Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
22 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 5 Issue 2 CONSULT THE Color clients are fun. Sometimes they want a touch of highlights to brighten their face. Sometimes you get to explore a new vivid shade that allows the client to express their personality. But other times, the client wants to make a drastic color change that can be less fun and more stressful. I'm going to share with you my experience as a stylist in the beauty industry for more than 10 years and how I manage to keep that happy customer while building future clientele. Let's pretend we have a client who comes in with dark brown hair and is craving a drastic change: ey want to go blonde. STARTING WITH THE CONSULT It all starts with the consultation. But let me start by saying there is no such thing as a perfect consultation. ere is, however, effective communication—meaning there is a clear plan between you and the customer before the color process gets started. Color consults can be different for every hair professional. Depending on how big the color change is and depending on the time e Drastic Color Change Consulting your client on their best steps forward by Jasmin Junio in your schedule, you may want to perform a consultation before the day of service. For most consultations, though, they can be done the same day. e average consult for new color clients can be between 20 and 30 minutes. And regular clients can be between 10 and 20 minutes. During the consult, you should be as authentic as possible. Set the tone by being factual, present, and as trustworthy as possible. With a drastic hair change, this honesty is crucial. ere is nothing I love to hear more in my chair than a client saying, "I trust you." After all, the hair is the frame to the picture that is their face. ADDRESSING THE BIG CHANGE Ask if the client brought pictures for reference. I tell all my clients to show me a max of three images. It can be too confusing when a client has multiple images of hair colors and expects you to morph all of them onto one head. Ask what about the pictures the client likes most. is could reveal more about their desires for the change and what they're really looking for.