Communication is the key in Hairdressing
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I have known many hairdressing stylist’s over the years, and there work has been varied to say the least. I have seen stylist from little salon’s, in rural settings, to fashion stylist in major city’s. here in the UK and abroad. One thing all the top stylist share is the ability to communicate effectively. Understand a client’s wants and needs is an important part of the communication skills required by a good hair stylist,creating their desired look is very important, but this is not what I mean in communication being the ‘Key in Hairdressing’. Once you have decided on the look that your client wants, and you have deciphered how the cut will be done, what techniques to use, and if hair colour will play a part of the over all look, you then start the chat and this is the part of communication I would like to talk about. Asking a client where they are going on holiday or if they are going out tonight are some of the first “Ice Breaker’s” you could use, but getting a real conversation going is the key to making a lasting relationship with your client. Try to get to really know your client, and take a genuine interest in what they are doing, you will be surprised with what experiences different clients undertake, and they can amaze you with an insight to their hobbies or interests. Let a client “Run” with their conversation, it is hard sometimes, but do not fall into the trap of saying, ‘that happened to me” and highjacking the conversation. The conversation must always be about them, this is important, remember, a boring person is someone who always talks about themselves. I may have mentioned this before, but at the risk of repeating myself; I once spent a lot of money advertising and tried to make friends and everyone I knew a client. This only worked in part, but once I made my clients my friends, this made the biggest difference to my clientele, it went from strength to strength, sometimes it is weeks before a client can get in to see me. I believe it is important to work on your skills as a hairdresser, and constantly try to improve them, but do not forget to improve your communication skills, this may be the area that will financially benefit you the most, having a strong clientele base will help you charge the correct amount for your time and it will solidify your earnings for years to come. Enjoy your hairdressing. John Mcloughlin.
