When a client walks into a salon for hairstyling, the process starts right at the consultation. In all honesty, it forms the most important part of an appointment. If the hairdresser manages to ask all the right questions during client consultation and get a grasp of the client’s needs, the results will undoubtedly be perfect.
Many factors, from the client’s hair type, lifestyle, personality and even their expectations, impact the end results of the hairdressing appointment. Let’s find out some common things that hairdressers can do during client consultation to ace the results.
Setting the Right Expectations During Client Consultation
Oftentimes, clients walk into an appointment with expectations based on what they see on social media or TV. It is the hairdresser’s duty to understand what they want and carefully analyse if their needs can be justified. With a sensitive yet authoritative approach, hairdressers can set the right idea of what can be successfully achieved and maintained, and what not.
Understanding Client’s Personality and Lifestyle
Many aspects of the client’s lifestyle and personality can determine the success rate of the hairstyling. As a hairdresser, it becomes imperative to understand their age, profession, schedules, and life dynamics. While it might sound like a lot of probing, all of these are likely to determine how much time they can spend styling their hair every day.
If a client is often travelling or barely has 30 minutes to get ready in the morning, a high-maintenance, regular blow-dry hairstyle won’t be a good fit for them.
Assessing the Client’s Hair
While hairdressers can easily spot conditions like split ends and over-processed hair, it’s important to gauge the hair texture, the natural parting, and the scalp condition of the client. It helps to a great extent in determining whether a cut, procedure or treatment will suit the client’s hair. It also provides an opportunity to upsell another treatment that can help them.
Understanding the Products They Use
Asking questions about the products a client uses offers valuable insight into an individual’s dedication to hair care and their willingness to invest in it. Choosing the right styling products is crucial for achieving the desired look, but showing that you’ve paid attention to their preferences can significantly strengthen trust.
Get an Idea About Their Budget
Get a fair idea about the client’s budget to determine the recommended services. Their budget also gives an idea about the investment they would put into upkeep, follow-up appointments, and after-care products.
Avoid Giving a Disinterested Impression During Client Consultation
Having a conversation where you listen carefully, ask important questions, and give honest suggestions is imperative for the client to develop trust. If the hairdresser does not come across as interested or invested, the client is less likely to enjoy the experience and the result.
