Inclusivity is so important. It is a value that should be core to every single business including beauty salons and beauty therapists. By being an inclusive business and workplace, you can create an environment where both your clients and your employees can feel comfortable, respected and empowered and it will result in increased productivity, happy clients and happy staff.

How can you make sure that your setting is inclusive?

Promote diversity
One way to promote diversity in your salon is to actively seek out employees with various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It’s important to embrace diversity not just in terms of ethnicity, but also with regard to gender identity, age, and physical abilities. Establish guidelines that clearly forbid any form of prejudice or bias towards individuals. Make sure these guidelines are effectively communicated to all team members and strictly enforced to ensure a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Provide training and education
Consider investing in training programs that focus on promoting cultural sensitivity and awareness. It’s important to educate your staff on varying hair types and textures so that they can cater to the needs of a diverse clientele more effectively. Also, providing workshops on both LGBTQ+ inclusion and disability awareness can help to foster a more inclusive environment in your salon.

Celebrate differences
It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of your team members and clients. Consider incorporating cultural events and services that cater to different hair types and styles and skin types and colours, which will create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Accessibility
To ensure that your salon is welcoming to all individuals, including those with disabilities, it’s important to make sure that it is physically accessible. This means ensuring that there are ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restroom facilities available.

Lead by example
If you are the salon and/or business owner, you are the one who is going to set the tone for the whole organisation. You need to remember that you need to lead by example and that you need to practice what you preach. Encourage your team members to follow suit and address any instances of discrimination promptly.