Our experts answer an array of questions about every aspect of running a successful salon or spa business

The General Data Protection Regulation is arriving in May. How do I make sure my salon is compliant?

With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which aims to give individuals greater control over their personal data, just around the corner, businesses are facing a race against the clock to achieve compliance in time for its arrival in May 2018.

Salons must take the changes seriously and understand what action is needed from them. If your data is captured, processed or used in the EU, then you’re obligated to comply – the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has no effect on the new regulation.

Firstly, it’s important you understand the importance of compliance and that failing to meet requirements could result in costly legal proceedings. Recording the compliance process is an effective way of showing your willingness to meet regulation rules and could save you unnecessary trouble down the line.

Known as the data register, this record details the personal data you hold, your reason for holding it and where it originated from. The accountability principles of GDPR require you to have a complete record, adopting new procedures and processes to streamline functions.

Make sure you review your processes for searching, capturing and recording personal data, including how you obtained consent from the individuals concerned. Also, review your existing digital and hard copy privacy notices and policies – are they concise? Can they be easily found?

Finally, look closer at the way these policies and notices are currently communicated to your data subjects. Your reasons for using clients’ personal data should be clearly explained, as should the complaints process if they feel dissatisfied with your service.

Clients have the right to request their data be edited or erased, and it’s up to you to ensure procedures are in place to deal with such requests, mitigating any future problems with the regulator.

Paula Tighe is a qualified data protection professional and leads the trusted advisor information governance service. As director of information governance, Tighe advises on a range of data protection issues, including marketing and ICT security.

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How can I help clients who always wear extensions avoid traction alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a form of gradual hair loss primarily caused by a pulling force being applied to the hair follicle, causing it to shed prematurely. With eyelashes, traction alopecia can develop if there’s too much strain on the natural lashes; for example, if lashes have been weighed down with heavy extensions.

To avoid this happening, you should complete a full consultation with the client as this will give you an assessment of their lash health, along with an idea of general thickness and length. It’s the client’s natural lashes that determine the length and weight of the extensions that can be used in treatment, enabling you to customise the look.

When it comes to applying extensions, you should follow the one-toone application – one classic lash to one natural lash – as this will allow natural lashes to continue through the growth cycle and shed naturally.

Regular maintenance will also help you assess the natural lash and it’s during this time you need to pay attention to the signs that suggest overweighting. If you think the lashes are too heavy, adjust the infill by using a finer extension.

When treatments are carried out sensibly, the client won’t experience overweighting and in turn no lash damage will be caused, but remember, one size does not fit all. Always protect the natural lash.

Sonia Gapper is one of The Eyelash Emporium’s lash educators and owner of BBeautiful Beauty Salon in Chippenham. She has worked as a lash tech for eight years.

Ultra-dewy make-up is in. How can I create this look on clients in salon?

Radiant, luminous skin is on trend right now. To create this dewy look on clients using make-up, it’s best to avoid heavy products like powders and stick to light, illuminating creams.

Preparation is key, so make sure your client’s skin is cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised beforehand, and don’t forget to apply primer.

When it comes to creating the base, use a light but buildable foundation with a dewy finish and hide dark circles with a light-reflecting concealer in an apricot shade, which will neutralise grey and blue tones in the under-eye area.

However, if your client is prone to oily skin, brush a very light dusting of loose powder over the T-zone to reduce shine.

Next, subtly apply highlighter to areas of the face hit by the light, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow. To add a healthy glow, blend a natural bronzer with a little shimmer onto the apples of the cheeks.

Complete the look by filling in brows, applying a couple of coats of black mascara to lashes and adding a tinted balm or gloss to lips.

Siane Hennessey is make-up artist and educator for Mii Cosmetics, which is distributed by Gerrard International. Hennessey runs make-up workshops and training courses and has more than 16 years’ experience.

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How can I create a natural fade between smooth skin and hair when waxing men?

When finishing a waxing service in areas like the lower back, upper arms, buttocks and speedo line, some struggle to create a natural-looking transition between freshly waxed skin and the remaining body hair.

Blending is a great way to soften an obvious line, and to create the look you can use wax or electric clippers, or a combination of both.

