There are many types of independent barbershops, some of which aim for a luxury customer experience. If you’re brainstorming how to make your barbershop a high-end experience, there are plenty of ideas you can adopt and utilize.
Every luxury barbershop needs to have a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere – the clients should feel like they are getting something they can’t get at a chain barbershop.
Here are some ways you can create a luxury barbershop ambience and gain clients who value an upscale barber experience.
Full-Service Grooming and Styling
It seems logical, but offering a complete array of men’s grooming services is the foundation of a high-end experience. Full beard trims, straight razor shaves, top quality grooming products, and staying up on current techniques is essential. Hot lather, hot towel service, and skin care treatments are services not offered by every barber. Taking these extra steps is a good way to differentiate your barbershop from competitors.
Professional Skills, Expert Consultations
People have a perception of you based on your outward appearance, notably your haircut and beard grooming. As a barber, you play a critical role in the first impressions people have of your clients. For this reason, it’s crucial you understand exactly what your clients are trying to achieve with their look, and what their preferences are. By giving your clients a personal consultation, you can find out what their goals are, and you can give custom advice based on their input. This helps you create and maintain a haircut that makes them look their best.
Equipment, Products and Barber Chairs
To give customers a truly high-quality experience, your equipment and barber chairs will help contribute to the overall impression.
When clients come in for a haircut and they sit in a luxurious leather chair, it tells them this is a different experience than they will get at the chain-store salon.
High-end hair products will also leave the client’s hair looking better. Low quality products can strip the hair of natural oils and cause unnecessary damage to the hair follicles and cuticles. By stocking the shop with quality products, their hair will look and feel it’s best.
Using high-grade equipment like clippers, shears, scissors, and razors, you will deliver a more accurate haircut, and make customers look their best. Little details add up when creating a luxurious experience.
Décor and Aesthetics
Every barbershop has a certain aesthetic, and when you thoughtfully cultivate a certain look and ambience, it can help create a high-end environment. There are ways you can create a brand-new space without doing a ceiling to floor remodel.
Furniture and mirrors can help set the tone, whether you are aiming for a vintage or modern vibe. The décor and art in the barbershop has a big impact on perception. Contemplate what overall atmosphere you are trying to create and what elements will help create that aesthetic. The interior of your barbershop should also match your brand, and what people can expect when they arrive.
If you have the budget to do a complete remodel, you can decorate the interior with custom wood paneling, paint, mirrors, furniture, and decorations to create a carefully curated immersive experience.
Lighting is also part of the ambience. It can be used to create a mood, and enrich the experience for customers.
Amenities
Some barbershops have extra amenities that make their clients feel like they’re getting the five-star treatment. Luxury barber chairs, TV screens, extra services are just a few ways your barbershop can create a unique atmosphere. Some barbershops even offer beverages, depending on local regulations and licensing.
Comfort is a big part of creating a standout experience in your barbershop that keeps customers coming back.
Logistics and Check-in
Clients will often interact with your brand before they ever set foot in your shop. Most barbers have websites with a link to set an appointment. Your website should reflect your brand and give potential customers a preview of what your barbershop will be like. The check-in process on your site, or in an app should be easy and friction-free.
Ensure that new clients can book an appointment with minimal effort, and for walk-in customers, have a point-of-sale checkout at the registration desk that is quick and reliable.
On your website and social media profiles, publish a cohesive representation of your brand. Have your hours and location in an easy to find location on the site. On your social media and other review sites, make sure people can find your website and make it clear what services you do and do not offer.
Total Experience
All the factors we’ve discussed to this point contribute to the overall barbershop experience but there are some general factors which also make a stellar barbershop session. The environment should be clean and organized, this makes it easier to work but also makes a great impression on customers. Sterilization of all hair cutting equipment should be continuous throughout the day.
The staff at your barbershop and barbers should all be well-attuned to customer service, and engaging customers. Friendly staff is a big part of a VIP customer experience.
Finally, the barbers should be able to make informed recommendations for hair care products to clients based on their style, preferences, and hair type. A great barber has attention to detail and can help their clients look their best.
Become a Fully Trained and Licensed Barber at Our Sacramento Barber School
Is it your goal to become a barber and work in the barbering industry? Maybe open your own barbershop? Paul Mitchell the School at Campus has an excellent barbering training program led by some of the best in the industry. You’ll learn haircutting, shaving, beard design, and how to use barber tools, as well as business practices and customer service. In about 30 weeks, you’ll be able to start your barbering career and earn your license from the State Board.
If working in a barber shop, or opening a barber shop is your dream, contact the Admissions team at Campus and start the process of getting world-class barber training.