The Definition of Insanity: Whether You Fear or Embrace it, Change is Constant

September 16, 2020

Change can be daunting; but amidst a global ‘new normal’, beauty salons & clinics are having to face challenges head on, adapting to survive. It’s not all doom and gloom – change can actually be extremely profitable and rewarding, and provides a fantastic opportunity to refresh your service offering to give your clients access to the most advanced and high-quality treatments. That is where we come in, with our SMART technology designed for profitability, efficiency and incredible results.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again – but expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein.

As the second hand on my watch reminds me, change is a constant – and we’ve certainly seen a lot of it so far this year. With most beauty salon & clinic owners working most, if not all, days of the week, the forced break in the beauty industry initiated by COVID-19 was certainly a big change. As salons & clinics begin to reopen, uncertainty is rife and many owners are still exploring how they can provide their usual high-quality treatments to their client bases at the volume and the standard they used to. We’re here to give our advice.

Fear change, or embrace it

Never have we seen more clearly what change can do! The events of the pandemic have changed our lives, businesses and probably the future.

The important question for the beauty industry now is: What will a changed world offer to aesthetic beauty operators?

Facing a ‘new normal’

For decades, the aesthetic beauty salon has served its clients with treatments, services and products. Dedicated salon & clinic owners and practitioners have used their time, attention and skills to help clients achieve their skin health goals, massage away their stress, instil confidence in how they look and help them to feel better in themselves.

So, what’s changed?

Not the consumer demand – the need to feel and look great is there as always, and aesthetic services are just as valuable as ever. However, the way in which these services and treatments can be delivered has changed, potentially forever. So, we now have to accept this new normal whilst still finding ways to provide clients with the experiences that they come to salons and clinics for.

The challenges

The fear created by Covid guidelines – suggesting a facial is more dangerous than a haircut – has greatly affected the core demographic who use our services, who tend to feel the most at risk and vulnerable. Instilling trust and confidence in the safety of aesthetic treatments is a key challenge facing many salons and clinics.

In addition, the cost of delivering many normal old treatments has risen, forcing businesses to reconsider their service offerings. Accompanying this is the cost of PPE, and the fact that salons and clinics have been forced to offer fewer treatments per hour to comply with social distancing measures.

The solution? Embrace change

You need to bring back the confidence of your core market. Adjusting your service offering may be just one way to do this, by embracing new technologies to offer ‘no-touch’ treatments such as the SMARTMeso and SMART EM Shape . In this way you can also deliver treatments more quickly – think 30-minute facials! – so that you can still produce incredible results, but with half the time; and double the profit!

Technologies also provide the opportunity to diversify your offering. Have you previously offered body treatments, for example? Widening your service offering can draw in a wider audience, and reignite the excitement of cautious existing clients. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about what you do, showing your clients that you are always looking forward, you may just find that that positive energy is contagious!

Whether you fear or embrace change, one thing is for certain: Change is constant, and how we choose to adapt to the new normal will define our sanity – and our success.

If you want to talk about your business, contact me on Josh@the-smartgroup.co.uk or call 01344 411480.

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The Future of Laser Hair Removal: Faster Treatments, Better Experiences, Smarter Technology

