“Help! I wish I hadn’t even started this service on this client!”
Have you ever thought that while working on a client?
Last week, I witnessed a stylist near me having one of ”those” days - the kind that can completely drain you and affect the entire energy of the salon.
The stylist had a client who booked a color service that ended up turning into a nearly 4-hour ordeal. The client was in tears at one point, and the stylist was visibly frustrated.
Sure, the client liked her hair in the end, but the stylist was still upset about the situation two days later.
This scenario is all too common in our industry. Sometimes, it’s not about whether you can technically deliver the service a client asks for, it’s about whether you should!
There are cues you can look for to help you determine if you should proceed with a service or if you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary stress.
Here are three things to watch for:
1. The Consultation Is About More Than Just Listening
It’s crucial to pay attention to both the client’s words and their body language.
Take the client I mentioned above, for example. When she walked in, you could immediately sense that she was nervous. Her lack of eye contact, slumped shoulders, and hesitant voice were all indicators of her uncertainty. If the stylist had noticed these signs, she could have guided the conversation in a different direction, steering the client towards something more manageable or realistic.
Body language can speak volumes. Are they confident in what they’re asking for or do they seem unsure? This can help you assess if they’re truly ready for the change they’re requesting.
2. Is the Client Listening To You, or Are They Trying to Take Control?
This is a big one. Some clients come in thinking they know more than you - maybe they’ve seen a hairstyle on Instagram or watched a DIY video and believe they have all the answers. These clients tend to try to control the situation and tell you how to do the service instead of trusting your expertise.
This is a huge red flag. As a professional, it’s important to establish boundaries and clearly explain what can and cannot be done based on their hair type, condition, or the limitations of the service.
If the client refuses to listen or insists on something unrealistic, don’t be afraid to walk away. No amount of money is worth the stress of a difficult client who doesn’t trust your expertise. Or the potential harm from a scathing review.
3. Trust Your Gut
This is probably the most important lesson.
In the situation I witnessed, the stylist realized after some reflection that she should have known the right approach for the client all along, but she lost confidence and let the client dictate the service. As a result, she ended up losing both the client and her peace of mind.
Your intuition is one of your most valuable tools as a stylist.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to stand your ground. You’re the professional, and your job is to deliver not just a service but an outcome that is realistic and achievable.
At the end of the day, the stylist I mentioned made the decision not to work with that client again. She learned from the experience and made a promise to herself to trust her instincts moving forward.
This is such an important takeaway: Don’t let a tough experience shake your confidence. Instead, use it to grow and reinforce your trust in your abilities.
And remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, talk to someone who has been there. You’re not alone in this journey and having a mentor or colleague to share your thoughts with can make all the difference.
You’ve got this - trust yourself!
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.
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