With strip wax, use a freshly removed paper or cloth strip, and then press the wax side lightly on to the area you want to blend, before removing it against the direction of growth as normal. This will lift some but not all hair, thinning the strands out for a softer line. Repeat with varying pressure until you get the desired effect.

When using clippers, start with a grade three (9mm) and trim about an inch worth of hair at the edge of the area you want to blend. Then, reduce the grade as you get closer to the waxed areas, resulting in a gradual shortening of the remaining hair that fades discreetly into smooth skin.

Trimming against the direction of growth will shave more hair off than going with it and you can use this knowledge to your advantage to get a fine fade in areas of especially dense growth. The downside with trimming? All those annoying hair clippings that insist on sticking to your client.

However, there’s an easy way to pick up these strays. Apply a small section of strip wax to hair-free skin, remove as normal and then pat the wax side of your strip gently over the trimmed area. The strip will grab any stray clippings for a clean finish.

Andy Rouillard (aka the Wax Daddy) is a male-waxing expert, trainer and speaker. He owns the Axiom Men’s Grooming Salon and The Wax Academy, both in Basingstoke.

What techniques should I use when spray tanning more voluptuous clients?

Spray tanning different body shapes doesn’t have to be challenging. With the right technique and communication, all clients can leave your tent with a gorgeous, even tan.

The best and most professional way to start the treatment is by making your customer feel comfortable. Not everyone likes heading to the tanning tent in underwear. For example, one of my regulars feels more comfortable wearing her swimming costume and rolling the straps down. Ask your client what their preference is.

In terms of techniques, there are two key things to remember. Firstly, when tanning the client’s arms, ask them to raise them above their head as this stretches the body, allowing you to give a light misting over any areas that need a re-touch, such as under the bust.

Secondly, ensure your client keeps a wide stance during the treatment because this will allow you to spray the body effectively, giving a much more even tan. Before starting the tan, give your clients clear guidance on how to stand as this will make them feel more relaxed.

Carly Hobbs is brand ambassador for professional tanning and waxing brand Sienna X. Hobbs works on editorial shoots and tans celebrities such as fitness coach Joe Wicks and TV presenters Claudia Winkleman and Laura Whitmore.

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I’m relaunching my clinic’s website. What’s the most important information to include?

It’s essential to gain clients’ trust before you meet them and often their first point of contact with your clinic is your website.

Your site should reflect your brand and be informative and user-friendly. This means including all relevant information, such as opening hours and your address, as well as being mobile-optimised, most people search the internet on their phones nowadays.

Your USP and treatment specialities should also be obvious, plus there should be images and videos of your clinic. These help clients feel comfortable and at ease when visiting because they will recognise the surroundings. Word of mouth, independent reviews and social media will also have a positive impact.

You should also highlight your credentials as many clients will want to know what qualifications you have, as well as the industry awards you’ve won. It helps cement your clinic’s credibility.

However, the best way to develop happy and loyal client relationships is to take care of them, which is why you should deliver an exceptional level of care and service from the very beginning – and this should be clear on your website.

Maintaining communication after an initial consultation or treatment also makes the client feel that you care, so allow them to give feedback and express any concerns they have.

Dr Rekha Tailor is founder and medical director of award-winning Health + Aesthetics Clinic in Farnham, Surrey. Tailor is an accredited general and aesthetic practitioner and member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine.

What’s the best way to apply a sculpting form?

Nail sculpting forms are disposable stickers used to extend natural nails and create enhancements. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be tailor-made or cut to fit clients’ fingers for optimum results.

Applying forms can take some practise but once you’ve mastered it you can use them quickly, easily and efficiently.

Plus, they can speed up your nail treatment time and create amazing enhancements that clients will rave about.

Once your client’s nails are prepared, place the form on to the finger, choose the most suitable size, push out the middle circle tab and stick it under the inner side of the form to make it stronger to work on.

Next, slip the form under the free edge of the natural nail and stick onto the side walls of the finger. It must be fitted tightly, leaving minimal, if any, gaps. It’s best to customise your form by cutting it to get the best fit.

Once your forms are fitted correctly, you can start applying products and creating beautiful enhancements.

Rebecca Abernethy is Professional Beauty’s Nail Professional of the Year 2017 and Semilac UK’s academy director, running training at salons in Stockport and Solihull.

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