Training Your Team: Elevating Your Salon ! (Without Losing Your Sanity)

By Will Fennell

Choosing a skincare line for your salon isn’t just about selecting which jars look the nicest on the shelf. These bottles aren’t just decor — they represent your standards, your philosophy, and your reputation, all sealed with a lid. But here’s the thing: no matter how glamorous the brand, it’s as useful as a Ferrari without a driver’s licence if your team hasn’t been properly trained.

Let’s be honest. Therapists don’t want to come across as pushy salespeople, and clients certainly don’t want to feel like they’ve wandered into a used car yard. What clients really want is someone who knows their stuff and can explain (without jargon or sales-speak) why a certain cream or serum will benefit their skin.

Consider the difference between:

“This cream is popular.” (Yawn.) vs.

“This formula helps lock in hydration after today’s peel, so your results last longer.” (Bingo!)

One approach makes your client’s eyes glaze over, while the other encourages them to reach for their wallet because you’ve genuinely connected with them. When your team receives training, sales no longer feel like sales — they feel like the natural next step in caring for your client.

Consistency Across the Team

Ever had two therapists explain the same product as if they were discussing entirely different worlds? Clients dislike that. Consistency reassures them that no matter who they see, they’ll receive the same accurate advice (delivered with their therapist’s own personality, of course).

And as a bonus, it relieves the pressure on your “star therapist.” Instead of clients only trusting one person, they’ll happily book with anyone. That means more loyalty, greater flexibility in bookings, and less risk of burnout for your superstar staff member.

Why Training Matters

Here’s the thing: even the best skincare line can’t do all the talking on its own. Beautiful jars don’t tell stories — your team does.

That’s why I don’t just hand over products and hope for the best. Training means your staff know not only what’s inside a formula but also why it matters and how to explain it without sounding like robots. They get to test textures, see how products feel, and most importantly, learn how to connect those results directly to client needs.

Clean Beauty in Training

Let’s be honest — clients nowadays don’t just flick through magazines while waiting. They’ve been on Google, TikTok, and probably asked three friends before they even visit your salon. They know their ingredients, and sometimes they’re even a bit sceptical. That’s why training in clean beauty isn’t optional — it’s essential for survival. For BIODROGA, clean beauty isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation: no microplastics, no parabens, no PEGs, no phthalates, no silicones, no mineral oils — and absolutely no animal testing. Essentially, none of the ingredients that clients dislike are the ones that catch brands out. When your team can say this with confidence (and maybe even a smile), clients immediately feel at ease, knowing your salon genuinely upholds these standards.

And here’s the thing: it’s not about memorising a list of banned ingredients. It’s about understanding the reason behind it so therapists can chat naturally, not robotically. That authenticity builds trust, helps conversations flow smoothly, and reassures clients they’re in expert hands — without the lecture.

Making Training Part of Salon Culture

Training isn’t just a one-off PowerPoint presentation. It’s an ongoing shift in culture. Launches, refreshers, and updates — they keep your team motivated, confident, and (dare I say it) even a bit excited.

And it’s not just about knowledge. Training sessions also serve as team bonding. When your crew experiences products together and shares real-life client stories, it generates an energy that flows into the salon. Clients notice that vibe straight away.

The Payoff

Trained staff equals happy clients. Happy clients lead to loyalty. Loyalty results in a stronger, more profitable salon. Simple maths.

Treatments give an instant glow. Training ensures your clients take that glow home with the right products and the confidence to use them. Without training, products sit on shelves collecting dust. With training, they fly out the door with happy clients who feel supported between visits.

WILL FENNELL

Final Thought

Training isn’t “optional” — it’s the secret ingredient. It boosts confidence, pride, and consistency within your team. A trained therapist enters a room prepared to give their best, and clients notice it straight away.

Bottom line: products might add the sparkle, but training is what keeps the sparkle shining long after clients leave your salon. And who doesn’t want to be the salon that’s remembered for a bit of sparkle?

Best of luck,

Will x

Will is the Australian owner and international trainer for BIODROGA, the Clean Beauty Brand.