By Dee Malan • June 25, 2026

The aesthetics industry has spent years talking about laser hair removal in terms of technology. More power. Faster treatment times. Better cooling. Larger spot sizes. While these innovations have undoubtedly improved clinical outcomes, they've also distracted attention from a far more important question: What actually drives growth for a clinic? The answer isn't simply owning a better laser. In today's market, where many clinics have access to excellent technology, competitive advantage is shifting away from the device itself and towards how that technology is used to improve profitability, efficiency and client retention. That's a significant change in thinking, and it's one that many businesses are still overlooking. Laser Hair Removal Has Become a Business Strategy For many clinics, laser hair removal is the treatment that introduces a client to the business. A course typically involves six to eight appointments, creating months of regular contact rather than a single transactional visit. That's a commercial opportunity that shouldn't be underestimated. Every appointment allows practitioners to strengthen relationships, educate clients and identify other concerns they may not have originally booked to address. The clinics generating the greatest long-term value are no longer viewing laser as a standalone treatment; they're using it as the beginning of a wider patient journey. As client acquisition costs continue to rise and competition becomes increasingly local, maximising the lifetime value of existing clients is often more profitable than continually chasing new enquiries. Faster Treatments Don't Just Benefit Patients When manufacturers talk about speed, the conversation usually centres around patient convenience. While shorter appointments are undoubtedly attractive, the commercial impact for clinics is arguably far more significant. Reducing treatment times creates additional capacity without increasing staffing levels or extending clinic hours. Over the course of a year, those seemingly small efficiencies can translate into hundreds of additional appointment slots, improved utilisation of expensive equipment and greater revenue potential from the same physical space. Technology should therefore be assessed not only by how quickly it treats a patient, but by how effectively it improves the productivity of the business behind it. Stop Buying Technology. Start Solving Problems. One of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics is that growth comes from continually investing in the latest device. In reality, successful clinics rarely buy equipment simply because it's new. They invest because it solves a commercial challenge, whether that's increasing capacity, improving patient satisfaction, reducing treatment times or opening opportunities for complementary treatments. The question isn't "Is this better technology?" It's "Will this make our business stronger?" That shift in thinking often separates clinics that consistently grow from those that continually compete on price. Looking Ahead Laser hair removal will continue to evolve, and advancements in speed, comfort and technology will remain important. However, the clinics that lead the next phase of the industry are unlikely to be those with the longest list of devices. They'll be the businesses that understand technology is only valuable when it delivers measurable commercial outcomes. The future of laser hair removal isn't simply faster treatments, better experiences and smarter technology. It's using those advancements to build a more profitable, efficient and resilient clinic.

You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next?

By Dee Malan • June 22, 2026

You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next? For many salon owners, laser hair removal has been a game-changing addition to their business. It attracts committed clients, creates opportunities for treatment programmes, and generates reliable recurring revenue. But once your laser offering is established and performing well, an important question often follows: What comes next? As the aesthetics industry continues to evolve, many successful laser businesses are looking for ways to expand their treatment menu, increase client spend, and strengthen client retention. For some, the answer lies in a natural next step: skin. Is Skin Your Thing? If you've already built a loyal client base through laser hair removal, chances are many of those clients are interested in more than just hair reduction. They're also concerned about skin health, ageing, pigmentation, acne scarring, texture, redness, and overall skin quality. By introducing advanced skin treatments, salons can begin serving a wider range of client concerns while building on the trust they've already established. The beauty of adding skin treatments is that you're often speaking to the same client. Instead of constantly searching for new customers, you're expanding the services available to the people who already know and trust your business. Increase Client Spend Without Increasing Footfall Growing a business doesn't always mean attracting more clients. Sometimes the biggest opportunity comes from increasing the value of each client journey. Advanced skin treatments can help create treatment plans that span multiple appointments, support ongoing maintenance programmes, and introduce complementary retail opportunities. This allows salons to increase revenue per client while delivering a more comprehensive treatment experience. Rather than being known for one service, you become a destination for results-driven aesthetic treatments. Strengthen Client Retention The most successful aesthetic businesses understand that retention is often more valuable than acquisition. While laser hair removal naturally creates repeat visits, advanced skin treatments can provide even more opportunities for long-term client relationships. Many skin concerns require ongoing treatment plans, seasonal maintenance, or progressive treatment journeys. This creates regular touchpoints with clients and helps keep your business front of mind long after their laser course has finished. When clients can achieve multiple goals under one roof, they're less likely to look elsewhere. Become a Destination Salon Today's clients are increasingly looking for clinics and salons that offer expertise rather than individual treatments. They want personalised recommendations, treatment plans tailored to their concerns, and a trusted professional who can guide them through their aesthetic journey. Expanding into skin allows your salon to position itself as a destination for advanced aesthetic treatments rather than simply a laser provider. This not only enhances your reputation but can also help differentiate your business in an increasingly competitive market. Why Advanced Skin Treatments? For salons considering their next move, advanced skin technologies can offer several advantages: High-value treatment programmes Strong profit margins Growing consumer demand Opportunities to treat multiple skin concerns Increased client retention Enhanced business positioning Treatments such as RF microneedling, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, collagen stimulation, and advanced facial treatments are becoming increasingly popular as clients seek visible, long-term results. Building on Your Success The skills, consultation process, and client relationships you've developed through laser hair removal have already laid the foundation for growth. Adding advanced skin treatments isn't about starting again—it's about building on what's already working. For many salon owners, expanding into skin has become the natural next chapter in their business journey. It's an opportunity to increase revenue, strengthen client loyalty, and position your salon as a leader in advanced aesthetic treatments. So if your laser business is thriving and you're thinking about the future, perhaps it's time to ask yourself: Is skin your thing?

