At the forefront of innovative and bold hair transformations, Sophia Hilton stands as a trailblazer in the vivid hair world. The entrepreneur owner of Not Another Salon, international educator and our Global Colour Ambassador, Sophia is a powerhouse of creativity, education, and open, honest business advice. She is known for transforming hair and perspectives on what a salon can offer. Here’s an inside look into her world, we asked Sophia her thoughts on vivids, training, pricing and the future of colourful hair.
Why is Not Another Salon known as a Vivid Salon?
According to Sophia, it wasn’t originally her intention to make Not Another Salon a vivid salon. Instead, she wanted to create a space where the colour palette was more expansive than most salons. “We still do loads of natural hair,” she explains, “but we can also offer colourful hair at the same time. Never make the mistake that a salon that does vivid can only do vivid—what it means is we can do more than most.” This inclusive approach to colour, blending both the natural and vibrant, sets Not Another Salon apart in a world where vivid hair is becoming increasingly popular and you can do the same!
The importance of training in mastering vivid hair
Sophia is deeply committed to the education of her staff. Training, she explains, is absolutely vital, particularly when it comes to vivid colours. “When it comes to vivid, if you’ve never done it before, it’s like starting again.” She guides her team step-by-step, helping them navigate vivids from the basics up.
The training process at Not Another Salon is rigorous. Sophia explains that “very few people are allowed to just get a job straight away. They usually go through a program as a Junior (even if they’ve been a stylist before) or a retraining program.” This structure ensures that staff is consistently immersed in the art of vivid hair, refining their craft under the guidance of experienced stylists.
Sophia’s advice for aspiring Vivid Colourists
Sophia knows that mastering vivid hair takes time and dedication, and she encourages those wanting to upskill themselves to start with the Crazy Color Vivid Colour Course Online. Priced at just £100, the course goes through the foundations of working with vivid colours, providing invaluable insights into colour theory and application. Find out more here.
“After that,” Sophia advises, “the best thing you can do is get models in. You shouldn’t be charging anyone for a while; you should be practicing your skills!” Even now, Sophia admits she does some work for free when she wants to try something new, proving that “you are never too big to work for free if you want to break a new skill.”
How to approach pricing for vivid hair services
Pricing can be tricky, especially with vivid colours, but Sophia has found a way to balance it. Her key? Build the higher pricing into the bleaching service. “That way, the client doesn’t feel like the vivid colour is too expensive,” Sophia shares. This method ensures that clients continue to pay a fair price for the transformation while keeping services accessible.
For Sophia, pricing is less about experience and expenses and more about demand. “Raising prices is about building demand and the desire to have an appointment with you,” she says. Her secret to this? Teaching social media and marketing so you can create that demand.
Sophia hosts international education on all aspects of colour, in addition to exploring the business side of the industry, encouraging her audiences to be open, honest and reflective on where they could do better while giving them the tactics and knowledge to do so.
The role of Crazy Color in salon profitability
Sophia recognizes that vivid hair services can sometimes be perceived as costly, but she’s a huge advocate for Crazy Color because of its affordability. “Crazy Color is one of the fairest priced products, and this is why I continue to endorse it—not just for me but for people everywhere on different budgets.”
By using Crazy Color, you can deliver beautiful vibrant results for your clients without compromising on product quality and margins, ensuring you are supported and the client leaves happy.
The crucial pre-vivid consultation
One of Sophia’s strongest beliefs is in the importance of a pre-vivid consultation. Before even discussing colour, she focuses on the client’s lifestyle and long-term goals for their hair. “Do they want this for the summer or are they in it for the long haul? Are they willing to top this up in the shower or do they want to come back to the salon?” These conversations set the tone for the service and manage expectations, which in turn reduces the risk of complaints down the line.
“What is always important to me is to illustrate that Crazy Color is not just for one type of person, it’s for everybody. In the last 10 years , I have seen the trends change dramatically in the UK, and throughout the world, and what was once seen as alternative is now completely wearable for every personality. Giving people the confidence to be themselves is exactly what Crazy Color is all about”
Client aftercare: The Anti-Fade Kit
Maintaining vivid colours requires effort, and Sophia ensures her clients are well-equipped with a take-home package to maintain their vibrant hues between salon visits. The Anti-Fade Kit, designed with care, includes Anti-Bleed Spray, Colour Remover Wipes, gloves, and two pots of Crazy Color for top-ups. This thoughtful aftercare solution helps clients keep their colours fresh while reinforcing the personal touch Not Another Salon is known for.
Thoughtful upselling
Upselling can often feel like a challenge, but Sophia has a thoughtful approach to recommending products. She emphasizes that a personalized kit, such as the Anti-Fade Kit, makes all the difference because “you placed it together with a thought for your client and that is special.” It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about enhancing the client’s experience and ensuring they leave the salon feeling valued. You are recommending these products because you care and you want to ensure your client gets the most longevity out of their colour while maintaining the health of their hair.
Sophia’s in person education!
Sophia Hilton is a visionary who has helped shape the world of vivid hair with her creativity and business savvy. Through her salon, Not Another Salon, and her work with us, she has proven that colourful hair is much more than just a trend, its expression for the client and for the stylist, it’s an art form.
We are bringing Sophia to Glasgow in November 2024 so if you’re a stylist looking to upskill or need a little confidence boost with your business, Sophia’s insights are invaluable to developing your business and your vivid skills! Check out the event info here.