Should beauty salons and spas offer silent treatments?
A new phenomenon is hitting the beauty market during the coronavirus pandemic – the option for clients to request a silent appointment in salon or spa.
KG Salon in Barton Le Clay has just launched its Quiet Time initiative, where clients can choose to have a “quiet” treatment in salon (after consultation) if they prefer.
The salon has launched the concept to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week but plans to continue it on going, recognising that it can be daunting for some people to go into a salon or spa and talk to someone they don’t know for an hour.
Talking about the initiative, owner Katie Godfrey said: “KG Salons prioritises our clients’ experience, so clients can now add ‘KG Quiet Time’ to their booking and they will be left to relax while the therapist concentrates on completing their treatment with no questions asked.
“We know that conversely, the salon is a place to chat and share worries for other clients, and we are always here to listen and support. However, this new initiative gives clients the chance to actively make that choice and be confident that they can have a quiet appointment if that’s what works for them.”
Similarly, That Rosie Glow salon in Edinburgh has recently launched “The Silent Treatment” in its business, after a poll of its clients on Instagram revealed that 60% would like this option.
When booking their service, clients simply add this option to their appointment, so the salon knows what their preferences are. Following a full consultation, the client is then left to relax, with no pressure to engage in conversation.
“We’ve been doing some thinking of how we can make [the salon experience] as stress-free and anxiety-free for clients returning post-lockdown,” owner Rosie Fraser exclusively told Professional Beauty.
“We love a good chat and we are so excited to catch up with our clients, but we also understand some people prefer not to chat, want to listen to their headphones or just struggle with anxiety, especially coming out of lockdown and returning to normal life.
“Since launching this service we have had an absolutely overwhelming positive response to it, which is amazing. We’ve had so many messages saying how helpful this is and have had new clients booking in as it is such a relief for them.”
What do you make of the silent treatment concept? Will you be launching it in your salon? Tell us your thoughts below.