Imagine walking into a salon and being instantly captivated by a beautifully designed menu that clearly highlights services tailored to your needs. A well-crafted salon menu not only attracts clients, but also drives sales and enhances customer satisfaction.

Your salon menu is like a window into your business, showcasing the many services you offer and drawing your clients in with all you have to offer. It not only clarifies what services you can provide, but also enhances your brand.

In this piece, we'll tell you how to write a salon menu (also known as a price list), along with key considerations you should make when planning a menu for either a hair or nail salon.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

Why Craft a Salon Menu?

So why should you bother creating a salon menu in the first place?

For starters, a clear and transparent menu helps avoid any confusion (and conflict) about the services you provide. Your clients will appreciate knowing exactly what they can expect and how much it will cost, and you'll appreciate not having to repeat answers to the same questions multiple times each day! Ultimately, this kind of transparency builds trust and shows your clients they are valued.

In addition, your salon menu serves as a reflection of your brand. It should be visually appealing, aligned with your salon's aesthetic, to create the most professional image possible. This can set you apart from competitors and help you attract potential clients.

Finally, an enticing, thoughtfully-crafted salon menu can encourage your clients to try new services they might not have considered before. By highlighting popular treatments and offering package deals, you can boost your sales and keep clients coming back for more.

Creating a Salon Menu: What to Consider

Now that you know why a salon service menu is so important, how do you go about creating one? Let's look at some key elements you'll need to incorporate. 

Pricing 

Pricing is perhaps one of the most important elements of your salon menu, if not the most important. Research market rates for similar services in your area, and price yourself accordingly. 

These prices do not have to be set in stone. Some services, like French tip nails and hair color, have seen some recent price increases. Among GlossGenius businesses, the price of French tips went up up 21% in 2023, while hair color went up nearly 4%.  Because of this, it only makes sense for you to adjust your rates too, based on the cost of doing business. 

The most important thing to remember here is transparency - by posting your prices on your salon menu, your clients will understand the value of your services and avoid any unpleasant surprises at checkout time. 

Service Titles

When you're writing titles and descriptions for your services, clear, descriptive language is key. Avoid jargon and instead, opt for straightforward wording your clients will understand. 

For example, instead of "Advanced Keratin Treatment," opt for "Smooth & Sleek Keratin Treatment." This clarity makes it easier for clients to choose the right service, since they'll understand not only what the service is, but what it does for them.

Classic and Basic Services

Include classic and basic services that cater to a wide range of clients. These should be the staple offerings of your salon, such as haircuts, blowouts, manicures, and pedicures. 

In 2023, these were some of the most common services offered by businesses using the GlossGenius platform. As you can see, businesses tended to keep their prices for these classic services consistent too.

Seasonal Services

You don't have to stop there, though - adding seasonal services to your menu keeps things fresh and exciting. 

For example, you can offer special treatments for holidays or summer-ready hair and nails. Seasonal services can attract clients looking for something new and help boost your sales during specific times of the year.

[CTA_MODULE]

6 Nail Salon Menu Ideas

If you own a nail salon, here are some menu ideas (with price estimate ranges, for reference) to help you keep things fresh and inviting. 

1. Dip Manicure

A dip manicure is a process where nails are dipped into a colored powder and then sealed with a top coat. This method is gaining popularity due to its durability and the high-gloss finish it provides. In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing services, growing in popularity by 24% in 2023 alone.

Pricing typically ranges from $35 to $50 (often, it's an additional $10 or $20 on top of the cost of a regular deluxe manicure), and you can upsell this service on your nail salon menu by offering seasonal colors or themed powders for holidays and events. This can create excitement and drive repeat visits.

2. French Pedicure

This classic pedicure involves painting the tips of the nails white while the rest of the nail is polished with a nude or pale pink shade. It's perfect for clients looking for a chic, timeless look. Nail salon prices for this service usually range from $30 to $50.

Upgrade idea? Add a mini foot massage to this service to elevate the experience and justify premium pricing.

3. Gel Polish Removal

Many clients need gel polish removed safely and efficiently - it's smart to educate your clients on the importance of professional removal to prevent nail damage. Offering this service also ensures that clients return to your salon regularly. This service generally costs between $10 and $20.

4. Nail Art & Design

From simple designs to intricate artwork, offering nail art can set your salon apart. Pricing can vary widely based on the complexity of the designs, starting at $5 per nail on a typical salon price list. The prices have gone up significantly in the last year, increasing about 5.44%. 

Want to upgrade your services? A fun idea is to host themed nail art days where clients can get custom designs at a special rate to showcase your creativity.

