In every salon, spa, or clinic, there’s a quiet kind of magic happening every day. It’s in the way a stylist helps someone see themselves with new confidence. In the care a therapist shows to a client who needs a moment to breathe. And in the dedication it takes to keep showing up – with energy, creativity, and heart.
This Hairdresser Appreciation Day, we wanted to go beyond “thank you”. We reached out to the incredible professionals in the Phorest community to ask:
- What keeps your team passionate about what they do?
- And who, on your team, deserves to be recognised for it?
The answers were full of humanity. Today, we’re sharing their stories – the big and small moments that drive this industry forward and remind us all why this work truly matters.
Why Hairdresser Appreciation Matters
Behind every treatment room or transformation is someone giving their all – physically, emotionally, and creatively. Whether it’s standing on their feet for hours, staying present with every client, or constantly learning to stay ahead of trends, salon, spa, and clinic professionals show up with an energy that goes far beyond what’s seen at the surface.
That’s exactly when genuine appreciation matters. Not in the form of tips or thank-yous from clients, but in how teams are supported, recognized, and empowered by the businesses they help to grow.
At Phorest, we believe appreciation should be baked into the everyday – not saved for special occasions. That’s why we build tools that help you celebrate wins, track growth, and create a space where your team feels seen. Whether it’s setting and tracking personal goals, gathering client reviews, or offering the flexibility of the PhorestGo app, we’re here to support you in building not just a successful business – but a team that loves being part of it.
Fuelling Passion and Purpose with Voices from the Industry
What keeps a team inspired? Across the Phorest community, the answer is both personal and powerful. From the stylists and therapists just starting out, to industry veterans with decades behind the chair, we heard a common theme: it’s about people, progress, and a passion for the craft.
Here’s what salons, spas, and clinics told us about what motivates their teams – and how they celebrate one another all year long.
Where Confidence Comes to Life
Helping someone feel better in their own skin is more than just a service – it’s a calling. For many teams, that emotional transformation is what fuels their everyday passion.
Mary McGrath of Get Your Locks Off in Tipperary, Ireland, spoke about Sarah, a team member who supports children with autism and sensory challenges during their appointments. “It’s very rewarding making their haircut trip – which is a total sensory overload – easier,” she shared.
At Lauren Cicero Hair Company in New York, stylist Sabrina DiLorenzo is driven by client connection. “She listens closely to her clients’ needs and creates a custom experience for each of them, which helps impact their self-esteem positively,” said Caitlyn, the salon’s guest specialist and manager.
And at Sunday Salon in North Carolina, Maddy Schreiber said the team’s dedication to individuality is what keeps them engaged. “We embrace personal style and creativity, helping each client feel confident in their own skin.”
Building a Culture of Care
Passion can’t thrive without people, and it’s clear from the responses we received. When a team works well together, everything else just clicks into place.
At Blake’s Hair Salon in Carlow, Ireland, Ruth Byrne shared how her team motivates one another daily. “It’s hard sometimes, especially with the pressures of social media, but we’re a strong team, and we work great together.”
Solo Hairdressing’s Ollie Hegarty reflected on the uniqueness of their team bond: “We always knew we had something special – but when our newest team member, who’s over 60, told us that he’d never worked in a team this happy, we realized just how rare it is.”
The team at Anthony Charles Hairdressing in Aberdare, Wales, echoed this sentiment. “We motivate each other every day,” said Genai Miles. “Our relationship as a team is what keeps our passion alive.”
The Drive to Keep Getting Better
From in-house mentoring to constant upskilling, many teams shared how ongoing development keeps their passion fresh – and their performance strong.
At Rooted Salon, in Pennsylvania, owner Katelyn Quigney said that appreciation and validation matter too – especially when paired with tangible incentives like goal-based prizes and retail bonuses.
Suzanne Wilson Hair and Beauty in Billingham, UK, shared an inspiring story of growth: “Jenny started as a quiet work placement student, and is now a fully booked senior stylist who never stops talking,” Suzanne said. “She mentors our juniors and grabs every opportunity to learn and grow.”
Meanwhile, The Collective in Birmingham, Alabama, uses Phorest’s Staff Goals feature to stay on track. “We’re very goal-driven,” said Beth Doyle, founder. “The Goals tab has helped us stay constantly up to date.”
Celebrating Big Moments & Everyday Wins
Recognition looks different for every team – but whether it’s a slice of cake or a night away, what matters is making people feel seen.
“We celebrate every birthday individually with cake,” said Ollie Hegarty of Solo Hairdressing. “It’s not about grand gestures – it’s about knowing you’re appreciated.”
At Coma Salon in Texas, Taylor Griffin shared how they treat their team to experiences they might not splurge on themselves – from baseball games to Renaissance festivals. “We all inspire each other to do our best,” she said.
David Wilson Hairdressing in York, UK, keeps things festive with Christmas parties and a day at the races, while KStyles Hair Salon in Dublin, Ireland rewards team wins with bonuses and zero-expense outings.
How You Can Celebrate Your Team
Appreciation shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions – it should be a core part of your culture. Celebrating your team doesn’t have to mean big events or expensive gifts. Often, it’s the consistent, thoughtful moments that matter most.
Phorest’s Staff Goals feature makes it easy to track and celebrate individual progress in real-time, while reviews allow clients to highlight standout service – offering public praise that can make a team member’s week. Want to go further? Use your social channels to spotlight team achievements, anniversaries, or training milestones.
Traditions can also go a long way. Set up a “shoutout board”, surprise the team with a midweek treat, or make birthdays extra meaningful. However you do it, the message is the same: we see you, we value you, and we’re in this together.
You’re Making a Difference
To everyone who shared their stories with us – thank you. Behind every treatment, colour, or consultation is a professional making someone’s day better. Your passion, creativity, and resilience shape this industry into what it is today: vibrant, human, and deeply inspiring.
At Phorest, we’re proud to support not just your business, but the people who power it – every goal set, every review earned, every moment of growth. You’re making a difference every day, and we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to build a team that stays inspired, performs at their best, and feels truly appreciated?
