Innovations in Hairdressing and Salon Services - Case Study Example

Innovations in Hairdressing and Salon Services Students Name Institution Date Introduction In the recent past, industries have been seeking to develop and grow surpassing stipulated targets. Innovation is among the most adopted features that spearhead sustainable growth and development. This is because with innovation firms in an industry can compete seeking to harness efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery or production processes. Since there are scarce resources regardless of the industry, it is prudent for an organization to align their affairs and ensure maximization of returns. To maximize returns, corporations around the globe have to reduce on their expenses and maximize on turn over. This entails eradicating bureaucratic procedures that consume unnecessary resources out of the organization. Similarly, entrenching ultra modern operations significantly aid in organization’s efficiency, productivity and profitability in both short and long-term endeavors (Yetkiner 2013). With the passage of time, technological advancements continue to garner momentum and take center stage in the international arena. Companies all over the world dealing in numerous products seek solace in technology as the economic situation is not reliable. In the recent past, the global economy faced dire hardships through the consequences of the worst ever global financial crisis. As the economy was rejuvenating, the Euro debt crisis came calling. The repurcations of the financial disruptions are as clear as they were 5 years ago. The global economy is yet to restore its initial status. This implies that there are numerous money related constraints facing organizations. With these challenges, organizations have to re-strategize and redefine their objectives to ensure that they are not only attainable but also feasible and realistic. To aid in the attainment of such objectives, the technological realm continually offers lasting and practical solutions. For instance, since downsizing was inevitable, organizations had to work with slimmer production resonating to slimmer turnover and income. This reduced money inflow and outflow curtails the level of growth evidenced in recent times. Technological improvements seek to replace human capital offering lasting solutions that improve quality, accuracy minimizing losses. Organizations desire these new production mechanisms as the profit margins are not only large but also sustainable regardless of the economic conditions. Ever since the ages of export oriented industrialization, the international community has been gradually merging forming more bilateral ties. These bilateral trade agreements seek to harness trade interaction leveraging each country’s ability to handle international clients. In this business fraternity, competition is stiff as countries embark on inculcating modern technology that alleviates production and service delivery antics (Trott 2008). This facilitates globalization which is an ultra modern business prospect that endeavor to open up the entire global village. Globalization affects all industries in diverse and distinct manners. The essence is to avail a platform whereby international corporations can meet and interact. Through these interactions, the companies have the ability to transfer ideas that might befit their partners in different locations. Transfer of ideas fosters innovation and advance technological formulations as companies seek to outdo rivals in the industry. Additionally, the prevalence cultural diversity exhibited in modern workplaces also influences the level of innovation and development. This is because human resource from developed countries working as expatriates in developing countries is an immense source of ideas. These employees offer modernized problem resolution methodologies offering instantaneous solutions to the prevailing challenges. This way, organizations now have the ability to revolutionize and develop innovative solutions seeking to combat the ever dynamic competitive forces. Globalization is well thought-out business principle that seeks to incorporate all industries and countries harnessing development of sustainable growth. Though is has inherent limitations like exposure of infant local industries the business approach is advantageous and leads to innovations and growth 1. Industrial Demand for Hairdressing Salon Services Hairdressing and salon services entail a broad industry dealing in beatification. In the yesteryears, the industry was a woman’s profession a long gone notion as men compete in the woman dominated field. To thrive in this industry quality of service delivery is an essential element. This is because the beauty industry gauges products from samples. It is imperative to note that this industry has been gradually developing over the years. Techniques continue to change as consumer’s tastes and preferences take a paradigm shift moving away from ancient practices (Bullock 2004). The hairdressing and salon service industry is a major employer in the modern economy. As people continually seek to look good during their day to day engagements, substantial human resource has to be available. This offers immense job opportunities for the youth who desire to follow their passion to excel in the industry. As any industry seeking to attain sustainable growth and development, the hairdressing and salon services industry has indoctrinated technological advancements. There are numerous processes in this industry that now use mechanical operations as opposed to earlier manual techniques. This way, the industry continues to grow and develop seeking to attain the desired epitome negating competitive abilities. The target is achievable but modern innovation has to be inline with the technological realm. Current Type of Services in the Hairdressing and Salon Services Industry In the past decades, hairdressing and salon services were a women’s specialty as