For many clients, their upcoming salon appointment is about more than a fresh cut or color swap; it’s an opportunity to take space, slow down, and spend a few hours in a place where they feel comfortable and taken care of. That’s exactly the type of ambience Lauren Paglionico set out to cultivate when she opened Lauren Beauty NYC.
On the latest episode of Volume Up by The Tease, the longtime colorist and hair salon owner opens up about how two decades in the beauty industry enhanced her leadership skills, the foundations of every successful appointment, and the importance of prioritizing honesty over trends.
The Backstory
Lauren’s journey in beauty started long before she picked up her first color brush. At fourteen years old, her mom, recognizing Lauren’s love for hair, gave her a job at a local salon doing simple jobs like sweeping hair. This early opportunity sparked a trail of inspiration that would eventually point towards some of New York City’s best luxury salons.
“I learned so much in Long Island, but I knew that this industry was constantly changing, and being in the city would be the best place to be and further my education,” she said.
Throughout her years working in these NYC luxury salons, Lauren found herself imagining how she would curate her own salon one day. Her dreams and ideas eventually became Lauren Beauty NYC — a salon designed to combine luxury service with the warmth and comfort of home.
“I wanted to create something that felt like it was in the middle,” Lauren explains. “A space where you could come and hang out and feel like you’re just in your friend’s apartment getting your hair done.”
Her philosophy leads the charge in every aspect of her salon, from the design, to the way the guests are greeted, to the attitudes of the employees.
The Consultation Is Everything
Lauren believes that beautiful color doesn’t simply rely on mixing the right formulas, but instead it is grounded in strong listening skills. One of the most valuable lessons she acquired early in her career was understanding the significance of observation and consultation. Before making specific recommendations for her clients, she focuses on a full comprehension of what a client is looking for and what they are not looking for.
“Sometimes what somebody is telling you they don’t like or what they don’t want is a way of being able to figure out what they do want,” she said. “ So if they can’t necessarily explain exactly what they like, but they can tell you all the things that they don’t like, that’s just as valuable.”
Rather than rushing into her services, Lauren always prioritizes time that builds trust and sets expectations, defining the consultation process as one of the most valuable aspects of the whole experience.
Clients Want More Than Great Hair
Lauren reflects upon how clients often visit the salon during major life transitions, such as welcoming a baby, starting a new job, going through relationship issues, or just to have a moment alone. For this reason, her desire to make Lauren Beauty NYC feel like a safe space felt more important than ever.
On the same note, she discussed how it’s sometimes necessary to gently talk clients out of making hair decisions based on emotion.
She often hears comments like, “I need to cut it all off,” or “I want to go from blonde to dark brunette overnight,” and instead of immediately saying yes, Lauren dives deeper into the emotions prompting those desires.
“Life happens,” Lauren says. “That’s why creating a safe space for somebody… where you just feel like you can be you and hang out and just be yourself was really important to me.”
The One Question that Changes Everything
Before every one of her clients leaves the salon, Lauren always asks the same question: “How do you feel?”
This small shift in language, which moves the energy away from external appearance and towards internal energy, affords clients the space for conversation if needed. Lauren views this as an opportunity to continually improve the experiences for all.
As beauty trends rapidly increase their turnover rate, Lauren believes that one of a stylist’s most vital responsibilities is to help clients understand the difference from inspiration versus reality. She always aims to educate clients on what is realistic for their specific hair while ensuring its health stays protected.
Timeless choices will always be Lauren’s first option over trend chasing; she seeks honesty and trust within her practice to make clients continue coming back.
Final Notes
Spending over two decades in the industry has allowed Lauren to pinpoint the trait all successful stylists share: they are endlessly curious and always ready to keep learning.
“You have to be open minded,” she says. “Everything is constantly changing.”
As trends, techniques, and client expectations shift, so too does the importance of professionals who embrace newness and seek innovative ways to thrive.
To hear more of Lauren Paglionico’s insights on leadership, salon culture, client retention and building a business rooted in kindness, listen to the full episode of Volume Up by The Tease, available wherever you get your podcasts.
