Making Your Salon LGBTQ+ Friendly Isn't Just Right - It's Smart Business

Creating a welcoming space for everyone isn't just about being nice (though that's important!) - it's about building a thriving business that stands out in today's diverse marketplace. As a gay man and business coach, I've seen firsthand how salons that embrace inclusivity don't just do better ethically - they do better financially too.

Why Salons Need to Lead the Way

Let's be honest - there's something uniquely intimate about salon services. Whether someone's getting their hair done, having a facial, or any other treatment, they're putting their trust in you and your team. They're literally putting themselves in your hands! That's why salons and clinics have a special responsibility (and opportunity) to create spaces where everyone feels safe and accepted.

Think about it - when was the last time you felt truly comfortable somewhere you didn't feel welcome? Exactly. Now imagine feeling that way every time you needed a haircut.

Practical Steps That Make a Real Difference

Ready to make your salon more inclusive? Here's your action plan (and yes, it's good for your bottom line too):

1. Smart Staff Training

- Invest in inclusive language and unconscious bias training

- There are brilliant online courses that won't break the bank

- Make it part of your onboarding process for new team members

- Remember: well-trained staff = happy clients = better retention

2. Clear Policies That Protect Everyone

- Create solid anti-discrimination policies

- Make them visible to both staff and clients

- Stuck on where to start? Use AI tools to create a first draft, then personalise it

- Pro tip: Clear policies protect your business legally too!

3. Update Your Systems

- Review your booking forms and marketing materials

- Use inclusive language throughout

- If your booking software isn't inclusive enough, speak up!

- The more salon owners who demand better features, the faster we'll see change

4. The Pronoun Question

- Train your team on pronoun respect

- Make it easy for clients to share their preferences

- Remember: showing respect to paying customers is just good business sense

- Consider adding pronouns to staff name badges or email signatures

5. Visible Allyship

- Small gestures make big impacts

- A simple Pride flag or inclusive messaging shows you care

- But remember - actions speak louder than symbols

The Pricing Conversation

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - gender-based pricing. This isn't just about inclusivity; it's about modernising your business model. Moving to service-based pricing isn't just fairer and more inclusive - it's smarter business. When you charge based on time and complexity rather than gender, you're creating a pricing structure that actually reflects the work being done. Plus, it's much easier to explain to clients why their service costs what it does when it's based on tangible factors like time and skill required. There's also the legal angle to consider - gender-based pricing could put you on shaky ground with discrimination laws. Why take the risk when service-based pricing is better for everyone?

Making the Switch to Inclusive Business

Starting your inclusivity journey might feel daunting, but remember that it's an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. The key is to start somewhere and keep moving forward. Listen carefully to feedback from your LGBTQ+ staff and clients - they're your best guides on this journey. Their experiences and insights are invaluable in creating a truly welcoming space.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Let's get real about the business impact. When you create a genuinely inclusive salon, you're not just doing the right thing - you're setting yourself up for success. Your client base naturally expands as word spreads about your welcoming atmosphere. Staff retention improves because people want to work in places where they can be themselves. Client loyalty strengthens because people return to places where they feel respected and understood. The ripple effect extends into your local community too, as you build a reputation as a progressive, caring business.

The beauty industry has always been about helping people feel their best selves. By creating truly inclusive spaces, we're not just doing what's right - we're future-proofing our businesses and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Remember: In today's world, doing the right thing and smart business strategy CAN look exactly the same!

Every journey starts with a single step. What will yours be?