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FAQs

Here we've tried to answer many of the common questions we are asked about Good Salon Guide and also the booking system. If you'd rather just speak to someone then we'd love to help you and you can contact us on 02392 295000 (UK) or 040 264259 (Ireland).

How does a salon rating work?

Hair and Beauty salons can achieve four possible awards: Registered (R), 3, 4 and 5 star. Barbers and Training can achieve one level of Recognition. Other Good Salon Guide recognition includes Blow-dry Bars, ECO Salon, Extensions Artist, Colour Expert, and Creative Excellence.

The criteria is based on a set of 'Yes' and 'No' questions. A salon moves through the different ratings until it gets a 'No', at which point the rating goes back to the level where 'Yes' had been answered for every question. 

The foundation for every rating is the training and qualifications achieved by the staff and management, and as the salon works through the questions the level increases as does the ratings achieved. This may be the percentage of staff having achieved for example an NVQ Level 3, and we also take into account the number of years of management experience the owner or manager has. A salon with a five star rating will have more staff with higher qualifications and more experienced managers. The bottom line is that anyone can open a hair or beauty salon in the UK and Ireland without any training or qualifications, so our criteria is designed to protect the public. 

We also look at the salon itself - starting from the outside. We look at everything from the paint work and lighting through to reception seating and even magazines, as well as the size and scale of the salon. This combines with the training based questions, so you could have a lovely salon, which met all of the 5 star questions but met the 3 star questions for staff training, so would be awarded a 3 star rating.

How do I book an appointment with a member?

Booking an appointment with one of our members couldn't be easier!

Firstly, find your salon using our search engine and then click on 'Book' alongside the service you are looking for. This will take you through to the appointment request form. Once the salon receives this they will then be in touch to confirm or reschedule your appointment if they can't do the time you've requested.

How do I contact Good Salon Guide?

Call on 02392 295 000 from the UK or 040 264259 from Ireland or drop us an email to [email protected]

We're available 9am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday and will respond as quickly as we can outside of these times. 

I have a salon, how do I become a member?

The first step of becoming a member is to get in touch so we can come and visit your salon and talk you through what being part of Good Salon Guide is all about, and go through the all important rating with you. For further information and to get in touch click here.