I don’t want to change my hairstylist - Defying the myth

It’s impossible to make someone shift from his or her current hairstylist and try a new one. People are either comfortable with their hairdo, just too scared of getting a bad haircut by trying a new stylist or they’re just not interested in that extra effort because they’re ok with what they look like. There’s no real 4th reason for this.

Let’s tackle all the 3 reasons backwards. First let’s take the ones that are ‘just not interested in making that extra effort because they’re ok with what they look like’ so they don’t really bother about trying a new place for anything. These kinds of people are okay with walking down their house to that one particular beauty parlor or barbershop every first Sunday of the month to get their regular cut without any hassles of appointments. These guys are actually the easiest to get to switch from their stylist. All they need to know is whether they’ll get the appointment with the same ease of walking in and is it as close to their house. If by any chance the prices are cheaper with the new place then that’s a bonus for them. How to reach out to these people is the challenge because they aren’t really looking or searching for these services online. Sending out flyers to all the houses in your area and putting up temporary signboards around your locality is best way to get the attention of this type of clients.

The categories of people who are ‘just too scared of getting a bad haircut by trying a new stylist’ are very difficult to crack. Usually the only way to get a client to switch is when they see a friend or someone they know get a really good haircut, and then they ask who gave it to them and then probably try that stylist. The kind of marketing reach this has is very small. How can the effect of this be multiplied? What if you displayed your work online for the world to see and review? – Give it a though ;)

The last category of people we’re tackling here is the ones that are ‘comfortable with their hairdo’. The only thing missing in their lives is for someone or something to make them realize that they can look so much sexier and better if they changed their ‘look’ a little. This is where social media helps, if you could post your work online for people to see and when someone sees a person who’s looks match his or hers a little with a nice haircut, they’d want to try it and who will they come to for it? You, because its your work that they saw.

Changing a hair stylist is bold step. You must be a responsible artist and take all the precautions so that you don’t spoil his or her experience and discourage him or her from ever doing it again… This is how you can be nice about it!

1. Ask the client to show a picture if they have something specific in mind.

They might have a great look in mind, but sometimes words are not enough to convey to you what exactly they are looking for. Only agree to doing it if you are comfortable doing exactly what he or she wants!

2. Make it very clear.

A lot of times there tend to be a case of miscommunication between the stylist and the client. To avoid that, make sure that you are clear about what you understood and explain it back to the client and get them to agree if it’s correct.

3. Gage and keep their lifestyle in mind.

Before you decide to suggest a new look, review the client’s lifestyle. If they’re always on the go, it isn't advisable to get a high maintenance look. Look for things like do they have a serious job or are they very sporty? As a stylist it’s your job to suggest what you think is right, but at the end of the day you have to give them what they want!

4. Background check.

Appreciate it when a client comes to you through a reference and has done a background check on your work. The chances are they know what you do well and that’s what they’re looking for.

5. Be understanding.

When dealing with a new client, be realistic. Unlike their old stylist, you’re not going to already know everything about their hair and they’re not used to explaining things in detail. So ask them questions about the hair problems, food habits, what they like doing with their hair, how do they mostly wear it, what products do they use, do they even like using products, etc? Based on that, and then tell them about your suggestions and reason out why you’re suggesting a particular cut or style.

6. Know face shapes.

Explain to the client that he or she has a square, oval, round or heart shaped face so they must not look at a picture of a person with very different face shape and expect to look like them if they get the same hairdo. Instead as a stylist you must show them some pictures of people with similar face shapes as theirs and ask them to pick one which you think might enhance their features.

7. Ask them to be realistic.

Smoothly work it into your conversation with the client that they should know their hair and its texture. If they have coarse, curly hair like Kangana Ranaut, they can't bring in a picture of Deepika Padukone and expect to walk out of the salon with a brand new hair texture, because no haircut or hairstyle will change their hair texture into wash-and-go waves. The same goes with the opposite texture.

8. Make sure they’re actually ready for a haircut or a major makeover.

Sure, if it's a trim, no biggie, but once you lop off 12 inches, there is no gluing it back on. So, if your new client has had super long hair her entire life but is considering a bob or even a pixie cut, ask her if its not a spontaneous decision that she might repent.

9. Give your client the confidence he or she needs.

Do not "multi- client" during the service of a new client. You might be good at doing many things at the same time but your new client doesn’t know that. Some stylists do that every day. It's not okay when a client’s color is processing and you take off for a 45-minute haircut on another client. This will only make your new client feel unattended. Don’t worry though; it’s only for the first few times till when your client gains confidence in your work.

We sincerely hope that these tips work for you! :)

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