"I Want Hair like This Model's": Tips for Helping Your Client Get the Hairstyle They Want
Making sure that your client is as happy as possible must always be a top priority for any hairstylist. However, this can be easier said than done. Of course, there will be, on occasion, clients who are extremely difficult to please no matter what strategy you take. While it is important to treat those clients with as much care as possible, we will focus on more typical clients and what strategies can be used to make sure they get the haircut they want.
Often you will get a client that comes into your salon and asks for a haircut like she has seen on a model or an actress. You probably know the moment; it’s the “I want hair like this model’s” moment. These clients can be both fun and challenging. When you are working with a client that wants a very specific style of hair, there are few steps that you can take to make sure that they walk out of your salon feeling great, feeling satisfied, and, of course, looking great as well.
Define Expectations and Requirements
Obviously, not all hair is alike. In fact, hair can vary a surprising amount from person to person. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you remind your client of this fact, especially if his or her hair is different from that of the model or actress that they have chosen. For example, if your client selects a curly hairstyle but has very straight hair, then its best that she or he understands that a great deal of work might be needed in order to achieve the desired look after leaving the salon.
Another point that you might have to cover is that not all haircuts look great on all faces. Due to the basics of geometry, some haircuts just don’t match with some faces. Trying to force the cut onto a face that just isn’t shaped for it will often lead to a very unnatural “square peg, round hole” look that may not be what your client wants. If this situation pops up, then address it with the client in a tactful and professional manner.
Ask for Help If Possible
If the politics of your salon are such where you can ask for advice from another hairstylist, then this may be something to consider. If a client presents you with a cut that seems tricky in some fashion, then ask another hairstylist for their ideas and opinions. The odds are very good that you will have a couple of co-workers that will know exactly how to approach the cut in question. Just be sure that you remind your co-workers that you will repay the favor if and when it is needed.
Stop and Think Through Your Strategy
If you are being presented with a hairstyle that is somewhat new to you, don’t panic. Stop and take some time to consider what your options are and how you should be approaching this particular cut. More than likely as you study the photograph of the haircut (and hopefully you have one), slowly you will begin to understand how you can make the cut. If you don’t have a photograph, grab a picture off the Internet via your cell phone or a computer so you have reference material. If necessary, print out a photo. Having a photo will be very helpful as an example to the client of what you are going to do during the cut.
Relax, Be Professional, and Have Fun
Don’t look at having to do a new type of cut as being a horrible chore – instead see it as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills. If you think through you steps and approach, everything should be fine.
