Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1547346
Explore your benefits at ahphair.com 67 words are "when welcomed." Never assume that because a client previously enjoyed a certain type of touch, they will want it today. SLOW DOWN THE SERVICE Traditional salon scheduling is built around efficiency: 30-minute haircut, 60-minute color, 20-minute blowout. But clients with dementia, mobility limitations, or other needs may need more time. at doesn't necessarily mean the service needs to be dramatically longer; sometimes it means building flexibility into the appointment to allow extra time for getting into and out of the chair, understanding instructions, walking from one station to another, settling into the environment, bathroom breaks, rest periods, communication with a caregiver, and unexpected changes in mood or energy. REDEFINE WHAT "SUCCESSFUL" MEANS is may be one of the hardest adjustments for a hair professional who is trained to finish what we start, but when working with vulnerable clients, the best outcome isn't always a perfect haircut. Maybe the client becomes overwhelmed halfway through. Maybe the shampoo is When memory becomes unreliable, a familiar stylist can sometimes provide continuity— not by correcting the client or testing them, but by gently helping them reconnect with familiar pieces of their story. too stimulating. Maybe they can't tolerate sitting for the amount of time required for a full color service. Maybe they're having a difficult day. It's OK to stop. A successful appointment might be a shampoo and quick trim instead of a full transformation. It might be a dry haircut instead of a shampoo, cut, and blow-dry. Or it might be simply helping someone feel comfortable enough to sit in the chair. CREATE A CALMER SALON ENVIRONMENT A salon can be a sensory-heavy environment: music, conversations, blow dryers, ringing phones, bright lights, chemical smells, mirrors, and people constantly moving. Based on our dementia-friendly training, my salon recommends: • Accessible, uncluttered pathways • Breaks during services • Familiar scents and music • Fewer choices • Quieter appointment times • Mirror-free services • Restrooms that are easy to locate unsplash Explore your benefits at ahphair.com 67