How to: CLIENT CONSULTATION
How to: Client Consultation:
A Consultation is the most important part of the salon visit. This allows you to better understand your clients hair goals or concerns and also make your client feel comfortable that you have an understanding of what they want.
Here is usually how my consults will go:
1. I always introduce myself 1st. - “ Hi my name is D’Anna and I’m going to be doing your hair today” - If I’m not ready for my client or I’m running behind I will always acknowledge my client with a smile or nod and let them know how approx. how long I will be.
2. Always ask what they are thinking about doing with their hair. - I often hear other stylists in the salon just walk up to their clients and say “so were doing the usual?” I feel as though a good hairdresser should always be looking for ways to change it up slightly. - Also just assuming they want to “do the usual” may stray them away from wanting to change their look. - you can always put your advice in as well. Especially if you feel the look they are going for really wont suit them well. 3. Find out their everyday maintenance. - If a client has very curly hair and wants to cut their hair short but doesn’t ever blow dry or style their hair maybe show other options that would be less maintenance for them and explain why it wouldn't be the best style.
4. Always give realistic expectations. - I always under sell myself when doing a color application especially if I have a new client in my chair. You don’t know how your clients hair will lift. Every stylist I know has experienced the client that comes in with 10 years of box dyed hair and wants to be platinum. Let them know from the beginning it may take more then one visit to achieve their goal so they will not leave disappointed 5. Build an understanding with your client. - Questions are the best tool to help you understand your clients wants. being able to listen and absorb the information your client gives you will make the final result all that much better. - Always repeat back to your client everything you have went over to assure them you have listened and know what they want. -ALWAYS touch your clients hair during the consult. Analyze their hair type & the current condition their hair is in.
The consultation doesn’t end with your clients 1st visit. Every time your client sits in your chair you should ensure that you are constantly meeting your clients wants and needs, being able to up sellll your self with additional services or products while still most importantly building trust and loyalty with your client.
