“The Snooze Button” - Upgrading Your Scalp Massage
There is one phrase that I love to hear from my clients in the salon. It usually comes out of their mouth when they have been rinsed but they’re still in the bowl and I’m starting my signature scalp massage.
“This is my favorite part.”
It is important to remind yourself that getting your hair done should be a luxury experience. You want to be diligent in providing a comfortable and positive experience overall. A better scalp massage is a minor adjustment that can increase the value of your service. Obviously, we want to hear them say “I LOVE IT!” at the end of every appointment, but a great scalp massage can win a client over as soon as they rest their head in the bowl.
We often hear that engagement of the scalp promotes follicular stimulation and hair growth. There isn't any substantial evidence to support that claim, but there are other real health benefits.
A study posted by the National Library of Medicine in 2016, done by researchers at Dongguk University, an accredited acupuncture university in Los Angeles, observed the effect of scalp massage on a control group of office workers. The study showed significant changes on cortisol (your main stress hormone that regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation and various other processes)and Norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter that triggers acute stress response, known as your ‘fight or flight’ response). They also saw a positive change in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels, regardless of how long the massage lasts. A quick but mindful massage in the bowl brings an opportunity to improve the client's mood and allow them to relax on a deeper level, greatly improving client satisfaction and they may not even realize it.
It may sound obvious but the better a client feels when they leave the salon the more likely they will rebook. As I’ve mentioned before, consistency is key to making a loyal and long lasting client. Clients want to know they are getting their money’s-worth when paying for a service. If you can guarantee a great scalp massage, that is just one more simple and quick way to be consistent and provide a high caliber service. The best part is it doesn't cost you anything and will take you all of 5 minutes during a part of the service you are most likely already doing.
I assisted several different hair stylists over the first 4 years of my career and created strong relationships with both the stylists and their clients. A common thread among those assisting positions is that I give a great scalp massage. While the clients were not there for me, they loved the days when I was working because I was known for the massage I provide. It mutually benefited me in experience and extra tips directly from clients, and helped strengthen my rapport with the stylist because their clients were more satisfied with their service overall. It was a great way for me to bring more value as a stylist at the early stages of my career, even as an assistant.
I generally will massage after the client has been shampooed and while the conditioner is in the hair. I find that the conditioner makes it easier to maneuver through the wet hair and pulls on the client's scalp less. It gives more glide and makes the fingers less abrasive to their skin.
There is one technique I will do with every single scalp massage that will stop any client in the middle of talking, and you will see them melt into the chair and into the headspace of relaxation. I refer to it as “the snooze button”, I find it reminds the client this is their time to relax and enjoy the service, giving them the chance to hit snooze on whatever is going on in their day.
How to do “The Snooze Button”
1. Start with both thumbs at the center of the forehead.
I keep my thumbs only partially on the skin and partially on the hairline. This is where in my head the “button” starts
2. In tandem, glide your thumbs with medium pressure down either side of the hairline, following the hairline.
You want to be on the skin enough that you can glide across smoothly without being too far on the skin (potentially affecting any makeup or putting product on their forehead) and on the hair enough that you are stimulating the hairline without actually dragging any hair.
3. Go slightly slower across the temple area.
I think this is where the strongest sensation occurs for the client. Evidence is anecdotal but it is thought that pressure on the temple helps alleviate headaches and earaches, which is a bonus in my opinion.
4. Continue down the hairline and end at the ear.
I aim for the soft area of skin just in front of the tragus of the ear (the flap of cartilage and skin that covers the ear duct).
At the finish I like to apply slightly more pressure before releasing my hands, sort of pushing the button into place. Be mindful of any piercing that might live in the area and end at the temples so as to not disturb the piercing. I like to go all the way down because stimulating this area (considered the ‘ear gate’ in acupressure practices) also feels great and is said to alleviate head pain.
This is a great non-verbal way to introduce the massage portion to your client as once your thumbs start to drag down the hairline you will see most people soften and relax. I will usually follow up by gently lifting the client's head and supporting it with one hand, and with the other hand massaging the soft area where the base of the head meets the top of the spine (again, if you are familiar with acupressure this area is referred to as the “gates of consciousness”). Then you can continue with other scalp massages you like to offer such as circular movements across the side and top of the skull, running your thumbs down the head in rows in a zig-zag pattern to apply a little friction, or light scrubbing of the scalp with all five fingers like you are trying to squeeze a stress ball with just your finger tips. Finish the entire massage by using “the snooze button” again as a nice, gentle way to close out the massage and leave the client feeling relaxed.
It’s all about your relationship with the client and making sure they leave the salon satisfied with their hair, and feeling like they received the value of a luxury service that is getting your hair done in a salon. This easy and quick change to your work routine will be a subtle way to elevate the service you provide, and at no extra cost to you. I find a lot of strength in paying attention to the smallest details that can be easily overlooked. It will radiate through to the client just how much you value them and care about your time with them and your craft. Highly Satisfied clients lead to more referrals and eventually a booked schedule, and allow you to prioritize what you do behind the chair. I hope you give the “snooze button” a shot in your next service.
What are other ways you elevate your service by making small gestures like the snooze button? I’d love to hear, send me a message on the contact portion of my blog page or DM me on Instagram.