A Fife hairdresser has released an app which will make it easier to keep track of client appointments.
Tracey Aitken, from Leven, has worked in the hairdressing industry for 30 years.
During this time, she has worked both as an independent stylist and has owned her own business.
However, one thing she has struggled with throughout her career is keeping accurate and detailed notes of all of her clients.
App practical than paper for hairdressers
Tracey decided she wanted to do something about this. So, this year, she released her new app HairTracker, with the help of her business partner and co-founder David Carboni.
Tracey explained: “Sometimes you’ll get a client coming in after a few months asking for the same thing as you did last time, and you can’t remember what you did.
“We do have record cards but they only give you some of the information. They don’t have photographs and sometimes you forget to fill them out.”
Although Tracey admits she’s not the best with technology, with the help of David, has created a simple app that is very accessible.
She said: “I’d go as far as to say that I’m computer illiterate. David has taken everything that I need and really simplified it down and made it really streamlined.
“A lot of people in the hair and beauty industry are dyslexic so he’s taken that into account as well. I’m really lucky that he’s been able to build it.”
The main function of the app is to act as a digital record card for hairdressers. Professionals can keep a detailed profile on each client, with dates, products and pictures. It also allows consent forms to be stored in-app to make it easier to comply with GDPR.
The pair were awarded funding from Innovate UK to help with the continued development of the app.
Allows professionals to be more present
Tracey said even after three decades, she still wants to be in the hairdressing industry.
“Most people can’t keep cutting hair into their 60s and 70s, your body just won’t allow it. So by developing the app, I can still stay in the industry and help fellow hairdressers.
“It’s really difficult when you can’t remember a client or what you did. At least now, I can go to the app, see exactly who she is, what her hair is like, what I did.”
Tracey explained that by having all the information readily available, it allows her to be more present with her clients.
“It helps build stronger relationships. I find that people really open up to and trust their hairdressers and they can offload anything on their chest while they’re getting their hair done at the same time.”
David, who started working with Tracey after he heard her idea, said: “You can see that hairdressing isn’t just about cutting hair.
“The best hairdressers understand that they’re a life coach, a trusted stranger and they create this sacred space.
“What we see for the app is the potential to elevate the game of hairdressers, allowing them to be more present and to create that sacred space.”
Tracey hopes that new hairdressers will start off their career using the app, which will allow them to have their entire careers mapped out on the app and show how they’ve improved.
She added: “I hope the app makes the experience better for both clients and hairdressers.”
Conversation