Salon & Spa Management Training Curriculum

Jump to Your Question:

• What does a salon and spa manager do?
• What do I need in order to become a salon and spa manager?
• What will I learn in salon and spa management training?
• What salary will I earn as a salon and spa manager?
• Do I have what it takes to be a good salon and spa manager?

What does a salon or spa manager do?

A salon or spa manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the salon, spa, beauty bar or other beauty business. Day-to-day operations may include hiring and training employees and delegating tasks among them, ordering and selling supplies, managing paperwork, bills and payroll, handling public relations and advertising, and making sure everyone works well together so the business runs as smoothly as possible. As part of the hiring process, the beauty salon or spa manager must be able to outline requirements for the job and the traits of the ideal candidate, and be able to observe and evaulate the salon audition or technical demonstration to choose employees.

What do I need to become a salon or spa manager?

A salon and spa manager needs to be a leader who can guide the salon or spa team to success, a person who can think on their feet, and a person who is both innovative and creative about helping the salon grow its clientele and make its employees more efficient and effective. Excellent people skills are a must when it comes to managing a salon or spa. Managers must be able to work with many different individuals, all with varying personalities. These include customers, coworkers, vendors, and anyone who touches the salon business. Managers must be able to understand the needs and behaviors of both their customers and employees.

Communication and training skills are also important. The beauty industry is constantly changing and evolving. Trends come and go, breakthroughs and innovations are made, new products are created, etc. Staying up-to-date is crucial to the success of any salon or spa. Salon or spa managers or owners must stay abreast of the changes in their field and be able to train and retrain employees as necessary. Leaders in a salon should always push their employees to pursue cosmetology continuing education to stay current in the industry, even if the state does not require it to renew licenses. 

Requirements for becoming a salon or spa manager differ by establishment. Some salon or spa owners may not require their managers to have their cosmetology license or other beaut certifications, and instead require a more business-oriented background, while others may expect managers to have formal training in salon or spa management and have work experience on the salon floor. Some may even require managers to have a certificate or diploma in cosmetology, aesthetics or business management, though again that varies from business to businses. For most, knowledge and experience of small business operations is a must. Also important (but not always necessary) is a background in the beauty industry. Many salon and spa managers started out as receptionists, hairdressers, massage therapists, nail technicians, etc., and worked their way up.

What will I learn in salon and spa management training?

Salon and spa management training may include courses in leadership, customer care and satisfaction, effective salesmanship, advertising, health and safety compliance, business operations, business building, and money management. Training and certification workshops are usually offered as well. This may  occur in a cosmetology school setting, through a series of third-party advanced classes, or through an internal company program that helps groom emloyees for growing into leadership roles.

How much money will I earn as a salon or spa manager?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the annual salary of a salon manager at $30,000 to $50,000. The BLS estimated lower-level first-line managers earn a salary around $38,000 annually and tends to increase as they grow into higher management roles in their careers. However, a salon or spa manager's salary often depends on the location and size of the salon/spa. Managers often lso make a commission on products sold and services rendered.

Do I have what it takes to become a salon or spa manager?

A good salon or spa manager should definitely enjoy their work in a salon setting. They should be interested in and familiar with all salon and spa procedures, products, services and technologies, and be able to keep up with the ever-changing trends in their field. Good managers also know how to create a fun and relaxed environment for their customers and employees. They know how to handle problems and complaints while remaining professional and maintaining an even temperament. Salon or spa managers are familiar with all roles within their workplace and are able to make sure all roles are filled effectively. They are able to recognize room for improvement and distribute tasks accordingly. Good salon or spa managers understand the needs of their customers. They make sure these needs are met to establish and ensure a steady, loyal and ever-growing clientele.