Consultations 101 - How to Give a Proper Consultation -Free Guide Inside
- thecourageousstyli4
- Jul 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 18
The consultation is arguably the most important part of the service.
The more in-depth the consultation the less chance of having a “redo”.
I used to get an embarrassing amount of redos when I first started taking clients.
I have ADD like a lot of other stylists do, so what would happen is I couldn’t focus on our consultation and conversation because there was a lot happening in the salon. 20 people are having conversations around me, music is playing, and the phone is ringing. All of that played a huge factor in how I listened to my clients...or should I say "didn't".
Once I started to realize that I wasn’t paying attention enough and I wasn't asking the right questions I started to change how I did my consultation process.
Once I started making changes, magic started to happen and more clients were happy with how their hair turned out!
It wasn’t that I wasn’t doing a good job and their hair was jacked up, it was simple things such as it was way too blonde, not blonde enough, not the right dimension or the toner was a little off.
Here are some of my favorite consultation questions:
What is the goal of our first visit together?
How often do you generally color your hair?
Do you tend to like your color a bit warmer or a bit cooler in tone?
Do you like your highlights more defined or blended?
Is there a time you remember when you really disliked your hair? Tell me about that.
Do you normally blow dry your hair or air dry?
How often do you wear your hair up in a ponytail?
I recommend as a new stylist having your consultation questions pre-written down and sitting with your client to go through the questions and write down the answers. This will not only make you look VERY professional, but it will also help you start to remember what to ask and you’ll have everything written down so both parties are clear on expectations.
I’ll have my consultation sheet available for download here.
I recommend having your consultation before the client is caped up. This makes them feel more comfortable. Look them in the eyes, not through the mirror. It may feel awkward at first but it will start to get easier the more you do it. The best thing to do is try to practice as much as you can with friends or co-workers!
Always talk about price and timing before starting the service. The downloadable guide actually has a pricing sheet on there too so you and your client can talk numbers so they know what they are paying for and it’s within their budget.
So what happens if you discuss the service and then talk price and they say “Oh no that’s not what I was expecting I was expecting something a little lower in cost…”
Here’s the trick. DO NOT discount. Don’t turn them away.
Instead, give them an option that is a mini version of that service. They still get their hair done and you still charge your full price. Everyone is happy!
Timing is SO important to go over before starting. You wouldn’t believe how many clients think a highlight and haircut takes 1 hour! I wish that was the case!
I’m having PTSD from when I would either make my clients late for something or we would be in the salon until 10 or 11 pm! Not fun.
When you’re first starting out you’re naturally slower too, I know I was. A full highlight, tone, and haircut was easily 4-5 hours for me.
Most of the time they don’t care if they’re in the salon that long, they just want to know beforehand so they can be prepared ahead of time.
I always like to give them a timeline and a play by play.
I’ll say:
“I’m going to get you caped up then mix your color. It will probably take an hour to apply the color then you’ll process for 30 minutes. After that, we’ll get you washed and toned at the bowl for 15 minutes.” etc...
They feel like they’re included and know what to expect. Most clients don't know what a toner is so it's good to fill them in and let them know what's going on and why the color isn't done after the highlights are washed out.
Let me know if this helps you with your services.
Happy consulting!
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