salonwear statement style
What you’re wearing can have a big impact on how you feel and affect your performance throughout the day.
In fact, a study by the University of Queensland found thatmany rely on clothes to boost their sense of well-being and self- confidence.
I know that if leave the house feeling not quite ‘polished’ it will affectmymood; I’ll feel downbeat, even tired just because I pulled on an un-ironed pair of trousers or a top that’s seen better days. If, however, I havemy favourite dress on and a pair of killer heels, then I feel like a world beater.
Clothes can also go a long way when making a first impression.When Imeet someone for the first time I admit that I’m guilty of checking out their footwear (scuffed or polished?) and taking in what they’re wearing (clean and pressed, or crumpled and faded?) whilst I formmy initial opinion of them.
Does the same go for how well your therapists performand how your clients feel when they walk through your salon doors? “A well-presented and stylish uniformis essential for giving clients the right impression,” advisesAmy Housley of salon wearmanufacturer La Beeby.
Personally I agree; when I visit a salon, if all of the therapists are wearing coordinating, well cared for attire I get the impression that this is a professional business with staff who will take care ofme asmuch as they take care of their own appearance – even if their salon uniformis as simple as a plain tunic with coordinating trousers.
If I visit somewhere where the therapists are wearing uniforms that are stained or have washed to an off-white colour, it leadsme to believe that the salon is probably a bit dated, their equipment and treatments a little backward and their customer service leaves something to be
desired.Thismight sound unfair, but essentially when we have nothing else to base our first opinions on, appearancematters.
“If therapists look good and feel comfortable in the uniforms they are wearing, this is translated into a positive demeanour and professionalismthat is
demanded for a job in the beauty industry, which is largely client-faced,” explains Inline London’s Founder and Creative Director CavellThomas. “Whilst kitting out theMandarin Oriental in Hyde Park, I have noticed how positive the girls are when they like the fit of a uniformand feel that it enhances their shape.”
a strong brand image
Helen Harker, DesignManager at salon wear specialist Simon Jersey, adds: “We live in a nation of savvy shoppers, where customers want to feel confident that they are receiving the service they are paying for. A strong brand image can play an important part in creating a professional customer experience, and this is particularly true in the beauty industry, which every day helps people to achieve a pristine look and feel great.
“Technicians are the face of the salon, and a high-quality uniformcan be an integral part of giving customers a positive first impression and creating a brand image that stands out amongst the competition.”
specialist design
So if a salon uniformis a necessity for your staff, what should you look for in garments designed for wear in the salon?There are a number of specialist salon wear designers andmanufacturers supplying the beauty, nail and Spa sectors whichmeans they really understand what a garment has to withstand.
“In the uniformindustry everything revolves around longevity and durability - the opposite of high fashion. I follow the catwalk shows tomonitor shapes and colours,” explains Cavell. “I amconstantly testing interesting design features in our studio, together with unusual buttons to see if they can work in this industry.”
She continues: “Stretch is a key element to achieving this end
result.Therapists spend somuch time bending and stretching, so it is crucial that they can do this with ease.A performance fabric with breathable technology is also key.”
Also look out for clever design features such as double action backs and side vent panels to allow ease ofmovement and help to keep you cool.
Personalise your style by choosing a stylish neckline or tunicwith a pop of coloured piping. Image courtesy of Simon Jersey.
“I followthe
catwalk shows tomonitor shapes and colours.”
- Cavell Thomas, Inline London
114 GUILD NEWS
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