We explore the importance of ensuring your client comes prepared for their hair consultation with these top five tips.
No two heads of hair are the same – and every time a client walks into the salon, they bring with them a unique hair history – which is why it’s crucial to begin every hair appointment with a detailed consultation, even for your regular clients. As the expert, this is your chance to establish the current condition and texture of the hair, the colouration history, the client’s care regime and, of course, what they are hoping to achieve from the appointment.
There are certain things we as hairdressers should all be doing to maximise our client’s hair appointments at the salon, no matter the service. But it’s vital the client knows how, and what, to prepare in advance to ensure their consultation is a success too. We explore five ways that you can help your client prepare for their hair consultation, so they get the most out of their appointment…
It might seem like an obvious one, but by asking your client to come in with some visuals of the type of style and/or colour they’d like to achieve can be a great way of understanding their goals and expectations. These might even be of their own past styles that they have loved and would like to recreate again!
Providing images – either from magazines or social media posts or their camera reel – of the looks they like, might be particularly helpful for those wanting a big change but are unsure of what will suit them, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise and creativity as you guide them to the perfect solution.
You might be surprised how many clients arrive at their hair appointment with hairspray or product in their hair, so make sure to remind your client to come to their appointment with clean hair (ideally washed the night before). Assessing the natural texture and condition of the hair during the consultation is crucial in providing the right services, and making sure there is no excessive build-up of products in the hair will ensure colour develops more evenly.
All new clients will need to have a patch test at least 48 hours before any colour service, whilst returning clients will need a patch test every six months. Don’t forgot to check with regular clients if they’ve had a permanent or black henna tattoo since their last colour service, as this can alter their sensitivity to colour products!
Does your client have a busy life with little time to style their hair in the morning? Do they wear their hair in a ponytail as they like it off their face? By asking your client to arrive wearing their hair as they usually do, you can help them to gauge whether certain cuts and styles will suit their lifestyle.
It’s vital that before any new colour or hair treatment, either in-salon or at home, you ask your client to take a trip down memory lane to remind themselves of their hair history. This refers to all the factors that influence the hair’s current condition – it includes the hair’s natural qualities along with any external factors such as scalp treatments, colours, haircare regimes, sun and chlorine exposure, and heat styling.
Perhaps they have experienced a change in their hair texture recently? This can transform as you age, or with hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, and can also be altered by external influences such as stress, diet, excessive heat, and chemical treatments.
Ensure your client spends some time thinking about their hair history before coming into the salon, so you are equipped with all the information you need to make their consultation a success!
Consistent consultations can help to foster long-lasting relationships between you and your client – by understanding a client’s hair history and preferences and by giving them your professional guidance and expertise, you will be able to provide a personalised service which will make them feel valued and understood.
Delve into the wealth of consultation resources available on the eAcademy.
Explore our world-class Color, Backbar, Styling and Visionary seminars; developed to enhance the skills you already have and help you do what you do, better.
Master any in-salon service by staying on-trend with the latest tips and tricks and essential product knowledge over on the ASK Education eAcademy.