Salon rules and regulations are an important part of your salon business—even the most ‘laid back’ or ‘cool’ salons have them. And they’re important! Establishing salon rules for clients is how you can build respectful boundaries at your business, paving a potentially easier path to success. 

Salon Rules & Policies For Clients You Should Consider

Salon policies for clients serve a number of purposes. They not only set the expectation for how you run your business, they can also enhance your management process and help cut down on no-shows and cancellations. This article will explain the importance of setting up salon rules for clients, as well as how to draft them, and some salon policies examples you can adapt for your own use. 

What Are Salon Rules & Policies?

Salon rules and policies are a group of protocols designed to help you manage your business and establish acceptable client behavior. A set of rules will make it easier for clients to understand how your business functions, while keeping everyone safe and informed. 

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3 Reasons Why It’s Key to Implement Salon Rules & Policies

There are a variety of reasons why salon rules for clients benefit everybody. 

1. Creates A Professional Atmosphere

Salon policies for clients set up a professional expectation while also establishing boundaries—such as details regarding client behavior (such as phone use or conflict resolution). With salon policies in place, everyone is on the same page when it comes to official business. 

2. Establishes Safety Protocols

Putting safety protocols in place is important for the well-being of both the clients and staff. How equipment gets cleaned, how chemicals get stored, your waste disposal policies, and any other rules regarding hygiene and sanitation are all important to establish to ensure a pleasant and accident-free salon experience. 

3. Improves Salon Efficiency

Your salon policies can help improve business efficiency. Having policies regarding no-shows, cancellations, late arrivals, or penalties can reduce the chance clients will waste your time and money. They also serve as a guide for clients to edit or move their appointments. 

9 Salon Rules & Policies For Clients With Examples

If you own a salon business and want to implement your own rules and regulations, below are some salon policy examples you can use as a guide. 

1. Booking Procedures 

Booking policies outline the finer details on how clients can book appointments either online or via phone. They may outline timelines, deadlines, or minimum booking notices.  

• “All appointments must be booked either online on our website, through our app, or via phone within 72 hours of the requested date. Please do not email us appointment requests as they will not be honored.”

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2. Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies can outline the timeframe for canceling appointments with or without penalty. Your nail/hair salon cancellation policy can be vital in making sure your clients don’t ghost you. 

• “All appointments require 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment time, there will be a ($50) fee charged to the card we have on file.” 

3. Payment Methods

Your payment method policy will clarify your accepted forms of payment, such as whether you take cash, credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Venmo, etc. 

• “At (Salon), we accept nearly all electronic forms of payment, with the exception of American Express. In order to enhance hygienic practices, we unfortunately cannot accept cash or checks. If you would like to set up a payment plan for your services, please let our receptionist know before your appointment begins.” 

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4. Gratuity Policy 

A gratuity policy helps establish guidance on tipping, from etiquette to suggested gratuity percentages. You can also use this policy to cement and communicate your tipping philosophy to clients. 

• “Tips for our staff are greatly appreciated but not required. No one on our staff will ever ask or require you to leave a tip. However, if you feel you have received excellent service at (Salon), feel free to leave a tip at your own discretion.”

5. Arrival Time Rules 

A policy regarding arrival times can help keep your schedule on track—especially if there’s any paperwork or other preparations. You may want to advise your clients to arrive several minutes early for their scheduled appointment and disclose any penalties that may occur should the appointment start late.

• “All first-time appointments require a consultation, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you’re running late, please call us and let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Late arrivals are not guaranteed their original appointment time.” 

6. Cell Phone Policy

You may also want to establish rules for cell phone use in your waiting rooms. While you want all of your clients to enjoy themselves while they wait, it’s a good idea to outline the etiquette you expect in your salon. 

• “We’re happy you’ve chosen (Salon) for your services! While you wait for your appointment to begin, please be courteous to others waiting in the lobby. We ask that you avoid using speakerphone or taking phone calls inside, and to please keep your volume at a respectable level.” 

7. Refund Policy

Arguably one of the most important salon rules for clients to establish: your refund policy. While you may provide quality service every time, not every client is always going to be happy with the result. When a customer requests a refund, you can refer to your policy as a guideline on how to handle it. 

• “While we strive to ensure all clients are satisfied with their service, we understand that may not always be the case. If you’re unhappy with your results and require a refund, please consult one of our team members. As a reminder, appointment deposits are non-refundable.” 

8. Pet/Service Animal Policy

As much as you might love pets, it can be both a physical and hygienic hazard to the rest of your clients. Clarify whether or not you allow pets in your salon to avoid any potentially awkward or confrontational situations. 

• “We love pets! But unfortunately, we can’t have them here in the salon. Please leave your furry ones at home so we can ensure a safe and sanitary environment for everyone here. If you have a service animal, please contact the salon ahead of time.” 

*Also important to note, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits any public business from discriminating against those who rely on service animals. 

9. Service Policy

Let your clients know that you reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who violates any of your policies. While it’s never Plan A, sometimes a client relationship is just not salvageable, and it’s okay to take action for the safety and wellness of your staff and other clients. 

• “We reserve the right to refuse service at our discretion. Clients who exhibit loud or aggressive behavior, violate our code of conduct, take property, or otherwise pose a danger to our staff and customers will be denied services and asked to leave the premises immediately.”

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How To Write Salon Rules & Policies: 4 Master Tips

Salon rules and policies enhance the experience for everyone. Keep reading for our handy guide on how to draft salon rules and policies. 

1. Be Firm But Fair

It’s okay to use a light touch when drafting your salon rules, but try not to pass them off as a joke, or that they’re only suggestions. These are the policies for your business, and while you can be friendly and fun in how you communicate them, you still want clients to know they can and will be enforced if necessary. 

2. Use Clear And Concise Language 

Vague instructions leave room for interpretation, so make sure you’re clear on exactly what your policies are. Use easy to read, easy to understand language that anyone can comprehend. And try to keep it brief—you don’t want to publish a novel of rules that will take an entire appointment to wade through! 

3. Make The Rules Accessible 

Display your salon policies visibly in the salon, as well as on your website or app. In addition, you may want to provide a copy of these rules to clients as a reminder any time they book their appointments. 

4. Write To Enforce

Your salon rules and regulations aren’t just for show. Write your policies with the knowledge you may have to enforce them. If you set up strict policies that you never enforce, clients may not take your rules seriously (and worse, disrespect your business). 

Power Up Your Salon Policies & Rules With GlossGenius

With the safety and trust of both your clients and staff at stake, the right salon rules will create a beneficial experience for everyone involved. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform that makes the perfect partner for salons. Our booking system includes a Genius forms and waivers builder, which allows you to create your own rules documents or pick from one of our templates. Forms and waivers can be attached to any service in your booking flow, so when a client schedules an appointment, they will automatically be sent the required forms and waivers for the services booked. Our platform also includes features like appointment notifications, client profiles, easy calendar management, a point of sale system, staff management, and so much more.

Let us help you streamline your salon processes. Start your 14-day free trial with GlossGenius today!

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