Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1511260
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 21 I learned very quickly the difficult lesson that clients sometimes feel the need to hide information when it comes to their hair. As the professional, knowing when to proceed or refuse the requested service can be critical in preserving the integrity of your client's hair and avoiding further damage. So, when we have a client in our chair wanting platinum blonde—when we can clearly see they have cotton candy tresses that feel like freshly cut hay—we need to put on our thinking caps and determine the best avenue for them. ENCOURAGE HONESTY Some clients think if they skip telling us how many times they've used box dye or lightened their hair—and how recently—we can proceed with the service they want. Stylists need to explain why it's important for clients to be forthcoming about their hair care and how this will help us achieve the outcome they're looking for. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Simply asking a guest, "Have you ever colored your hair?" is overlooking many crucial details stylists should know in order to proceed with a service. Start with, "Can you describe the past five years of your hair history?" You can even ask for further detail, including all chemical services, what products they use, and haircuts they've gotten so you can determine what's been done, what they liked—and didn't like— and a comprehensive history of how many chemical processes they may have received or done at home. Finding out what brands of color they've used can also help you determine your capabilities and limitations. ALWAYS DO A STRAND TEST No matter what, always perform a strand test. Even if you think the hair is healthy enough to withstand a chemical service, it's always best to perform a strand test first to ensure you can achieve the results you're both looking for. Keep in mind that certain factors, like medications, can alter the results in your test strand and chemical service. If you do a test strand and it comes back fried or an odd color, there may be something the client hasn't told you or contradictions with the original formula you initially thought of using. Even the healthiest of strands