How Hair Saloon Elevated Its HR
The Hair Lab is a St. Louis salon built on the belief that good hair is a science. Known for its “unpretentious coolness,” the team of self-described hair nerds creates “beautiful chemistry” for clients while fostering a welcoming, inclusive vibe. After opening in 2018 with six chairs and growing steadily, owner Emily Struckhoff recently doubled the salon’s square footage and number of chairs, prompting a push to add structure that keeps pace with growth.
“PCG helped me articulate our mission and build a handbook that’s clear, inclusive, and true to our brand, which is not stuffy or corporate. They asked the right questions, pulled out what mattered to me, and put it into words in a way I couldn’t have done on my own. The team was encouraging, easy to work with, and kept us moving.”
Emily Struckhoff
Owner
Challenge
Emily transitioned from independent stylist to salon owner, opening The Hair Lab in 2018. As the team grew, day-to-day questions came up, and policies were created on the fly. After a major expansion that doubled space and chairs, the salon needed clear, cohesive guidance.
At first, Emily tried building a handbook from a Canva template but realized she needed guidance, especially around compliance (e.g., sick pay) and striking the right tone for an inclusive, brand-aligned culture. She wanted a digital resource that was easy to share and use, and reached out to Patterson Consulting Group to help create a handbook that aligned with The Hair Lab’s brand and business.
Solution
The Hair Lab partnered with Patterson Consulting Group (PCG) to create a usable, compliant, and on-brand handbook.
PCG’s approach included:
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Discovery with Emily to capture culture, values, and operational needs, and to distill a concise mission statement through a guided deep dive
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A review of existing policies to identify gaps and unclear or outdated content
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Drafting clear policies aligned with applicable requirements (e.g., time off and sick pay considerations)
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Writing in inclusive, brand-right language so the handbook reflects The Hair Lab’s voice
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Structuring the handbook for easy digital delivery and reference
Working together, PCG delivered a handbook that reflects The Hair Lab's voice, meets legal requirements, and is ready for a smooth rollout to the team.
Outcome
The updated handbook gives The Hair Lab a clear, inclusive, brand-aligned resource ready for digital delivery. It positions the team to set expectations upfront, save time by answering common questions once, and make consistent, confident decisions as the salon continues to grow. Its thoughtful structure makes guidance easy to find, supporting a scalable foundation without sacrificing the salon’s vibe.