Award-winning Salon ROAR Hair and Beauty is up for Four Prestigious Awards, Owner Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum Shares his Top Tips for Creating a Fully Inclusive Salon
At ROAR Hair and Beauty, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a core value that shapes everything we do. As a salon group up for four prestigious awards, including the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards (SHABA), we’re proud to be leading the way in creating a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for every client who walks through our doors.
This year’s recognition is a testament to the work we’ve put in. Still, it’s also a reminder that inclusivity is not a trend, it’s an ongoing commitment to breaking barriers and pushing the beauty industry forward.
Here are my top 5 tips for creating a truly inclusive salon where everyone feels seen, respected, and celebrated
- Ditching Gendered Pricing
One of the first actions we took at ROAR was to eliminate gend pricing. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to our pricing structure. Since day one, we have implemented gender-neutral pricing across all three of our salons. It never made sense to us that someone should pay more simply because of their gender. Instead, we decided to charge based on time, technique, and complexity, not gender identity.
This straightforward change has made a significant difference for our clients. The beauty industry should focus on skill and service, not outdated assumptions. Gender-neutral pricing ensures that everyone is charged fairly based on the level of work and expertise required for their haircut, colour, or style. Pricing should reflect the complexity of the service, not assumptions about the person sitting in the chair.
We have always been proud to lead in this area, and we will continue to do so.
- Pronouns Matter
At ROAR, we have made a unified effort to ensure that pronouns are a fundamental part of our client interactions. By asking for pronouns during the booking process, we are making a small but impactful change that significantly enhances how welcome a client feels. This practice demonstrates our respect for individuals and fosters a more inclusive environment from the moment someone reaches out to schedule an appointment.
It’s straightforward, simply ask your clients for their pronouns when they book and train your team to use them correctly. This approach can greatly contribute to creating an atmosphere where clients feel acknowledged and valued for who they truly are.
- Support the LGBTQ+ Community
True inclusivity doesn’t just happen within the salon; it extends beyond our doors. That’s why we actively support LGBTQ+ organisations and partner with groups who are doing the work to promote equality and visibility.
Being inclusive isn’t just about what we do inside our salon, it’s about how we use our platform to support the community at large. Whether it’s through fundraising, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or offering discounted services for those transitioning, we’re committed to making a difference.
It’s about walking the talk and using our platform to advocate for positive change.
- Work with Influencers Who Share Your Values
In today’s world, social media plays a huge role in shaping perceptions and building communities. That’s why, at ROAR, we make sure to collaborate with influencers and content creators who share our values. Working with individuals who champion inclusivity and diversity helps us reach a wider audience and allows us to continue promoting self-expression in the beauty industry.
By aligning ourselves with influencers who genuinely support LGBTQ rights and inclusivity, we ensure that our message is consistent and impactful. These partnerships help to amplify our commitment to creating a safe space where everyone is welcome and can express their identity authentically.
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment for EVERYONE
An inclusive salon goes beyond just the physical space, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe and supported. For us, this means being proactive about the language we use, the way we interact with clients, and the way we train our staff.
ROAR is not just a salon; it’s a space where self-expression is celebrated, and people can come as they are. We’ve ensured that our staff is trained in gender-affirming services and educated on how to make clients from all walks of life feel comfortable and respected.
A supportive environment means respecting people’s identity, understanding their needs, and offering a service that’s aligned with their expression.
At ROAR Hair and Beauty, we celebrate diversity and inclusion every day. We are more than just a salon; we are a community that embraces individuality, supports self-expression, and believes in the transformative power of feeling truly seen and accepted.
