find some great products out there from dyes,spray etc if you are always looking and talking to people from many places.

I would suggest starting another question asking about the latest styles etc.

Also adverts, if you do any try new places. Next pick your price most kids have 100% disposable income so consider this. When things cost more people are more attracted to it. Always remember to offer a product worth the mark up.

A few things to add to the salon are:
1) cappuccino machine
2) foutain soda
3) nice TV in waiting area

if business picks up I would put small flat screens at each chair. However I am thinking total revamp and going 100% modern. However location may not be worth the extreme investment.

for starters, drop the "beauty salon" thing and revamp/rename as a salon and day spa. Add massage therapy, mud bathes, cucumber facials etc. and you will make a bundle

Since nobody has mentioned it yet - how about some small "focus groups"?

You didn't state your age, but you probably have friends, employees, neighbors, people at your church who have family members who are part of the "younger generation".

Gather them together, get some refreshments, ask them what sort of stuff they look for in a beauty salon, what's it look like, what are the employees like, what sort of services do they offer? Let them all just throw out ideas - don't reject anything.

Another thought is if there is a college/university/community college or area high school talk to the teacher/instructor and see if they'd be willing to take it on as a class project (finding out what people want) - you could even offer to pay a reasonable amount (the teacher could probably help you figure out a fair amount) and make it an actual job (so you don't look like you're trying to mooch of the students!). It would be good experience for somebody interested in a career in marketing or advertising.

Some things are also going to be affected by your location. You mentioned you're in a small town in NJ - if you're close to somewhere like NYC, you'd do something different than if you were in a small town in the middle of nowhere.

You might also be able to "scout" the competition. Find a place that caters to the clientle you're trying to pick up - and then see what they have to offer (don't take notes while you're in there - that'd be too conspicuous). I'd try and find several (at least 3 or 4) so that you can get a representative sample. You might be able to deduct any travel off of your taxes as well (check with your tax advisor).

If you have any sort of industry magazine (something for salon owners), you could write in to them - or check for articles.

Also look for magazines that cater to your target audience. Look through them (maybe goto the library and look through back issues) and see sort of articles they have on hairstyles, or trips to the salon.

Of course, you could always have an advertising or marketing company and ask them to do some market research for you.

But I'm assuming you'd like to do this on the cheap.

Good luck to you!

Young employees is the key. Not too young, mid 20's to early 30's. I love having my hair cut by someone closer to my age. And i have seen many older women really enjoy talking to younger people. Also different beauty treatments. I don't know what kind of things you offer, but unique products for facials, a green tea pedicure, those sorts of things have drew me into places.

Brighter colors, hip music, friendly non intimadating stylists

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