Like most industries dominated by women, much of society has historically undervalued the beauty industry. Hairstylists, makeup artists, and estheticians are constantly being told they’re not worth their pricing. To satisfy this unfair mindset, beauty professionals tend to make themselves small, gaslight themselves, and belittle the value of their work—and worse—themselves.
This needs to change.
How is it that we can accept that a Ferrari specialist charges more for an oil change compared to a Ford getting serviced at a Jiffy Lube. Or, that food at Chili's is more expensive than going to McDonald's, but cheaper than dining at somewhere like Spring House.
Why would the beauty industry be any different?
In none of these examples are things priced trivially. Pricing is based on quality, expertise, specialization, continuous education, and customer experiences.
Self-Care: A Necessity for Mental Wellbeing
With beauty, it’s all about perspective and priorities, and this is where I feel the disconnect comes in: Some people consider hair and skin care a luxury.
But is it?
To some, perhaps. Personally, I believe everyone deserves to feel beautiful, cherished, and empowered to prioritize self-care without judgment or guilt. As someone who has navigated the challenges of single parenthood while raising three children, I understand the weight of prioritizing the needs of my children above my own.
For many years, I hesitated to indulge in even the simplest acts of self-care, convinced that any expenditure on myself would be deemed selfish. This mindset took a toll on my mental wellbeing, eventually leading me to seek professional help.
Learning to prioritize my own self-care has been instrumental in overcoming my personal challenges and improving my life.
But what was most surprising (and satisfying), was the positive impact it had on my children and those around me. I've found the better I take care of myself, the better I can care for others!
My personal relationship with self-care is complex and continuously evolving. While it may not be a necessity for mere survival, neither is a Ferrari, fine dining, or—gasp—good shoes. I firmly believe self-care plays an essential role in your self-esteem and your ability to flourish and embrace life to its fullest potential.
Emotional Discounting and Lax Policies: The Hidden Bane of the Beauty Industry
Before joining the team at Alkali Hair Studio in 2021, I worked in Human Resources in the corporate world for over a decade. Transitioning to the beauty industry was an eye-opener.
I was astounded by the standards that were considered acceptable, particularly the widespread issue of "emotional discounting," where many stylists, out of empathy or guilt for their clients' financial constraints, inadvertently devalue their own services.
The practice of emotional discounting often goes unnoticed by clients, but it has far-reaching implications for the stylist, as it creates a precedent that undermines the stylist's worth.
Furthermore, I was shocked to discover that so many salons fail to enforce cancellation policies, which results in financial losses equivalent to showing up for work but not getting paid.
As much as I love my job, I still expect to get paid for my time, as I’m sure you’d agree!
I entered Human Resources to empower people in their workplace and help them get the most out of their jobs. My goal was to make a difference in others' lives by helping them achieve a healthy work-life balance because I personally understand the struggle of sacrificing everything to advance in a career.
It shouldn't have to be that way for anyone!
Defying the Norms: A Salon With the Courage to Buck Against a Broken System
When I compared Alkali to the typical salon, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. An upscale salon that performs incredible work, is focused on the client experience, is progressive, and is challenging the status quo—sign me up!
At Alkali Hair Studio and Beauty Lab, we value our clients and the hardworking providers and staff that make Alkali what it is. What was once a humble three-chair salon founded by a stylist who grew sick of the toxic salon culture, Alkali has spent 14 years growing, learning, and expanding to meet the high demands and standards of our area.
Our salon's beauty extends well beyond its surface; it’s rooted in a culture of support and mutual respect. This environment empowers our providers to collaborate, share clients, and uplift one another—an approach that is truly exceptional in our industry.
Alkali has won several awards for quality, culture, and growth, and have plugged all of that back into the salon. Our stylists frequently get five-star education from industry leaders, have trained in New York, Paris, and London, and have learned to never remain stagnant.
In an industry where professionals face physical limitations after years of working behind the chair, we tirelessly invest time and money into education and endure long, demanding hours to meet the needs of our clients.
Alkali: A Leader Not a Follower in the Beauty Industry
Alkali has been at the forefront of the industry's shift toward inclusivity, eliminating gendered services to provide a safe space for our trans and non-binary clients, and ensuring fair pricing for all clients regardless of gender.
We’re excited to continue leading the way in establishing new industry standards, and we refuse to undervalue our work to appease others.
Owner and CEO Amber Woodall meticulously planned the pricing structure we implemented earlier this year. Our services are now priced based on the time required, reflecting each stylist’s individual level of experience, advanced education, specialty training, and demand.
That said, we’re mindful that budgets vary, and a key aspect of our culture at Alkali is fostering support among our stylists and respecting the choices our clients make. This includes encouraging clients to see another stylist within Alkali who better fits their budget. I can’t stress enough how much we as individuals both understand and respect your choices!
Alkali stands firm in our commitment to redefine the beauty industry's standards and uplift the incredible professionals who make it all possible. Our journey to an award-winning haven for top-tier talent and client inclusivity is a testament to our dedication and resilience.
Our mission is to leave our industry better than how we found it—so we will keep defying the norms of the beauty industry.
A Vision that Uplifts Everyone
As a client and consumer choosing Alkali, you’re not only investing in exceptional hair and skin, but also in a vision that values and uplifts everyone involved. Join us in celebrating the expertise and artistry of our stylists. Champion a future where self-care is a right, not a luxury, and where every professional is recognized for their true worth.
For our valued clients and those new to the beauty industry, here’s how you can support your local salon and stylist:
Recognize expertise: Understand that beauty service prices reflect the stylists' training, experience, and ongoing education.
Respect policies: Adhering to cancellation and pricing policies ensures fair compensation for stylists, as well as a fair and better experience for other clients.
Prioritize self-care: Embrace self-care as essential for well-being, not a luxury.
Support inclusivity: Appreciate efforts to create inclusive and safe spaces for all clients, regardless of gender, race, or background.
Support green policies: Salons produce more waste than you may realize. Supporting salons that are committed to green practices is a benefit to everyone and our planet.
Thank you for supporting us in this transformative movement. Together, we can make a difference.
Read more about Alkali’s values.
