Business

ROAR Hair & Beauty Highlights Importance of Inclusive Salon Language

Salon teams’ language can play an important role in creating a welcoming environment.

Published: 20 September 2026

With salons welcoming people from a wide range of backgrounds, Brian Leo McCallum of ROAR Hair & Beauty says being mindful of the language used during the client experience can help create a more positive and inclusive environment.

Making Guests Feel Valued

At ROAR Hair & Beauty, the team chooses to refer to people visiting its salons as “guests” rather than “clients”.

McCallum explains that the terminology is intended to place greater emphasis on the overall salon experience and make the visit feel less transactional. As many people visit the salon as a treat for themselves, the team believes that “guest” helps reinforce this sense of being welcomed and valued.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

ROAR also places importance on using language that makes members of the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable and accepted.

One example is avoiding assumptions about a person’s pronouns unless they have been provided. The salon says this approach forms part of its commitment to creating an inclusive environment without prejudice.

McCallum believes that creating a welcoming space benefits both salon guests and employees. The team has reported feeling comfortable working within an inclusive environment, which the salon says helps empower stylists to do their best work.

For ROAR, maintaining an open conversation with guests is an important part of the salon experience, helping people feel comfortable, look forward to their appointments and feel confident being themselves.