The Secrets to a Successful Consultation
A consultation can be beneficial because it sets the foundation for a successful appointment. During a consultation, the stylist and client can discuss hair goals, preferences, and concerns, ensuring that you are both on the same page. A thorough consultation also builds trust, minimises the risk of misunderstandings, and increases the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome, leaving the client satisfied and confident in their new look.
Stage One:
Initial Consultation
Start by evaluating the client's hair condition, hair type, and current hair care routine.
Ask questions like:
- How would you describe the condition of your hair — normal, oily, damaged, dry, brittle, or unruly?
- How is your scalp — normal, sensitive, dry, tight, flaky, or oily?
- Do you struggle with managing or styling your hair - in terms of hold, shine, or texture?
- If you could improve your hair's condition, what would you change —volume, shine, colour protection, sun protection, smoothness, strength, softness, or moisture?
- What products are you currently using - such as volumising, shine, colour protection, sun protection, smoothing, strengthening, or moisturizing treatments?
- Finally, what tools do you use daily to style your hair, like straighteners, tongs, or dryers?
Advise accordingly to the clients answers ensuring they feel confident and reassured with your responses.
Why Should We Do This?
To conduct a professional diagnosis of the client’s hair type and condition, identify any issues with the hair or scalp, and offer personalised solutions. Such as tailored shampoos and conditioners, conditioning treatments, scalp products, shine services, and styling products.
Stage Two:
Backwash Area
The next step is to guide your client through their personalised process, introducing any additional services you offer while ensuring they enjoy a relaxing experience — because the consultation experience goes beyond just the chair.
Such as:
- Explain the products being used on the hair and scalp, along with their benefits.
- Offer a ‘super conditioning’ treatment, such as a glossing treatment, before starting any technical work.
- If available, provide a soothing head massage.
Why Should We Do This?
This stage is significant to the consultation process to keep the client informed throughout the progress, it provides the client with a range of service options and enhances the overall client experience.
Stage Three:
Cut and Colour
While delivering your service, it's essential to explain the benefits of proper upkeep and aftercare so the client feels fully supported, but also feels they have gotten the most from the appointment.
Make some suggestions on how to:
- Preserve the vibrancy of the colour
- Keep the ‘salon look’ fresh
- Maintain the feel and condition of the hair
Even show them the products used if that feels beneficial to the scenario.
Why Should We Do This?
It demonstrates that the salon is attentive to the client's hair condition and colour vibrancy which not only improves the overall client experience but also highlights the products used to achieve their style. Making it a win for each party involved.
Step Four:
Styling Session
At this stage, explain how products can influence the hair—both positively and negatively and give some product reccommendations. This also provides the client an opportunity to ask questions about their current products and consider updates to their hair care routine.
Inform them of things such as:
- Hold factors
- Shine qualities
- Texture attributes
- Finishing touches
- Weight and volume
Why Should We Do This?
This approach demonstrates your commitment to achieving the right look for the client, offers them a choice of products, and ultimately enhances their overall experience.
Step Five:
Finishing Session
This final stage ensures the client has received everything they came for, is completely satisfied with the results, and has a last chance to ask for any product recommendations or additional needs.
Finish with:
- Inquire if the client has the right products to maintain their colour, style, and look at home.
- Highlight any current salon product promotions that might be relevant.
- Thank the client for their visit.
- Ask if they are satisfied with their experience today.
- Inform them about the retail area of the salon, inviting them to browse or purchase products.
Why Should We Do This?
Keeping the client informed throughout the process demonstrates your concern for their hair condition and enhances their overall experience. It also provides valuable feedback on the service, helping you improve.
Follow Up to Finish
The consultation doesn't end when the client leaves. Follow up after their appointment to ensure they feel well cared for. This not only strengthens client relationships but also helps maintain a positive reputation for the stylist and the business, contributing to its long-term success.