Is your salon ready for the Menaissance?
It’s no secret that salons have traditionally served female clientele, but these days more and more men are finding new ways to style themselves, and savvy salon owners are figuring out how to tap into this growing client base.
However, this isn’t the “metrosexual” movement all over again; this time, it’s all about manliness. Luckily, marketing your salon for the Menaissance can be easily achieved.
So, what is the Menaissance?
Like its namesake in the arts, the Menaissance is a return to more classic styles and traditions of times past, when men practiced grooming and poise just as much as women did while still being considered the epitome of manliness. Over time, gender roles and technological advances encouraged men to avoid focusing on their personal style, or conversely, to take their styles to embellished excess. However, recent changes – particularly the influence of TV and media – has led the modern man to look back to the days of Bogart (or perhaps, more fittingly, Draper).
Mid-century styles are all the rage.
The Menaissance is also a lifestyle movement, in which the style, dress, and charisma of these ages get channeled into everyday life. While Don Draper’s haircut and clothing have certainly invigorated the traditional businessman’s look, his charm, individuality, and innovativeness have also inspired the modern man to dream, achieve, and still roll up his sleeves to get down to business.
Increase your offerings
First of all, just adding an option for a men’s haircut to your salon’s services won’t be enough to entice the modern man through your doors. Most stylists these days are used to working mostly on women’s hair, and so it’s important that cosmetologists tailor offerings to a more refined and classic men’s taste. Remember to stock men’s grooming products in addition to women’s.
Continuing cosmetology education to learn new tips and techniques around current men’s trends is great for stylists looking to update their knowledge. These days, fashion magazines are beginning to devote entire sections to styles in menswear as men spend more and more money on clothing, so making sure that you and your staff stay up to date can be easy.
Update your surroundings
While some men may eagerly embrace any open salon doors, others may be more hesitant to visit salons that they feel are too focused on women. Remember, these are manly men who want to look put together.
Manly men like grooming too.
Paring down decorations to be more contemporary or neutral can immediately change the feel of your salon. If you can, even think about adding in some of the early and mid-twentieth century design trends that the Menaissance embraces. Hosting events that focus on men’s interests – for instance, pairing a sporting event with a salon day – may help even the most hesitant man start to enjoy some pampering. In general, try to think about ways to tailor your marketing directly to men, by using a voice that they understand.
Don’t forget that continuing education can be a great way to maintain your license requirements and learn new ways to target the growing male audience. Check out our courses to find new ways to update your offerings today.