Have you ever had a client tell you that they love the hairstyle you gave them but they can’t style it at home like you do in the salon?
If you have, it’s not really a compliment.
The part about them loving their hairstyle is a compliment but if you want to grow and maintain your clientele, you’ll need to take it to the next level by making sure your clients know how to style their hair like a pro.
It’s Time To Investigate
The first step is to investigate. Put on your detective hat and find out what’s making them unhappy with their finished style.
My favorite question to ask first is: Tell me specifically what it is that you don’t like about your hair after you style it.
From their answer, you’ll be able to drill down and discover the cause or causes of their dissatisfaction.
As an example, let’s say your client, Emma said her hair looks frizzy when she styles it but it’s so smooth when you style it.
It can be as simple as the products she’s using. Have you recommended the smoothing product you use before you blow dry her hair? This is where you can increase your retail sales.
If she is using the smoothing product you recommended, you can find out when she’s using it (while her hair is dripping wet, damp or dry?), how much she’s using (too much or too little?) and how she’s applying it (is she rubbing it into hair and not combing it through?).
A simple correction in how she’s using the product might fix the problem.
But if her product use is spot on, then you’ll need to go to the next level of listening.
Listen For Clues
How is she using the round brush? Does she use a nozzle on her blow dryer? Is she pointing the nozzle down so the hair shaft lays flat? Does she let the hair cool in the round brush before removing it?
As hairstylists, we do these styling techniques all day so it’s second nature to us. But it’s not so familiar to our clients, and we have to remember this when we are teaching them how to style their hair.
If you discover your client is using the proper tools and products correctly but their style still isn’t turning out the way they want it to, it’s time to investigate even deeper.
Let’s Dig Deeper
Here’s some more potential challenges and solutions to help you with your investigation:
1. Does your client have limited time to style their hair so their finished style looks rushed?
If it’s a time management issue, they’ll either have to allot more time for the styling or consider a modified style that’s easier and faster to style.
Finding the perfect hairstyle your client loves while also fitting into their lifestyle for the daily maintenance and styling can take some time.
2. Does your client have a physical limitation or injury so they can’t comfortably hold the blow dryer in the proper position long enough to get a smooth finish?
If it’s a short-term physical limitation, they might be okay waiting for the injury to heal and you might be able to suggest some alternative styling techniques to help them. But if it’s a long-term or permanent limitation, you might suggest a modified style that’s easier to style.
As I mentioned above, finding that perfect combination of the hairstyle and the actual daily styling of that haircut can be a challenge for someone with physical limitations. As a professional, you can help them find a style they love that doesn’t cause pain while they style it.
3. Does your client wear glasses and struggle to blow dry their hair to a smooth finish with their glasses on because the temples (arms) get in the way but since they can’t see very well with their glasses off, it’s also a challenge?
You could teach your client the styling techniques by feel without wearing their glasses. As they get better and better at it, it will become second nature for them. But if this strategy doesn’t work, you may need to suggest another style that’s easier to style.
4. Is your client going through hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause or are they taking new medication?
Hormones, medications and aging can cause changes in their hair texture, thickness and growth patterns including those pesky cowlicks and swirls. When their hair changes but they aren’t changing their styling techniques to accommodate these changes, it could lead to dissatisfying results.
As you investigate and identify the cause, you can educate your client about how to use new products and/or styling techniques to compensate for the changes to their hair.
There are endless possibilities as to why your client’s daily styling isn’t creating the look they desire even if they love the haircut you gave them. It’s up to you to use your sleuth skills!
My Success Strategy
A strategy I’ve had great success with is to set up a time with my style-struggling client and have her bring her products and tools to my salon and style her hair while I observe. This gives me a hands-on opportunity to offer tips and techniques to help her master her styling.
It’s so worth the time you invest because when your client is happy, they will rebook and refer their friends and family. Not to mention that they’ll be a walking billboard for your superior haircutting skills when they style their hair like a pro!
Final Thoughts
By having an open and honest conversation, you’ll be able to uncover what’s causing your client to struggle and then you can offer a professional solution. Even if it takes a while to find the winning combination, you’ll make your client feel special because you’re investing your valuable time to make sure they are satisfied.
Take the time to investigate. I promise it will be worth it!
On Point Hair Academy was created for stylists like you who need just a little help (or a lot of help) in different areas of their hairstyling business. You don’t have to take this hairstyling journey alone.
Let’s connect!
Sign up to receive On Point Pro Tips, my free educational email for motivated hairstylists who want to succeed.
You'll receive valuable tips, tricks, techniques, updates, inspiration, and answers to common questions asked by hairstylists just like you.
If you’re ready to take charge of your future, sign up now!
Remember, your work is not about you. Your work is about how you make your clients feel.