This document discusses best practices for operating student salons or clinics within cosmetology schools. It emphasizes the importance of generating revenue through the student salon to offset tuition costs while prioritizing students' educational experience. Educators are encouraged to teach students professional skills and habits to help them succeed after graduation and to maximize client services and retail sales. Proper sanitation, record keeping, and client care are also highlighted.

2. Students in cosmetology have a distinct advantage because of their “real world” training.

3. The transition from school to work is easier.

4. Key: It is advantageous for the educator to ensure the clinic is exciting, well-managed, and highly supervised.

5. Student salons produce revenue that offset the cost of tuition.

6. Some schools offer financial assistance.

7. Such schools require extensive regulatory oversight by the U.S. Department of Education.

9. Key: It must be made clear that the habits they develop while in school will be the habits that follow them in the workplace.

10. Teach your student SUCCESS habits and behaviors.

11. Students often take the position that they don’t want to work hard because it makes the school money.

12. If they have that attitude we have failed to convey the values of the training and practice in the clinic.

13. The last decade has brought change; tuition costs have increased greatly.

14. As a result, schools should attempt to generate clinic revenue that represents at least 25% of the overall operating income.

15. 15% of the salon revenue should be from retail sales.

16. The remaining 75% should be derived from student tuition, fees, etc.

17. Schools should expect a minimum of 10% net profit.

19. It must be made clear to all members exactly what is expected of them to achieve a highly successful student salon.

22. The more clients that the learner services, the more prepared they will be for the salon after they graduate.

23. When the entire school team focuses on the common goal of increased revenue, profit is maximized, educational quality improves, and everyone benefits.

25. A dirty or disorderly reception area can tarnish the community’s image of the school and the education it provides.

27. The receptionist schedules appointment and acts as a link between the client and the school.

28. A positive, smiling attitude must be maintained at all times.

29. The client should be greeted warmly, made to feel important, and experience a friendly, positive welcome.

31. In the high-tech, high touch environment of a salon, the practice of sanitation and disinfection is essential.

32. Educators will assign and monitor other general sanitation duties that will ultimately leave the salon in the best possible condition for the next day’s services.

33. The example set by the educator is critical to the success of the graduates.

34. The team should automatically take steps to correct any minor concerns.

36. In cosmetology schools, a release form or hold harmless form is signed by clients for all chemical services.

37. It releases the school and students from responsibility from accidents or damages.

38. It is not legally binding and will not totally absolve the business of responsibility.

39. It is used primarily to fully explain to clients whose hair is in questionable condition that their hair may not withstand the chemical service.

40. It encourages the clients to be more honest about the condition of their hair.

41. Educators must ensure that it is critical to obtain the client’s signature prior to the service.

42. Another form of record keeping is the client intake form.

43. It is important to keep accurate records so that service can be repeated.

44. All students must record accurate data for the benefit of anyone who may later serve the client.

46. It should be centrally located in the school.

49. The Student Image- The way students dress and groom themselves is a reflection of their own self-image, but also a reflection of the school and clinic.

50. It’s the first thing clients notice about a student.

51. Teach students to dress for success.

52. Educators may have students perform a daily self-evaluation.

53. The Student Attitude- The willingness to work hard is a key ingredient to success.

54. Student’s must develop an attitude for getting the job done.

56. Students should be taught to extend themselves by doing or saying a little bit more than is absolutely required.

59. Ticket upgrading is nothing more than suggesting an additional service to the client.

60. Professional ethics mandate that the student stylist does not suggest services tor products that are not needed by the client.

62. However, if downtime is used effectively, the student will stay busy through the day. Downtime Ideas: Client Awareness Cards- Mailings that inform clients of specials or promotions. Birthday Cards. Client Appreciation Cards- Send to loyal clients. Reminder Cards. Client Referral Cards- Requests containing business cards asking clients to refer friends. Reminder Calls. Contact Inactive Clients

64. Encourage before and after shots.

66. Three key elements are involved in zone teaching.The educator needs to walk through her assigned zone and check the area for safety. This step occurs in no more than a few minutes. Walk through and check for comfort. May include offering clients beverages or making sure drapes are properly applied. Simply teach. Follow a student-to-student pattern.