5. Hard Gel Full Set

A hard gel full set provides clients with durable, long-lasting nails. It's incredibly popular, having grown in popularity by a whopping 59% in 2023. This service is ideal for those who prefer stronger nails - nail salon prices for it are typically between $50 and $70.

To take things one step further, you can create a loyalty program where clients get a discount or free touch-up after a certain number of services.

6. Short Acrylic Full Set

Perfect for clients who prefer shorter nails but still want the durability of acrylics. On a salon price list, this service is typically priced between $25 and $40. Consider pairing this popular service (it's surged in popularity by 42% in the last year!) with a quick hand treatment to make it a more luxurious experience.

6 Hair Salon Menu Ideas

Own a hair salon instead? Explore these hair salon menu ideas to make sure your offerings are clear, appealing, and versatile. 

1. Standard Blowout 

A standard blowout involves washing, drying, and styling the hair to create a polished look - it's something you'll see on just about every hair salon's prices' lists. This service is popular for everyday elegance or special occasions, usually costing between $30 and $50.

Because blowouts are so popular - and the results don't last that long - you may want to consider offering memberships or packages for regular blowout clients to help build loyalty. 

2. Cut 

Whether it's a trim or a new style altogether, haircuts remain an essential service. Prices can vary based on the complexity of the cut, generally ranging from $40 to $70. Like many other services, it's gone up in price, seeing an increase of about 3.49% in 2023.

Again, this can vary depending on where your salon is located and a myriad of other factors, but it's a good general range to shoot for.

3. Wash & Cut 

Bundling a haircut with a wash can offer convenience to clients and is a great opportunity for upselling. This combination service typically costs between $50 and $80.

[CTA_MODULE]

4. Fringe Trim 

Fringe trims are a quick and affordable service that keeps clients coming back. This service, on most hair salons' price lists, usually costs around $15 to $25. You may want to consider offering this as a complimentary service for repeat customers or bundling it with other treatments to help you attract interest.

5. Root Smudge 

A root smudge extends the life of hair color by blending the roots with the rest of the hair, offering a low-maintenance option for clients. This service generally ranges from $60 to $100.

Root smudge services had a big year in 2023. Their popularity on GlossGenius service menus increased a whopping 89% from the year prior. If this service isn’t on your radar, it’s definitely worth considering.

6. Double Process 

This service involves bleaching the hair and then applying a toner or dye to achieve the desired color. Behind root smudge, this was the second most added service by GlossGenius businesses in 2023. It's ideal for dramatic color changes and usually costs between $100 and $150. You may want to offer a follow-up treatment or toner touch-up at a discounted rate within a certain period.

7. Olaplex Treatment 

Olaplex treatments repair and strengthen damaged hair, making it a popular add-on service. It was also one of the most popular new hair treatments offered by GlossGenius businesses in 2023, soaring 39% from the previous year. This treatment typically costs between $30 and $50. Again, you can bundle this treatment with other chemical services to improve hair health and client satisfaction.

Empower Your Salon With GlossGenius

A well-crafted salon service menu is essential for running a successful salon. It not only clarifies the services you offer but also enhances your brand and encourages clients to explore new treatments. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

But creating an impressive salon menu is just the beginning. To truly elevate your business, consider using GlossGenius. Our all-in-one platform helps salons grow with features like online booking, client management, POS, and email and SMS marketing. 

With GlossGenius, you can streamline your operations and focus on providing exceptional services to your clients. Our platform makes it easy for you to create a sleek, modern-looking salon menu online with customizable booking website templates. 

We also make it easy for clients to book with our simple appointment booking capabilities. They'll know exactly what they're booking, how much it will cost, and how they'll benefit from signing up for one of your services. GlossGenius makes it easy for you to make the best possible impression for all of your clients, both new and returning. 

Ready to take your salon to the next level? Sign up for a 14-day free GlossGenius trial and transform the way you manage your salon.

FAQ

How can I make my salon unique? 

Personalize your menu with exclusive treatments and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in hair and nail care. Building a strong community around your salon can also set you apart.

What is the most popular service in the salon? 

The most popular service in salons often varies, but haircuts, blowouts, and manicures are consistently in high demand. These should be staples on your salon menu. 

What can I sell in the salon? 

In addition to services, consider selling high-quality hair and nail care products. Offering retail items like shampoos, conditioners, and styling tools can boost your revenue and provide clients with everything they need to maintain their look at home.

How do I organize my small salon?

In addition to the salon menu on prominent display, you should further optimize your space by choosing multi-functional furniture, decor, and storage solutions. Create a layout that allows for efficient workflow and creates a comfortable experience for both clients and staff.