credibility, you will need to establish a professional relationship with your clients. This stylist-client
relationship is critical to your success as a cosmetologist and to the salon that employs you.
To communicate effectively with a client, you must first understand the individual. A large portion
of this understanding will occur during your initial contact with the client. At that time you will con-
duct a client consultation, keeping in mind that the meeting will "set the tone" for the stylist-client
relationship. During the client consultation, it is essential to determine the client's desires and needs
and explain what might be best for overall appearance. You must learn how the client feels about
making changes to his/her appearance and what service objectives he/she has in mind. Other infor-
mation you will need to learn from the client regarding specific services is covered in detail in their
respective chapters.
Keys to Successful Client Relationships
·
Determine the client's needs.
·
Clearly explain to the client what the "finished look" will be before beginning any service.
·
Suggest alternative styles, if the client only wants to make a minor change, rather than a
dramatic one. Further changes may be suggested later.
·
Teach the client how to maintain the hairstyle, makeup application, nail
care or other service at home.
·
Provide the client with information on the correct product regimen to use at
home and proper product application.
·
Show the client pictures of new styles and suggest any additional services
that would enhance the client's appearance. (Do not suggest to the client
that he/she will look "just like" the photograph.)
·
Introduce change periodically so the client's appearance is both attractive
and current.
·
Accommodate the client whenever possible. If it is possible to adjust your appointment
schedule for a client, do so (without inconveniencing other clients).
·
Share new information about cosmetology and fashion with your clientele. It will generate
excitement and enthusiasm for your services and for the salon.
·
Treat your clients with the same respect and concern you would like them to exhibit
toward you.
·
Manage down time constructively by helping others, performing tasks around the salon and
maintaining client base. Organize your work and prepare to have products and implements
ready for each client. Serve clients promptly when they arrive. However, do not rush one
client in order to serve the next. When making an appointment, be sure the time allotted
for each person allows you to remain on schedule.
·
Notify your clientele in advance if you plan to be absent for an appointment or on vacation
and "re-book" (reschedule) their appointments with fellow stylists through the salon
receptionist.
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6
SALON BUSINESS
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"Do unto others as
you would have
them do unto you."
