Friday, June 14, 2013

THE HAIR CONSULTATION

The first step, and the most important one, in every salon visit is the consultation. Whether you’re seeing a stylist/colorist for the first time or are returning to the trusted stylist/colorist you’ve been seeing for months or years, every salon visit should start with a consultation.
The questions I always ask my clients are:  What do you love about your hair? What do you not like about your hair? What is your profession? (A professional person will want a classic look, not a high-fashion or extreme color or cut.) What is your lifestyle? (Someone who is athletic and washes his/her hair on a daily basis will need a low- or no-maintenance style.) What length do you have in mind? What color are you thinking of? (Here’s where a photo is worth a thousand words!) How much time are you willing and able to commit to styling your hair on a daily basis? What is the time and money budget you are willing and able to commit to salon visits to maintain the color and style?  And when my client is considering a big change in color and/or length, I always ask if his/her significant other will be onboard with the change. (Sometimes pleasing the client is not enough; you also have to please their loved one who’s waiting at home.)
A good colorist will always tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. He/she will tell you if the color you desire is suitable for your skintone, and eye color and, if not, will be able to suggest what color and shade will be most flattering.  He/she should also tell you how  much maintaining that color will cost you in time and money.  Prescribing the best products to use for home care based on the texture and condition of your hair and the ability to protect your color is an important part of the consultation, as is suggesting salon treatments to repair damage you may already have and preventing future damage.
A good stylist will also tell you if the style and length you desire is suitable for the texture of your hair, the shape of your face, and your body proportion, or if modifications are necessary to give you a result you will love.
A prospective colorist/stylist should cover all of these criteria and listens attentively and respectfully to your answers. He/she should also answer any questions you may have to your satisfaction.  If he/she is evasive to any of your questions, tries to be funny at your expense, or is the least bit rude,  go elsewhere until you find someone you can trust.

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