How Can 'Silent Treatments' Boost Mental Health and Bring in More Clients?

We first heard of ‘silent treatments’ back when Not Another Salon launched the world’s first ‘silent haircut’ in late 2019. The salon was already famous for its inclusivity and no judgment policy. The reasoning behind offering a silent treatment was the understanding that every client desires something different in order to relax - some require a chin wag, others require a time out without being judged.

Discussing the reasoning behind the new offer, owner Sophia Hilton says: "In order for us to be a true non judgment company we need to consider all our clients' needs. With mental health issues on the rise, feeling comfortable to say when you need time out couldn't be more important."

For some people, the struggle of visiting the hairdressers is real. Not for the fear of walking out with a cut they had no intention of ever getting, but for the forced 50-minute small talk.

A ‘silent treatment’ client can be both a reprieve for the client and the beauty professional, however. Working silently not only encourages anxious clients to visit - but also allows you to focus on your treatment and work faster - which results in greater income. While there are clients that you may talk to who are eager for a conversation and at this point you know everything about their life and family - there are others with whom there are only so many times you can ask “What are your weekend plans” or “It’s really great weather we’re having today”.

When offering a silent treatment in your salon, it’s important to let them know that they’re not bound to the silence - while you won’t be making small talk, they should feel comfortable to speak out if they feel the treatment is going in the wrong direction. Furthermore, when marketing the option - it’s key to let the client know that they won’t be viewed as ‘antioscial’ for choosing their own way to de-stress.

Offering a little more understanding to the more anxious clients could go a long way in making your salon more inclusive and gathering new clients - and could have great benefits to the way you work too!