Clients didn't always know what to book before the lands of internet, Instagram, TikTok... Though it sure was simpler. And you would think with all the available resources on the internet, it would be simpler to book an appointment now... The real confusion is that Hairstylists have more options to offer now. And we've gone global with our sources of inspiration and innovation!
We have heard it again and again, that our clients, and potential clients, simply put off getting their hair done because they are overwhelmed. And it makes sense, I think we are all a little overwhelmed lately. We have endless recourses of information... at our literal finger tips!
Once upon a time, all you had to say was I want a cut or highlights and it was, for the most part a simple task. I would even say it was the 'stylists' (a slang for hairstylists that specialize in haircutting) that were praised for their expertise. After Sassoon revolutionized the way we looked at manipulating a haircut.
And then Balayage regained popularity in the late 2000s, changing the blonding world as it continues to evolve with ever intricate techniques. From Ombre to Balayage to Foilyage to Lived in and endless amounts of Zone Toning. And listen, I still don't expect you to fully understand what any of these things mean...
If I'm honest, I don't fully want you to either. Not because I want to keep you out of the loop, but instead, to protect you from just how confusing it can get. And worse, if you believe you understand it, however you don't completely, but you ask for that... too often a Hairstylist will simple say okay, they know what they want! And then you leave disappointment, simply coz the terms were misunderstood.
Then to make matters worse, as us hairstylists, trying to help ourselves and our industry evolve, we have actually created more confusion. Every salon does things differently, whether its a one price fits all, a la carte, hourly or session pricing, we all do it differently and its difficult to know what it all means if you aren't in the industry. Meaning a visit to a new salon may mean a whole new pricing model.
At the end of the day, as a hairstylist, I prefer when my client knows very little and can answer a few questions for me to decide what I believe to be the best look for them. But, that still doesn't help you book an appointment, does it!
So how does a client even begin? If you can, book a consultation. Get a feeling for the salon and stylist. If they make you feel comfortable, book what they recommend. If they don't try the next one. If you already have a hairstylist, simply ask them. They'll know your hair and you. And when you share your ideas, they'll know exactly what they'll do... trust me on this one.
If you aren't able to go in, keep these things in mind:
Will this be a big hair change? Whether colour or cut, a big change typically means more time. We recommend booking the longest appointment option and adding a note, along with photos of your current hair and desired hair. This will allow the hairstylist to know in advance what to expect and whether they should schedule more time or less time.
For colour, if you are changing your colour by more than 3 levels (pretend black is 1, brown is 5 and bright blonde is 9), then you will be doing a big colour change. Again the longest appointment is best. Supported with photos and notes.
For haircuts, if your hair is currently long, but you want a short hair cut, that still falls under 'long' or a big change. Book the longest option and you will be good. And include photos.
If this is a maintenance service then the regular options should suffice. Keep in mind that if you have a solid colour, a maintenance service would be roots. However, if you have highlights, your maintenance service is a partial. *If your roots are longer than 3inches it's no longer maintenance.
Lastly, most salons are happy to help guide you. Whether its over the phone or via email, touch base and let them help you book your next appointment.
We hope this article helps you even just a little a bit.
Bonus: we have created a page on our website to further guide you. Visit it here: https://www.queensshophair.com/how-to-pick-a-service
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