they are overly concerned about their appearance compared to men. With the passage of time, men are gradually increasing their consciousness with regard to grooming soliciting for such services. Grooming is a personalized desire and each consumer has specifications in line with preference. It is evident that, over the years, the number of services in the industry has been increasing as there are many one stop shops offering the entire beauty products. Coloring and hair styling are among the main services in this industry. This is because when enhancing an individual’s look, the hair is the most common accessory (Green & Kimber 2001). The availed hairstyles in modern day are many and specialists rely on personal intuition when developing a new style in accordance to consumer desires. The complicated bit about hair styling is that each consumer desires distinct styles dissimilar to any other style unveiled by the professional. This calls for innovative mindsets that comprehend, formulate and implement new designs for different clients. Styling has a number of aspects including relaxing the hair, branding, and extensions all of which seek to enhance a person’s appearance. Skin care treatment and make up styling are among the many services availed in the saloon industry. Development of Equipment and Cosmetics The saloon industry like any other industry has a variety of equipments that tend to make work easier. Mechanization concept in the business fraternity sought to reduce expenses and increase returns. In the same way, the hairdressing and salon services industry has numerous equipments seeking to offer quality service delivery. For instance, Johnson $ Johnson unveiled an ultra modern equipment that might outdo the retinol cytomimic. The technology seeks to fight aging by ensuring that a person’s hair remains the same while eradicating spots from the body. Research and development costs in this industry channel into unearthing aging products that can redefine people who still adorn their youth. Millions of dollars in given year go into researching on viable technologies that can reinvigorate a person’s youthfulness when in old age. Additionally, there are numerous ultra modern equipments in the hairdressing industry including blowers, dryers among other hand held devices. These equipments intend to achieve two key objectives. First, the equipments focus on averting any bodily inflicted injury that might resonate to life threatening situations. The companies developing these modern technologically enhanced equipments enforce strict observation to ensure that nobody will suffer from their use. The second objective affirms that through the use of the equipments, saloon experts not only offer expeditious services at low costs and high quality but also lead to efficient downsizing and profitability maximization (Lloyd & Bodell 2005). With time, cosmetics used to harness hair appearance have immensely increased. They range from conditioners, color4ants, dyes, gel, shampoo among other landscape products in the hairdressing industry. The innovations and milestones attained in the hairdressing, and salon services industry significantly influence numerous aspects of humanity. For instance, transgender changes, media, and socio-cultural aspects are some of the elements influenced by hairdressing innovations. a. Influence of Gender and Identity Changes Though publicly unacceptable in some conservative states or countries, gender transformation is a common phenomenon in developed countries. With some biological explanations, people procure the practice and transform their gender from male to female or vice versa. In the process of transformation, the hairdressing industry plays a focal role in convincing the multitude that the transgender is fine. This is because hair is a distinct appearance accessory that resolves numerous situations in the modern world. With these distinguished abilities, the hairdressing industry nowadays harnesses transgender changes eradicating unwarranted societal dysfunctions. b. Social and Cultural Influences on the Development of Salons Treatment Provision The prevalent innovations in the hairdressing and salon services industry immensely influence the social and cultural societal settings. Hairdressing has over time revolutionized to adapt ultra modern tendencies. There is a distinct difference in hair dressing between developed and developing nations. For instance, since the developed nations have more elaborate social formations, male grooming does not arouse controversy as opposed to the developing nations. Wayward governance systems among other factors that inhibit the developing countries from disregarding conservatism mentalities, they still perceive male grooming as illogical. The infiltration of innovations in hairdressing continues to redefine the social setup as some designs are acceptable even in men (Valenzuela 2002). Additionally, innovations offer lucrative employment ventures to numerous individuals who have a passion for fashion. The fashion industry is among the booming industries in the world today as it has a high turnover facilitating developments. The hairdressing and salon service industry offers lucrative deals improving the living standards of many in modern societies as it offers equal employment opportunities. Since the venture is not capital intensive, many individuals are continually venturing into the industry seeking to attain their stipulated objectives. c. Media and Ideological Influences The hairdressing and salon services industry significantly influences the media and ideologies in a given society. This is because, with the modernized mindsets hairdressing is an essential element procured by both women and men. This service permeates conservative mindsets ensuring that they conform to salient changes prevalent in the society. The government and other stakeholders have to back the innovative initiatives entrenched in the industry. Innovation relates to the generation of a problem solving idea that might reap immense benefits if well thought-out, formulated and implemented in a practical manner. The media aids in the dissemination of information across geographical borders. With the indoctrination of the internet in the media fraternity, information flows in a faster and more reliable manner. This implies that through the media, the hairdressing and salon services industry garner worthy information that aids in the innovation endeavors (Doyle 2003). The industry exchanges information and ideologies over the globe resonating to unified modernization incorporating all elements. 