Holistic wellness and business coach, Sonia Magnier, shares tips for not only drawing in the best stylists but keeping them inspired,  loyal, and committed for the long haul.

1. Create a Standout Salon Culture

Top talent isn’t just looking for a job — they’re looking for a vibe. They want to feel part of something meaningful, inspiring, and collaborative. What this looks like:
• A values-led workplace that celebrates individuality
• Zero tolerance for drama
• Open communication and mutual respect
• A sense of belonging and creative freedom
Tip: Regularly share your salon’s mission, story, and team values in interviews, meetings, and social media. Make your culture visible.

2. Offer Clear Growth Pathways

High-performing stylists don’t want to plateau, they want progress. If there’s no vision for their future in your business, they’ll find it elsewhere. What this looks like:
• Ongoing education and advanced training
• Leadership development opportunities
• Milestone-based promotions or incentives
• One-on-one mentorship and regular reviews
Tip: Create a “Career Growth Roadmap” that you can walk stylists through during onboarding and check-ins.

3. Prioritise Wellbeing & Work-Life Balance

Burnout is real and the salon industry is known for it. Talented stylists will leave environments that push them too hard, ignore their needs, or lack empathy. What this looks like:
• Thoughtful scheduling and breaks
• Respect for personal boundaries
• Support around mental health and stress
• Celebrating effort, not just results
Tip: Introduce regular wellbeing check-ins or mindfulness events & sessions
and walk your talk as a leader. This means getting support and ensuring
your wellness intentions start from the top and trickle down through the business

4. Recognise, Reward & Uplift

People stay where they feel valued. It’s that simple. Stylists want to know that their creativity, dedication, and results matter. What this looks like:
• Regular shout-outs (online or in-team)
• Performance-based bonuses or treats
• Thoughtful gifts or surprise thank-yous
• Celebrating milestones (e.g., 1-year anniversary, most booked stylist, etc.)
Tip: Start a “Stylist of the Month” feature to spotlight team members’ talent and efforts.

5. Hire for Alignment, Not Just Skill

The best hire isn’t always the one with the fanciest Instagram portfolio, it’s the one who fits your team and culture. What this looks like:
• Interview questions that explore values, communication style, and collaboration
• Trial days that include team interactions
• Honest chats about expectations and work ethic
Tip: Trust your gut — if someone feels like a culture clash, they probably are. If you want loyal, motivated, talented stylists lead like the kind of salon owner you would want to work for. Your team will mirror your energy, your care, and your leadership. Invest in yourself first, this will influence EVERYTHING! Build a salon where people grow, thrive, and feel proud to be part of. That’s how you attract, and keep, top-tier talent.

Sonia’s High-Performance Leadership course runs for 6 weeks and is bookable via email/Instagram, RRP 1000 EURO. She’s also available for 1-1 coaching sessions for both busy salon owners and stylists.
More Info: Soniamagniercoaching.com