How To Elevate Your Clients Hair Consultation
Published date 15 August 2024
The consultation process with your clients is one of the most critical aspects of your client interactions when building the foundation of a good appointment. An effective consultation not only ensures that you can understand your client’s needs but also builds a trusting relationship that can set the foundation for a successful appointment. We’ll dive into the ins & outs when enhancing your consultation process to make the most out of your hair appointments so your clients leave the salon feeling better than ever.
Firstly, create a welcoming environment for your clients. Especially If you’re welcoming a new client, first impressions really do matter. An inviting and comfortable hairdressing area is key to making sure your clients feel more at ease when discussing their hair concerns and desires.
Top Tip: A friendly greeting when your clients make all the difference, and why not offer them a beverage? This small gesture can set a positive tone for the consultation.
Now, to get the ground running.
Active Listening
In the consultation, active listening is essential to understanding your client’s expectations. Pay close attention to their words, tone, and body language so you can indicate how comfortable your client is. Active listening to your client's needs and wants can show your client that you understand their goal for the session and that you are being considerate of what they want you to achieve.
Top Tips:
- Ask Open-ended Questions: Encourage clients to share their hair history, hair preferences and any concerns they may have.
- Summarise and Clarify: Repeat back what the client has said to ensure you have understood correctly and to show them you are engaged. You don’t want to make any mistakes!
Get visual!
Being visual with your clients can be incredibly helpful, bridging the gap between what the clients envision and what is achievable. Use images from Pinterest, social media or lookbooks to show examples of different styles, colours, and cuts.
Top Tip: Ask your clients to bring some photo inspiration to the appointment, or always keep your phone handy to show your client's recent hair looks you have produced.
Hair Health & Scalp Analysis
Conduct a thorough analysis of the client’s hair and scalp condition. This step is a crucial part of the consultation when determining the best approach to achieving the desired outcome while ensuring the hair stays healthy.
Top Tips: Examine your client's hair texture & density
Understanding the hair’s natural texture and density helps when choosing the right products and techniques. If your client has severely damaged hair, you may need to recommend a bonding treatment.
Assess scalp health
Identify any issues such as dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity that may need to be addressed.
Get To Know Your Client
Understanding your client’s lifestyle and willingness to maintain their hair can influence the style and treatment recommendations you make.
Key Questions
- Daily Routine: How much time do you typically spend on your hair each day?
- Styling Habits: Do you frequently use heat-styling tools? How often do you colour your hair
- Maintenance: Are you willing to come in for regular touch-ups or haircuts?
Be Realistic
Being honest and realistic about what can be achieved in a single appointment is crucial. Explain to your clients the limitations and risks and instead, create a plan that might involve multiple sessions if necessary.
Top Tip: Be clear when explaining the process, time and cost involved to ensure your client understands and agrees to the proposed plan before proceeding. This will help avoid any misunderstandings!
Product Recommendations
Part of a successful consultation is recommending brands and products that your clients can use at home to help maintain their hair. Tailor these recommendations to your client’s specific hair type and needs.
Top Tip: Keep a selection of your favourite salon products on hand to show clients. Explain the benefits of each product and how to use them effectively at home.
Follow-up
If needed, take detailed notes during the consultation and store them in your client's profile for future reference. This helps when tracking the client's preferences and any changes that may be made over time.
Top Tip:
- Documentation: Note down the client’s desired styles, products used, and any specific instructions or allergies.
- Follow-up: Schedule a follow-up appointment or call to check on the client’s satisfaction with their new style and address any concerns.
A successful consultation process is the key to a successful salon visit. By creating a welcoming environment, actively listening, using inspiration, discussing lifestyle habits, setting realistic goals, and recommending products will ensure a positive salon experience for your client. If you’re not already using these strategies within your consultation, you’ll ensure a strong client relationship and enhance the overall success of your salon!
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