Many of my competitors offer lash-enhancing treatments, how can I possibly stand out from the crowd?

There is a lot of choice in Dubai with salons and spas of all levels and prices available – so it’s really important to have that point of difference, to give your clients that extra, additional service that keeps them returning over and over again.

To attract clients to your salon/spa in the first place it has be inviting inside and out and have a high level of cleanliness and professionalism. Do you always maintain a high standard of good working practice by offering consultations, keeping record cards, keeping a clean and hygienic workspace and by using disposables where possible? Do you recommend other services and products by sharing your knowledge? When working on lashes, do you thoroughly go over aftercare, maintenance, results and longevity of their service with clients and offer follow up appointments? Price point is never usually an issue if a client feels they have had value for money.

Try to always be at the forefront of the latest trends and techniques and keep your regular clients informed of new or advanced services through social media, Whats App, SMS, email and newsletters. Remember, if they don’t know about it they’ll go elsewhere for it! It’s always easier to keep existing clients happy, than to try and gain new ones.

That said, are you proactive in marketing your salon or spa to new and old clients? You should be letting people know what you are all about; what brands you carry, what services you offer, what recognitions or awards you may have, what training or courses your staff are doing. It’s important to get people talking about you, but also to get them to understand your business model, what is important to you; training, standards, quality etc.

The more information people have, the more likely they are to come and try out your services.

Finally, going that extra mile will always be gratefully received. Clients like loyalty schemes and reward systems. They like to be made feel special with personal touches and service. Your clients are your best form of advertising through word of mouth. There are a lot of salons and spas out there, but great recommendations will make people want want to visit yours.

Claire Gittus has worked in the beauty and spa industry more than 25 years including time as salon owner, trainer and company director.

She founded her own company  in 2014, which distributes Peek-a-Boo lashes in the UAE.

There is a lot of choice in Dubai with salons and spas of all levels and prices available – so it’s really important to have that point of difference, to give your clients that extra, additional service that keeps them returning over and over again.

To attract clients to your salon/spa in the first place it has be inviting inside and out and have a high level of cleanliness and professionalism. Do you always maintain a high standard of good working practice by offering consultations, keeping record cards, keeping a clean and hygienic workspace and by using disposables where possible? Do you recommend other services and products by sharing your knowledge? When working on lashes, do you thoroughly go over aftercare, maintenance, results and longevity of their service with clients and offer follow up appointments? Price point is never usually an issue if a client feels they have had value for money.

Try to always be at the forefront of the latest trends and techniques and keep your regular clients informed of new or advanced services through social media, Whats App, SMS, email and newsletters. Remember, if they don’t know about it they’ll go elsewhere for it! It’s always easier to keep existing clients happy, than to try and gain new ones.

That said, are you proactive in marketing your salon or spa to new and old clients? You should be letting people know what you are all about; what brands you carry, what services you offer, what recognitions or awards you may have, what training or courses your staff are doing. It’s important to get people talking about you, but also to get them to understand your business model, what is important to you; training, standards, quality etc.

The more information people have, the more likely they are to come and try out your services.

Finally, going that extra mile will always be gratefully received. Clients like loyalty schemes and reward systems. They like to be made feel special with personal touches and service. Your clients are your best form of advertising through word of mouth. There are a lot of salons and spas out there, but great recommendations will make people want want to visit yours.

Claire Gittus has worked in the beauty and spa industry more than 25 years including time as salon owner, trainer and company director.

She founded her own company  in 2014, which distributes Peek-a-Boo lashes in the UAE.