Salon Recruitment Tips: How to Attract and Keep the Right Team

Recruitment is something we talk about often at MySalonManager. As directors, we (Raymond Bottone and Simon Harris) see firsthand how much it matters, and how tricky it can feel for salon owners. 

Why recruitment goes wrong

Too often, recruitment only starts when there’s a crisis. Someone leaves, the salon is under pressure, and suddenly the priority is to fill the gap at any cost. That’s when poor decisions get made.

“The worst time to recruit is when you’re desperate.” – Simon

A better approach is to keep the door open all the time. That doesn’t mean constantly hiring; it means making it easy for good people to find you. Even a simple careers page on your website or a pinned post or story on social media shows you’re open to hearing from like-minded stylists.

How job ads can work harder

We still see too many job adverts written as lists of demands: NVQ level qualifications, three years of shop floor experience, or demonstrating great technical cutting ability. The problem is, good people often don’t apply because they don’t tick every box.

Instead, think about how your advert feels to the reader. Does it make them want to be part of your team? Does it give a sense of your culture? What makes you different from the salon down the road?

“Think of job ads as an invitation, not a list of must-haves.” – Raymond

By shifting the language, you don’t just find stylists, you attract people who already feel aligned with your salon. That shift is something like “We’re welcoming hairdressers to join our amazing team,” as opposed to “We’re recruiting stylists.” After all, we are in the business of creating welcoming salons.

Focus on people, not just CVs

Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t. It’s tempting to get carried away with a glossy CV or an impressive trade test, but the hires who last are usually the ones who fit your culture. Clients notice it too, when your team gels, the atmosphere is better, and so is the service. Chairs get full, and the rest comes down to how well you control your margins. Struggling to control your margins? Why not take advantage of our free 20‑minute strategy call? It’s a quick way to get clarity on your numbers and see what’s possible for your salon. Click here to find out more. Keep it simple with money and integration

Two other things that make recruitment smoother:

• Talk money early. A quick conversation about expectations saves time and avoids awkward surprises later

• Support new starters. Recruitment doesn’t end when someone signs a contract. Having a simple plan for their first few months helps them settle and stay.
  

Final thought

Recruitment will never be effortless. There is no silver bullet. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With consistency, honesty and a clear process, you can turn it into one of the strongest growth tools in your business.

Members can catch the full session and download the recruitment help sheet in the members' area.

We hope these ideas spark a few thoughts for your own salon.

Simon & Raymond