I remember when I owned my Salon we carried and used nail polish by Zoya. At that time I remember thinking…gosh, so many choices. Not only did I feel compelled to carry the inventory, it took forever for my clients to choose a color. Walk into any Salon/Spa or beauty supply store. Scroll through an online shop, or flip through a trade magazine, go to any trade show and you’ll likely feel … overwhelmed.
There are dozens of brands offering what seems like identical products. There’s a cream for every wrinkle, a serum for every skin type, and a polish for every mood. While variety can be a blessing, many professionals—and consumers—are starting to wonder: Do we have too many choices in the beauty industry?
Not only in our Beauty Industry. Everywhere. What sparked this article is a comment I heard the other night. Do our children really need 30 dolls to choose from?
The Evolution of Options
The beauty industry, probably all industries, have exploded over the past two decades. Once dominated by a few major players, it’s now a sea of indie brands, influencer lines, organic options, and global imports. Innovation is booming, and with it comes a flood of new products that promise better results, cleaner ingredients, and more targeted solutions.
This variety is a response to demand. Clients want personalized care. They want vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, sustainable packaging—you name it. And brands are racing to meet those expectations. Let’s not forget there is always the latest, greatest trend. Yet, somewhere in that race, clarity got lost.
The Paradox of Choice
In theory, more options mean more freedom. In reality, too many choices can lead to decision fatigue.
For beauty professionals, this can mean wasted money on under performing products, confusion in choosing the right solutions for clients, and frustration in keeping up with the latest “must-have” items. Which, this industry is infamous for.
Many clients rely on us a professionals to filter through the noise and recommend what works. But when professionals are also overwhelmed, What happens then?
Quantity vs. Quality
It’s important to remember that more isn’t always better. In fact, I’ve always believed less IS more.
Some of the most successful professionals in the industry stick to a curated product line which they know, love, and trust. They take the time to truly understand what each product does—and why it’s necessary—rather than jumping on the latest trend.
As a beauty professional, your clients come to you for expertise, not for a shelf full of confusing choices. Streamlining your product selection can lead to better results, more confident recommendations, and a stronger brand identity. Not to mention less waste and less spending for you as a Salon owner.
What Can We Do?
Educate Ourselves: Invest time in training, product knowledge classes, and industry events to stay informed—not just influenced. Stop running after the next, latest, greatest.
Audit Regularly: Review your product inventory quarterly. What’s working? What’s collecting dust? Sometimes we buy things and we just don’t use them. Don’t be afraid to back away. Use up what you have and never buy it again. Or, at least reach out to whom you bought it from for maybe a refresher and/or help in learning how to move a product which you might retail.
Stick With What Works: Find your core products and use them to build a consistent, effective experience for your clients. Especially in regard to Pedicures. We know (because I’ve said it a million times), a pedicure is a pedicure is a pedicure. Your core basics should be cleanser, exfoliating and massage. Everything else makes it yours. If it’s working, don’t break it.
Ask the Right Questions: When approached with a new product, ask yourself; Does it solve a specific problem I currently can’t address? Or is it just a shiny new object? What will it do for me, what will it do for my clients.
The beauty industry isn’t slowing down, and new products will keep coming. That’s not a bad thing—it’s a sign of innovation and passion. Yet, it’s up to us as professionals to curate, simplify, and educate. Our clients don’t need all the choices—they need the right ones. And maybe, with our current environment and changes within our International Community…now is the time to do a serious evaluation for the future of your Business. A kinda re-inventing, if you will.
What are the right products for you?
When choosing products for a beauty salon, it’s essential to be strategic. Here are key questions to ask yourself to make informed, profitable, and effective choices:
1. Does this product align with my brand values?
Is it professional-grade? Is it cruelty-free, clean, organic, or sustainable (if that matters to my brand)?
Does it reflect the level of service and quality I promise to clients?
2. Is there a need for this product in my salon?
Does it fill a gap in my current offerings? Am I replacing something that’s under performing? Will it enhance the client experience or improve results? Will it help me as a Salon Owner or as a Technician.
3. Have I tested or researched this product thoroughly? Do your research. Have I received a sample or tried a demo?Do I trust the source or distributor? What do other professionals say about it?
4. Is this product cost-effective and profitable?
What’s my cost-to-use ratio? Will clients be willing to pay for this as part of a service? Can I retail this product for additional revenue? Or, are there compatible retail options?
5. Will this product be easy to incorporate into my existing services? Does it require extra training?
Will it complicate or streamline my service process? Is it compatible with the tools and techniques I already use?
6. Is the brand reliable and supportive? Do they offer education, marketing materials, and customer service? Are they known for consistent supply and product quality? Do they stand behind their products with guarantees or warranties?
7. Will my clients benefit from or be excited about this product? Does it solve a problem or address a need they’ve expressed? Will it add value to their appointment? Will it make such a difference, they want to continue with at home care in an effort to keep the treatment effects going.
These questions will help you move from impulse buying to intentional investing.
I’ve been in this Industry a long time. I’ve seen so many products come and go yet the hardest thing I have a challenge wrapping my brain around is the “product jumping” which occurs in our Industry. I can’t even imagine the wasted time and money it has cost many Salon Owners and Technicians because they keep chasing the latest trends.
Serious Business people make serious, though provoking decisions. Are you one of them?
The next time you think about changing brands….
ask yourself these questions
- Does this brand align with my values?
- Is the really a need for this product in my Salon?
- Have I tested and researched this product thoroughly?
- Is this product cost-effective and profitable?
- Will this product be easy to incorporate into my existing services?
- Is the brand Distributor reliable and supportive?
- Will my clients benefit and be excited about this product?
CJ Murray, President
Great article…..even tho I’m not in the industry now, (retirement), I read every article you put out for us Thank you
Awww thank you Jean Ann. I have always appreciated your support and still do. Hugs!