There has been so many times that a client wanted a certain look that unfortunately her hair would not allow. It's not easy telling your client the truth about their hair. Honestly, I would be doing a disservice by not telling he or she the truth. So often a client has had a bad service experience, because of miscommunication during the consultation with their hairstylist. That's why consultations are helpful, because they give you an opportunity to fully listen to the client and assess the condition of their hair so that you have a better understanding of what they want and what they need. At this point, you can give them a realistic expectation of the outcome of the service, because you help them to be aware of what styles they can achieve and what styles they cannot.
Sometimes the client has no idea that they can't do a particular style. They might also not realize that the style can be achieved, but may not be as flattering or suitable for them. There's been so many times where I've tried to achieve a style on a client and I know it's not going to work. However, I tried it anyway.
I've learned to release myself from this type of pressure and simply tell the truth. There are so many different concentrations in hair.
- Dreadlocks
- Healthy Hair Maintenance
- Haircuts
- Hair Color
- Hair Extensions
- Custom Wigs
- Bridal Looks
You might be good at haircuts and color formulation, but you may not be as strong with up-dos. If a client comes to you thinking that she can get a lace front wig made and your specialty is haircuts; it would be up to you to inform her that wigs are not your specialty and point her in the right direction. Sometimes when you're in super grind mode, you’ll take anything just to earn money. However, this is when I feel the integrity in the profession suffers.
As a beauty professional, it is our responsibility to help the client understand what we specialize in and how we can help them to achieve their desired style. At this point, we need to gain better control of our industry and it starts with education. Educating ourselves and also educating clients as they navigate through accomplishing the right hair goals for themselves.
This also includes giving the client the right idea about what all may be needed with a service such as the regular upkeep of the desired style, the cost of the service, risks involved and what to expect in the near future. This can be very helpful for the client and also helpful for you as the stylist. It is such a hassle to consistently tell the clients about something else they didn’t expect after receiving a service. Being honest about their requests and expectations can save you and your clients a lot of time and stress down the line.
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