From the stylist to the client, just a few things to keep in mind ~
Communicate - probably the most important step in the consultation. If you think they know best, then simply explain to them any issues you're having or w
hat you are liking and what you're wanting to change or not.
If you have problems expressing yourself, bring a photograph.
A photo of a style on another person is acceptable, but remember - your hair may not be as long, thick, curly, wavy, straight, etc - therefore, that style may require additional steps that you need to be willing to take if you want to maintain it.
A photo of yourself if preferred because then you've already know what you're getting into, and that it will work for you.
Now - about the photo. A tiny little picture on your phone is not going to work, especially if it was taken while you were driving down the road and it's all fuzzy and dark. It's one thing if you we can zoom up to the photo so I can see exactly where it falls length-wise or how the layers are, but the best option is to have at least a little 3X5 or 4X6 real picture.
(BAD EXAMPLE!)
Remember - this is YOUR hair. I'm not the one that has to wear it for the next 6 weeks, 2 months, or actually EVER. I'm not the one that's going to have to style it everyday, so keep in mind that what we do here in the salon, to have that look everyday, you're going to have to take the same steps, use the same products and maintain the color/cut to ensure the everyday wear.
Speak up - Because it is your hair, if something is not going the way you think it should, ask. Questions are great because it helps you to understand the process of what's going on. Some people don't care, but others like to be involved. If something doesn't look the way you think it should, tell me before you leave the salon. I can explain why I took the steps I did and what you should expect in the next few weeks if there was a dramatic change (this is geared more towards those who color their hair, specifically color corrections).
Friends, family, coworkers, boyfriends, kids, etc. - if they come, that's fine. For the most part, everything still goes according to plan. The problem arises if the client is too busy conversing with them and not with the stylist, and therefore - not communicating. When you're with your stylist, you're paying for a time spot, and if you're not "there", that's your mistake. The most important thing to ensure you get what you want is communication, so you want to make sure there's no barriers.
"Paying for a time spot" - I and most other stylists I know work by appointment. What does that mean? That means that if you have requested to come see me for, we'll say a foil and cut, I have reserved a time for at 9AM for about 2.5 - 3 hours, and you may be the only person I'm seeing, unless there's someone while you were processing. If you cancel at the last minute, the chances that I'm going to fill that at a 20 minute notice, or worse, no notice, are very slim. I know conflicts arise in everyone's schedules from time to time, even for myself they do. But the farther in advance that you can give notice about needing to reschedule the better. Plus, the sooner you know, the easier it will be to change your appointment, specifically because then the time spot you want, hopefully won't already be booked.
Also, arriving on time is always better. I have a more flexible booking system now, but it's still much less stressful and less hurried if the day's schedule goes according to plan. Once again, I know traffic and construction and LIFE happens, and 2, 3, 5, even 10 minutes isn't THAT big of a deal; but it's still less stressful to you and to me for you to allow that extra 5 minutes for the commute.
Clean hair - dirty hair is better and much easier to foil. If you've been with me for any length of time, I'm sure by now you're only washing your hair every other day, and hopefully even less than that. If you're coming in, DON'T wash your hair! I know accidents happen, and we are creatures of habit, so we follow patterns. Jump in shower, get hair wet, grab shampoo bottle. STOP! Think - wait, haircut/color day - put the bottle back down. Good job, step away now, slowly, slowly....
Why can't I get my hair to look like how you do it? I hear that complaint a lot. My first question is always - well, what are you using at home? What kind of shampoo, conditioner? Do you put any leave in treatment on, if it's dry? What do you blowdry with? Aussie, no, nothing? Yep...I can tell you EXACTLY why your hair doesn't look like you want it to at home.
Part of the reason I left Ihloff was because I didn't want to be a "saleperson" anymore. If someone wanted to take something home, and they were going to use it, fine. If not, whatever, their choice. And that's still how I feel, I have an awesome line that I love (Prive), and I can educate you, show you how to use it, and you will get results, but ultimately, it's your choice.
These few pieces of information I've chosen to share with you are not just for me as an individual hairstylist, but these are good to take to almost any business you're dealing with - your dentist, eye doctor, interior designer, chef - everyone is trained in a specific area and that's why we've chosen that career path. If my muffler breaks, now I'll ask my boyfriend, but before I wouldn't even look at it - the car went to the mechanic. Sure, I'd ask questions and try to understand what was going on, but I put my trust in them. Sometimes, that's easiest, as long as you communicate your needs and wants first.
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