Chicago salon managers and owners discuss styles and trends
Who we talked to
Traci Odum,
assistant business manager
Elegante Salons & Day Spas
15 S. Naper Blvd.
Naperville, Ill.
630-355-9700
Elegantesalons-spas.com
Tracey Moran, salon manager
Maxine Limited
712 N. Rush St.
Chicago
312-751-1511
maxinesalon.com
Amy German, owner
Amy G Salon
2907 Central St.
Evanston, Ill.
847-424-9494
Amygsalon.com
What services do you offer?
Traci Odum: "All hair services, spa services, facials and massages, nail services and waxing."
Tracey Moran: "Haircuts, hair color, makeup applications, waxing, facials, manicures and pedicures."
Amy German: "Haircuts, extensions, hair color, relaxers, eyebrow and facial waxing."
How much do you charge for a haircut?
Odum: "$39 to $51."
Moran: "$70 to $120."
German: "$65, $70 and $95."
What makes you stand out from your competition?
Odum: "The longevity of our business - our salons have been open for more than 30 years."
Moran: "The amount of education we provide our staff. We are constantly learning about the industry and going to seminars."
German: "We take the most sophisticated training classes there are. And we treat our guests like they are our friends."
Have you noticed any effects from the economic slump?
Odum: "People are still getting services – they're just waiting longer in between appointments."
Moran: "Instead of four weeks in between appointments, people are waiting five to six weeks."
German: "We have not. Our business is continuing to build and grow."
What's the hot trend right now?
Odum: "Highlights and lowlights are really popular."
Moran: "Soft, wispy bangs, A-line bobs and the Katy Perry haircut or the shorter version of the Victoria Beckham."
German: "A hot trend for women is soft, wavy, sexy hair. Men are wearing their hair a little longer and adding color, as long as it looks natural."
What's the most common mistake people make with their hair?
Odum: "Coloring your hair at home. People usually don't get the right color for them and the corrective color can cost more than just coming in the first place."
Moran: "Not consulting with your stylist. There are so many haircuts and colors - you need to be active about what's out there to get a new style."
German: "Not using the right products. Over-the-counter products are just not the same [as salon professional products] and can create build-up, dryness and remove hair color."


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