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OpenChair Journal

Practical advice for operators building a smarter venue

The OpenChair blog is for salon and barbershop owners who want sharper systems, fuller books, and better commercial decisions without more noise.

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Browse every published article from the OpenChair blog.

29 articles

Numbers

Running the Numbers

Pricing, margins, software costs, deposits, and the numbers salon owners need to make sharper commercial decisions.

8 articles

Bookings

Filling the Book

Retention, no-shows, rebooking, cancellations, and the practical systems that keep chairs full without more admin.

8 articles

Team

Managing the Team

Commissions, staffing, team performance, and the operator decisions that shape a stronger salon culture.

5 articles

AI

Using AI Without the Hype

Grounded guidance on what salon AI tools actually do, where they help, and where operators should stay sceptical.

2 articles

Regional

AU/NZ/UK Operator

Australian, New Zealand, and UK-specific guidance on compliance, pricing context, and running a venue in these markets.

6 articles

Archive

AU/NZ/UK Operator

Australian, New Zealand, and UK-specific guidance on compliance, pricing context, and running a venue in these markets.

Showing 1-6 of 6 articles
All postsRunning the NumbersFilling the BookManaging the TeamUsing AI Without the HypeAU/NZ/UK Operator
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Made on the Goldie.
Salon Management8
Operator Economics6
Client Retention5
Salon Operations5
Compliance4
No-Shows4
Salon Business4
salon marketing4
Bookings3
online booking3
Pricing3
Pricing Strategy3
What Fresha Actually Costs Australian Salons in 2026
AU/NZ/UK Operator13 Apr 20265 min read

What Fresha Actually Costs Australian Salons in 2026

Fresha ended its free tier in 2025. What replaced it is a subscription plus marketplace commissions plus fees that add up fast. Here's the full picture.

PricingFreshaSalon Software
OpenChair TeamRead article
What Australia's Card Fee Ban Means for Your Salon in 2026
AU/NZ/UK Operator31 Mar 20266 min read

What Australia's Card Fee Ban Means for Your Salon in 2026

Australia is banning card surcharges in 2026. Here's what salon, barbershop, and studio owners need to know to stay compliant and protect margins.

Payment ReformSalon BusinessAustralia
OpenChair TeamRead article
How a Melbourne Colourist Grew From Solo to Three Chairs Without Burning Out
AU/NZ/UK Operator17 Mar 20267 min read

How a Melbourne Colourist Grew From Solo to Three Chairs Without Burning Out

One Melbourne colourist went from 28 solo clients a week to running three chairs. Here's the system that made it work without the burnout.

Salon GrowthSolo OperatorColour Business
OpenChair TeamRead article
Fair Work, GST on Deposits, and the Privacy Act: What AU/NZ Salon Owners Must Know
AU/NZ/UK OperatorUpdated25 Feb 20268 min read

Fair Work, GST on Deposits, and the Privacy Act: What AU/NZ Salon Owners Must Know

From award wages to GST on forfeited deposits, here are the compliance basics every Australian and New Zealand salon owner needs to get right.

ComplianceFair WorkGST
OpenChair TeamRead article
HMRC, Auto-Enrolment, and Client Data: What UK Salon Owners Must Get Right
AU/NZ/UK Operator22 Jan 202610 min read

HMRC, Auto-Enrolment, and Client Data: What UK Salon Owners Must Get Right

From pension auto-enrolment to UK GDPR, here are the compliance obligations every UK salon owner needs to understand before they become expensive problems.

ComplianceUK SalonsHMRC
OpenChair TeamRead article
How a Christchurch Salon Owner Went From Spreadsheets to Sanity in One Weekend
AU/NZ/UK Operator16 Jan 20266 min read

How a Christchurch Salon Owner Went From Spreadsheets to Sanity in One Weekend

One Merivale salon owner ditched Google Calendar and spreadsheets after a double-booking cost her a loyal client. Here's what changed in 90 days.

Salon ManagementOnline BookingNo-Shows
OpenChair TeamRead article