Are Clients Becoming More Sceptical of Beauty Claims? Why Evidence Matters Now More Than Ever

By Dee Malan • May 28, 2026

The beauty industry has never been more visible than it is today. Social media has opened the doors to endless treatment trends, dramatic before-and-afters and bold promises around what certain technologies can achieve. But whilst visibility has increased, so has scepticism. Today’s clients are more informed, more cautious and more selective about where they spend their money. They are researching treatments before booking, comparing providers online and questioning claims more than ever before. For salons and clinics, this shift is changing the way treatments are sold, positioned and delivered. The Rise of the Informed Client A few years ago, many clients relied heavily on recommendations from salons or word-of-mouth. Now, they often arrive at consultations already armed with information from TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, Google reviews, online forums and even AI. They have seen conflicting opinions, unrealistic results and treatments marketed as “miracle solutions” that may not always deliver long-term outcomes. As a result, many clients are becoming more cautious about what they believe and who they trust. This does not mean clients are losing interest in aesthetic or beauty treatments. In fact, demand continues to grow. However, expectations around transparency, professionalism and proof are evolving rapidly. Why Beauty Claims Are Being Questioned The accessibility of social media marketing has made it easier than ever for businesses to promote treatments. Whilst this has created opportunities for salons and clinics, it has also contributed to an increase in exaggerated claims and misinformation. Clients are becoming increasingly aware that: Filters and lighting can distort results Viral trends are not always backed by evidence Some treatments are oversold online Not every treatment is suitable for every individual Because of this, trust is becoming one of the most valuable assets a salon or clinic can build. Clients no longer simply want to hear that a treatment “works.” They want to understand: Why it works How it works Whether results are realistic What evidence supports it Whether the technology is reputable and clinically backed The Shift Towards Evidence-Based Beauty As the industry matures, evidence-based beauty is becoming increasingly important. Salons and clinics that invest in professional-grade, clinically-backed technology are often finding it easier to build long-term trust and credibility with their clients. This is where treatment consultations are becoming especially valuable. A consultation is no longer just a step before booking. It is an opportunity to educate clients, manage expectations and demonstrate expertise. When salons can confidently explain the science behind a treatment, the expected outcomes and why a specific technology has been chosen, clients are far more likely to feel reassured. Clinically-backed devices also help support these conversations. Instead of relying solely on trends or marketing language, salons can focus on treatment rationale, technology standards and real-world results. Transparency Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage One of the biggest shifts happening within the beauty industry is the move away from overpromising. Clients increasingly value honesty over perfection. In many cases, being transparent about treatment plans, timelines and realistic expectations can actually improve client trust and retention. This includes: Explaining that multiple sessions may be required Being honest about downtime or limitations Recommending alternative treatments when appropriate Prioritising suitability over sales Salons and clinics that take this approach are often building stronger, longer-lasting client relationships because they are positioning themselves as trusted professionals rather than simply service providers. Why Technology Choice Matters More Than Ever In an increasingly competitive market, the technology a salon or clinic chooses says a great deal about their business. Clients are becoming more aware of the difference between low-cost trend-led devices and established technologies backed by training, support and clinical credibility. Investing in trusted technology not only supports treatment outcomes, but also strengthens client confidence during consultations and throughout the treatment journey. As client scepticism grows, professionalism, education and evidence are quickly becoming the foundations of successful beauty businesses. Final Thoughts The beauty industry is evolving, and so are client expectations. Today’s clients are not simply buying treatments. They are buying trust, expertise and confidence in the experience they are investing in. For salons and clinics, this presents a real opportunity. Businesses that focus on transparency, education and clinically-backed technologies are likely to stand out in a market where credibility matters more than ever. At SMART Group, we believe the future of beauty lies in combining innovative technology with honest, evidence-led conversations that help salons build trust, loyalty and long-term growth.