Curious And Complex: Deconstructing The Carefully Constructed Client-Hairdresser RelationshipFebruary 5, 2020Hair salons have seen a 360-degree turn around in terms of services and techniques. The salons that were once touted as the best at hair perms and mullets now offer services like balayage and asymmetrical cuts. The hair industry has become more open to freedom of expression and so, different colors, cuts, and styling are accepted on a wider scale. Seeing someone stroll down your street with rainbow hair won’t raise eyebrows anymore, instead, you’ll marvel at their self-expression. Making such decisions for your mane can be a daunting task. But the faith that you have in your hair stylist makes you feel confident in your decision. Letting them come at you with a scissor isn’t really a risk in your mind. A close friendship tends to emerge over time between client and hair stylist. You know exactly what we’re talking about. Every stylist at your salon has their own clients who ask for their hair services. Here’s what you need to know about every component of this very special, hairdresser-client relationship: Revealing their insecurities From the very first time a client sits in the chair before you, they make a judgment on whether they like you or not. Stylists have come to realize this over the years and have adapted their behavior and personality to be more “likable.” They begin testing the waters with what their clients like to talk about and form unique relationships with each of them. You may have heard the quote, “A good hair stylist is cheaper than a good therapist.” If your client is drawn to your personality, they will be at ease the moment they get comfortable in your chair. They begin to open up to you about their hair problems and insecurities. They have blind faith in your knowledge of all things hair, and know that you will give them a solution. Once you fulfill the first service they ask of you well, they know you are trustworthy; this is where the relationship takes a turn towards close friendship. Like any other friend, they meet their stylist every month to feel rejuvenated. They are bound to reveal much more over the years once you have established a strong bond. Listen carefully to what they have to say and respect the expectation of confidentiality that comes with it. Learning their likes and dislikes Trends are forever changing in the hair industry. Over the years, you will also see your clients go through phases with their styles; it’s an important part of self-expression, some say. Every choice your client makes helps you understand their style better! Always pay close attention to what they are looking for in a hairstyle. There will surely be many times when they will ask you, “Will this suit me?” Or, “I have no clue what to get this month, what do you suggest?” This is the perfect time for you to go back in time and analyze what they have been drawn to in the past and give them a suggestion that really blows their mind. Understanding their hair From the first time you lay your hands on their hair, you can place them into a category. All the knowledge you gained in school has prepared you for this! You know what kind of hairstyles will suit their hair and face shape best. Always intervene when your client has chosen a hairstyle that won’t sit well with their hair texture. They rely on you for such information because they aren’t the experts, you are. When you politely explain why a certain hairstyle isn’t the best option to go for, your client will be more inclined to intently listen to you. As mentioned before, they have entrusted you with their hair insecurities, so tread carefully when trying to talk them out of a particular look or color. Don’t touch upon a nerve; empower them instead of damaging their self-esteem. Boosting their confidence You can train your staff to either make clients feel good about themselves or feel worse than when they came in. Salons tend to sway either way to get more business out of a client. Our top tip for salon owners is to always point out the good to a client. Tell them how soft their hair is or how gorgeous their unique natural coloring is. Constantly reminding a client of how brittle her hair is or how many grays she now has won’t make them feel any better. Always be kind to your clients. You may or may not know all the problems they are facing. Salon time is time off from negativity! There’s a special and rarely found elsewhere dynamic between a client and stylist. They come to you for a new look or to look the best they can. They want to feel like a million bucks when they leave your salon. That’s a whole load of pressure on your salon, but it’s not impossible. Inward and outward self-confidence can be achieved with their monthly visit to your salon. No judgment If you have been in the industry for many years now, you’ve heard it all! Rarely anything surprises you. You have heard so many things from clients that there’s very little that changes your expression anymore. Stylists are born socializers, they listen without judgment. Your client will soon realize this and will be willing to share all kinds of stories and details with you. Friends and family generally like to point out the wrong in such situations but a hairdresser listens with an open ear and open mind. They will laugh with clients, relate to them and sympathize, depending on what is shared. Instead of a prescription, they will recommend the best drink a client should indulge in. Keeping it fun A client-hairdresser relationship is always fun! In most cases, it’s a very one-sided friendship. The client is provided a free space to express themselves and not the other way round. That’s what makes it light-hearted and fun. A stylist’s “out there” personality is contagious and can change the mood of any room. Some hairstylists share their stories too to spice things up. As a stylist, you should know what will appeal to your client and how they will react to the anecdotes you relate. Some relationships can be emotionally draining. A friend, relative, or partner can be too needy or expect too much out of a person. The dynamics of the relationship we are breaking down is that there are no expectations out of a client. Clients are encouraged to be themselves and have no filter. The safe environment created in a salon makes clients want to come back time and time again. It’s a special kind of freedom your client gets to experience. You help them escape their world for a couple of hours and leave your salon looking more stunning than ever! Salon Income Booster is an online platform created to serve budding hair salon businesses. With our help, your salon can get through any challenges and eventually make it big! We provide marketing solutions to boost revenues, help you get to the bottom of management challenges, give valuable feedback on retail display, optimize your merchandising, and give the best upselling techniques out there. If you want to build your salon’s popularity from scratch or restore it to its former glory, you’re in the right place!