2. Reflect upon the Development of Hairdressing Salon Services Over Time and Explain how the Industry may Develop Further in the Future It is evident that the hairdressing and salon service industry has over the years attained notable milestones. These achievements are only possible through sheer hard work and efficient information flow in an industry. The hairdressing and salon service industry is no exception as it has gradually developed shedding away ancient practices. There are numerous developments both technological and theoretical attained in the industry over time. Since the education sector is agile more than ever, students leave the curricula as well refined individuals with the ability to resolve inalienable societal problems. The ripple effect to this ability is the fact that innovations are more rampant than they were in the past. This implies that it is more likely for a saloon expert or hair stylist to develop a new style today than it was a few years back. Salient developments in the industry entail the enhancement of service provision ensuring that consumers are not only satisfied but also refer other clients. Since this is a major element in the service industry, quality reassurance does not convince clients on a person’s ability to complete an assigned task. It is vital to avail second party affirmation that the service provider has the required skills and expertise to deliver as stipulated. In the previous years, consumers shied away from the hairdressing and salon services industry as they perceived it to be injurious to their health. For instance, numerous products were unsafe and led to hair loss when used repetitively. The eradication of such products in the market has gradually restored consumer confidence asserting that the cosmetics will not harm the consumers. Additionally, since the industry adorns the use of technology, there are immense benefits garnered from the adoption of ultra modern technology into the business. Environmental and resource conservation steer the development of numerous technological advancements. Regardless of the industry, businesses have an equal chance of engaging eco efficient procedures and processes. Though some entrepreneurs are skeptical about the entire idea, other including governmental initiatives are quick to adapt such technologies. These technologies are products of innovation, and they entangle worthy benefits including the fact that they are easy to apply, sustainable and low cost initiatives that consume a fair amount of resources. The hairdressing and salon service industry is increasing incorporating environmental conscious operations. By developing and implementing eco efficient operations, the hairdressing and salon services industry benefits through cost reductions, profitability and operational effectiveness. This is among the notable innovative initiatives in the hairdressing and salon services industry, and it does not exist in isolation. 3. Globalization and the Effects of Cultural Influences on Innovations in Salon Services Provision Globalization is among the salient business prospects entrenched in the modernized world. Countries create cohesive business ties ensuring that it is easy for interactions and exchange of ideas. The international community dates back to post second world war period when it was evident that economic assistance was essential. In supporting each other, countries began to industrialize and develop attaining massive progress which was sustainable into the future. Globalization is a product of this cohesion that has garnered strength with the passage of time enduring gruesome challenges including the financial problems. The innovations prevalent in the hairdressing and salon services industry traverse the entire world. This is because the close coordination between countries facilitates the exchange of ideas, technology, resources and expertise harnessing innovation abilities in the hairdressing and salon services industry. These are some the advantages allied to globalization as it significantly opens up local industries to foreign competition (Harvard business essentials, 2003). In essence, globalization leads to efficient industrial operations as countries endeavor to out perform their competitors. The effects globalization includes the following. a. Health and Complementary Services There are numerous health related services availed in through the current healthcare system. This is because the level of complication continues to increase as population increases. In the need to avert dire consequences, governments incorporate feasible healthcare to alleviate the prevalent problems. Globalization also enhances healthcare in the policy ensures holistic growth traversing the world. Some innovation in the hairdressing and salon services industry sourced from foreign countries at times cause diabolical reactions. This calls for conclusive healthcare to ensure that consumers do not languish while soliciting for appreciation. b. Cosmetic Surgery and Effects on the Industry Cosmetic surgery is one of the prominent hairdressing and salon services that seek to restore youthful looks among the aging. The practice is a recent development that emanated from conclusive research answering the wrinkles affliction. Many consumers who desire appreciation in their youthful years tend to adorn similar looks during their old