What to wear to Work

Your employees are the ambassadors for your business. Whilst product and treatment knowledge is paramount, as an industry we should never underestimate the adage that ‘first impressions count’.

In our aspirational industry, it is vital to ensure that everyone in your salon or spa reflects your brands values or ‘personality’, from the owner, to the receptionist and your therapists. These values could simply be to look professional, neat, tidy and hygienic but, if desired, could extend to using colours that embody your brand values or accentuate your interior décor and colour scheme.

Colours can say some much about us. Warm tones, such as chocolate browns, can evoke feelings of warmth and luxury, whilst colours such as white and black, can offer a more contemporary look. Branding can also be emphasised by including the salon name on uniforms. Bespoke tailoring options are available and are often surprisingly affordable.

The practicalities of work wear are obviously vital and should be considered in parallel with aesthetic considerations. Comfort should always come first. If your therapists’ work wear isn’t comfortable then their work could suffer. Uniforms also need to be fit for purpose, durable and easy to wash and wear. In an ideal world, fabrics should be breathable, so that if a therapist becomes warm during a treatment, they aren’t left feeling uncomfortable for the remainder of the day. Make life easy for your staff with non-iron fabrics. You can also keep them looking good for longer by buying clothing with ‘stretchy’ fabrics that hold their shape but adapt to meet everyday tasks, such as facials or massages.

Nor should practical stylish clothing break the bank or limit your choices. Quality cost effective work wear is available in a wide variety of styles and colours. From trousers, to skirts, dresses and aprons, mandarin and kimono styled tops and tunics with short or three quarter length sleeves, the options are endless. Choose styles that suit the different roles that your staff perform and in which they feel comfortable and attractive. If they feel comfortable and confident about the way they look they will present your customers with a composed, professional presence.

Finally, never forget the simple things. Good looking uniforms are important but a well presented therapist or receptionist should always look neat with appropriate make up. Short nails are a must for therapists as is tying back long hair and minimal jewellery. Above all lead by example. Your dress and manner set the tone for your staff. Greet customers looking great and with a smile. It makes all the difference.

Angela Barbagelata-Fabes is Chairman of The Carlton Group. The Carlton Group distributes Beauty Street, a chic range of French made work wear. All the products in the range are available for purchase both online and by phone for maximum convenience. For further information call 01903 761100 or visit www.beautystreet.co.uk