Imagine someone telling a friend about your salon: “You can go to anyone there – the experience is always amazing!” What could be a greater compliment than that? That’s why having a consistent service procedure isn’t just for big chains; it’s actually the secret weapon of every salon, even small or newly opened ones.

Have you ever wondered how a salon builds a solid reputation or why some clients become loyal regulars who bring their friends along? Trust, comfort, and a sense of security—all of these depend on how stable and consistent your salon’s service is.

But how do you actually achieve that “consistent quality”? There’s a magic tool for that: Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. They may sound complicated, but in reality, they are much simpler (and more beneficial) than they appear at first glance. Shall we explore this?

What exactly are we talking about?

Every salon employee comes to work with their own experience and little quirks. One might love to finish every manicure with a hand massage, while another quickly applies polish and that’s it. If one day a client enjoys a luxurious extra service with Marise, but next time it’s Eleri’s shift offering just the standard treatment, the client might wonder: why am I paying the same price but getting different levels of service?

This is exactly how inconsistencies, disappointments, or even frustration arise. SOPs simply mean that the whole team follows the same guideline. Every service (like a haircut, facial, or manicure) has clear, step-by-step instructions so each employee—even newcomers—can deliver the service exactly as you want it.

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Why do you need these in the first place?

If you let every employee do things “their own way,” the result will be unpredictable. Today a friend gets a fantastic customer experience; tomorrow, a grumpy client who never returns. But a standardized procedure:

  • Minimizes unnecessary confusion: Clients know what to expect.
  • Makes training new employees easier: No long “don’t forget this” lists – all essentials are quickly accessible in the guidelines.
  • Prevents overload and disappointment: It’s not just “Marise always has a queue because she does it best.” All employees provide an equally great experience.
  • Supports your salon’s good reputation: The results are consistent, as expected from a trustworthy brand.

This also makes your job easier. Imagine if someone had to cover for you unexpectedly: would they know the order of tasks, what to offer clients, and which elements must always be included in the service?

If you want to explore how to further boost client satisfaction in your salon, you can find valuable advice here.

How to actually implement SOPs in your salon?

  1. Map out the steps for each service. Consider whether your haircut always includes a shampoo. Does a manicure include a massage, or is that an additional service?
  2. Write it down as simply as possible. No need for long essays. Short, clear steps work best, like:
    • Greet the client and consultation
    • Identify the client’s needs
    • Perform the service (e.g., shampoo, cut, finishing)
    • Offer care recommendations and say goodbye
  3. Make SOPs accessible and memorable. Post the guidelines where employees can always see them—whether in a binder on the workstation or as a digital manual. For example, in SalonLife salon software, you can link step-by-step instructions to each service, giving your staff quick access with just a few clicks.
  4. Discuss them regularly with your team. Don’t assume everyone will remember SOPs after just one introduction. Make them part of team meetings or training days. If a new product or process step changes, update the SOP and review it together.

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Technology – your salon’s powerful ally

Thanks to technology, maintaining standards in today’s salon is one step easier than ever. For example, SalonLife allows you to add instructions, notes, and procedure updates for each service that employees can quickly review throughout the day. You can also track who is up to date on new rules or who needs extra guidance. This way, SOPs become a dynamic part of daily work—not just dusty documents gathering in a drawer.

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What do you and your team really gain?

  • Faster shift changes and less confusion over task division.
  • Fewer complaints from clients (“But last time it was done differently!”).
  • More confidence to hire new employees, since onboarding follows a clear guide.
  • Clients trust that no matter who serves them, the experience is always at the same high level.

Additionally, SOPs let you analyze where processes can be made safer and more enjoyable. If you repeatedly hear feedback that a part of the service leaves clients cold, you can add a new step to the SOP—ensuring the whole team stays aligned.

In summary

Consistent service procedures aren’t just “big salon” stuff. They are the most reliable tools for your small or newly opened salon to deliver stable, safe, and pleasant experiences to every client, every time. Technology is a powerful helper in effectively implementing SOPs.

But have you thought about how to supply your team with information even more easily and make everyday communication quick and smooth? We’ll cover that in the next article—come and discover tips that will make your team meetings engaging and efficient!