lives. Though the conservatives have a problem with this notion, the westernized culture tends to assimilate well with this development. Cosmetic surgery is a product of globalization as one country formulated the strategy, but other nations have been redefining the same through innovation methods. This way, cosmetic surgery is now safe as there are plenty of specialists who deal with same seeking to provide quality services at an affordable rate (Cressy 2003). Through globalization, cosmetic surgery is not only safe but also restores youthfulness among the aged. In the recent past, a practitioner in the field devised a strategy similar to that used during cosmetic surgery but dealing with weight loss. The new strategy encompasses surgery to physically remove additional fat. This is another saloon related services that lure numerous individual who desire to lose weight, but lack time or ability to engage in strenuous exercise. 4. The Effects Introducing Legislation and Policies in the Hairdressing and Salon Industry The Hairdressing and salon services industry like any other industry requires feasible and practical rules and regulations. The framework of guidelines seeks to protect both the service provider and the client from possible harm or legal injury. The pieces of the statute enacted in the Hairdressing and salon services industry seek to overlook two critical areas including the following. a. Legislation of Salon Services Salon services directly deal with human health. This is because the provision of services in a saloon deals with a person’s body part. It is imperative that the government entrench blanket rules covering both parties in the contract. For instance, if a client suffers bodily harm during a session in a salon, someone has to be liable and compensate the loss. If the saloon expert acted negligently towards the client, the legal duty of care binds such actions necessitating compensation (Masters 1988). In the same light, if the manufacturer provided substandard technology or cosmetics to unsuspecting clients, there is an obligation entrenched through law to compensate the customers. Legislation in the saloon services continues to change in line with modern developments seeking to ensure maximum disclosure of upcoming inventions. Health specialists and other legal practitioners have to approve endeavors like cosmetic surgery before the enactment of such statute. b. Financial Implications and Salon Services The legal framework permeates to the Hairdressing and salon services industry intending to streamline financial elements. Since a government has to operate and avail public goods to the populace, financing the projects is an issue of arguable concern. The Hairdressing and salon service industry is a significant contributor to the national kitty through tax and other statutory payments. It is prudent for such a government to have in place feasible legal frameworks that guide the players in the Hairdressing and salon services industry. Additionally, it is vital for saloon experts among other stakeholders to have a framework guiding their disclosure requirements. 5. Educational Options Within the Hairdressing and Salon Services Industry In numerous aspects, the educational realm has revolutionized seeking to match up with salient changes indoctrinated in the ultra modernized societal setting. Education is a focal background to numerous initiatives that traverse the economical grid (Gittens 2002). Governments have the mandate of ensuring that citizens acquire timely education that will instigate innovation mindsets harnessing their life skills. There are two distinct features related to education in the Hairdressing and salon services industry. a. Education and Training in Salon Services Education and training in the Hairdressing and salon services industry is a lifetime endeavor as skills continue changing. This industry is an ever dynamic platform always changing to conform to the consumer tastes and preferences. Training harnesses career growth and ensures that individuals practicing in the industry have sufficient innovative capabilities. b. Development of Industry Bodies Since the industry has thrived for a long time, there are many regulatory bodies governing the profession. The essence is to ensure that all firms conform to stipulated pricing and quality standards. Though some might be implied, it is imperative to have oversight bodies. These bodies are both international and local as globalization affects regions and inter-country relations alike. The Hairdressing and salon service industry has numerous innovative antics entrenched to date. With the prevalent trend, innovation creates a sustainable business environment spearheading effective and efficient operations. References Bullock, T 2004, The eXtensions Official Guide to Hair Extensions.. London: Cengage Learning. Cressy, S 2003, Business management for hairdressers and therapists. London: Heinemann. Doyle, M. I 2003, An illustrated history of hairstyles 1830-1930. Atglen, PA, USA: Schiffer Pub.. Gittens, S 2002, African-Caribbean hairdressing (2nd ed.). London: Thomson Learning. Green, M., & Kimber, L 2001, Professional hairdressing: the official guide to level 3 (3rd ed.). London: Thomson Learning. Harvard business essentials: managing creativity and innovation. 2003, Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. Lloyd, T., & Bodell, C 2005, The color book: the official guide to color for NVQ levels 2 and 3. London: Thompson Learning. Masters, T. W 1988, Salon management for hairdressers and beauty therapists. Aldershot: Gower. Trott, P 2008, Innovation management and new product development (4th ed.). Harlow, England: Financial Times/Prentice Hall. Valenzuela, C 2002, SmartStart customer service: learning excellence in salon beauty services. Omaha, NE: Marianna. Yetkiner, I. H 2013, Industrial dynamics, innovation policy, and economic growth through technological advancements. Hershey, Pa.: Information Science Reference. Read More