When you first begin your journey in Hairdressing, you are going to run into some fascinating people. Not all of these clients will tickle you pink; no, some clients will exhaust you.
Can I get an Amen
Your first few months on your own as a hairdresser – expect a select few clients not to LOVE what you have done to their locks. It’s the nature of the beast- this business is all about making people love what they hate daily. Finding a way to make people love their hair for more than a week, may take an act of god for some clients. During this baby step learning time, you’ll need to find your comfort zone- begin to pay attention to the types of personalities you acquire – and start learning!
My advice for each personality
1.) THE OLDER CLIENT
Scenario—-
A much older woman is sitting in your chair. You are like 30 – 50 years younger. Don’t freak.
You have tons in common!
Ok — I’m lying- I wanted you to feel better- I’m sorry- However, what you do have in common is style! She wants to look good, and she’s in luck – she has you!
You need to understand; it doesn’t matter the age he/she is. We all want to look our best! Take the focus off the apparent age gap and show them you are a professional! Talk to her about what she likes and doesn’t like, really listen to her, pay attention to where her fingers stop when she is describing where it’s too long. This is easy – you’ve got this- talk about baking- flowers- poems- books!
Ok now here’s where the exhaustion may come in
For some reason – he/she is repeating themselves like Rain Man – they say the same thing over and over like what they just said was not absorbed by you. You have just lost 30minute of your life to a discussion about her damn bangs!
Ok —deep cleansing breath—now here’s what you do and don’t do.
*Do repeat back what the client has just said to you, by doing this you are showing her you were listening and comprehending her bang trivia.
*, DO ask if she feels comfortable enough for you to make that cut.
*Do remember her name so you can give her to the next girl in line because I am not teaching you to be a fool- move her on down the line till she finds her perfect, ‘get along with’ hairdresser- but feel better in knowing it damn well won’t be you!
- Don’t look at your watch- remember I said you are a beginner- where the hell are you going to go? You know your next client isn’t for another 2 hours relax Vidal you won’t run behind.
- Don’t act like she is lucky to be with you- I promise she is giving you money, now earn it.
- Don’t belittle her and tell her what you want to say.
“Stop showing me the picture of you when you were 18 – grow up – stop – pissing me off, let’s do this, Becky!”
2.) I WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS PICTURE CLIENT
Scenario—–The client in your chair wants her hair to look exactly like the picture. This BonJovi look is not what you visualized on her—ever—. This is not only a problem; this is a real problem. She has convinced her no makeup, sweatsuit wearing, never wash her hair self – that THIS LOOK IS GOING TO CHANGE HER!
Ok, —- You know in your heart of hearts – this won’t work. You first will need time and a glass of wine. Second, you need to get the client to see her for HER! Most of the compliments clients receive are because they found a hairdresser that gave them the best look for THEM!
You see, your client has no neck, yet the picture is a girl with a freakishly long swan neck.
*Do point out to her in the mirror where the hair falls. - DO let her see that same length would fall about 4 inches shorter on her.
- DO point out if the picture has a different hair color than hers.
- Don’t laugh and show the other stylists the audacity she has bringing in this picture.
- Don’t tell her in a French voice- “NO! You are not a swan! You will get a bob and be happy!”
3.) I WANT A DISCOUNT CLIENT
These clients are pro’s they can smell your enthusiasm a mile away. You’ll hear about everything wrong in their lives so you’ll feel bad and you’ll give them a discount. I’ve been known to help a client here or there.
There are two types of clients – one’s who appreciate the kindness and don’t expect it every time, and then there’s…Becky.
Becky works at one job sometimes- because you know she has one child and a husband deployed, and she can’t make ends meet.
Here – I’ll finish the sentence for her—they don’t make enough money to buy everything they think they deserve.
Don’t you dare help her! QUICK! Look at her nails! Her purse! Her Car! Listen to the story about the trips she took – to get away from it all!
The answer is, “NO, I can’t help you; there are no coupons- and don’t think about bouncing a check.
*Do not let people take advantage of you.
Next
Believe it or not- in a few years, you will be able to tell how a client will be with you by merely speaking to her for 5 minutes. You’ll know when to talk about religion, babies, boyfriends, parties.
Best of Luck- Don’t let the crazies ruin your day- You Keep chugging along-
Heather Lea Owner of Hair Loft on Linden and BookPressed.com
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