Preparing a client in hair cutting

Here’s a question to ask yourself about about managing your hair salon — what can you do, as a salon owner, to ensure your clients keep coming back to you? Aside from keeping up with the latest hairstyle trends, what else can you offer your clients to make them feel they are well taken care of in your salon?

All businesses thrive because of their satisfied customers, that much is true. So, in order for you to run a successful salon business, the most important thing you need to do is to make sure that your clients’ time at your salon is worth their while. Happy clients will always find their way back to you when they feel that they have received nothing but the best quality service.

How do you make your clients feel special at your hair salon? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Welcome your clients warmly into your hair salon

Some salons fail to make the right impression when when a client walks in. While it’s considered standard to have someone greet them into the salon, you don’t want to overwhelm nor crowd them. You can simply ask them how they’re doing that day and what services they’re interested in. By showing them that they have your undivided attention on your first contact is enough to let them know that they’re priority in your salon.

2. Be attentive to their needs

When welcoming new clients into your salon, it’s important that you stay alert to their needs even after the introductions. And not just in the services that your salon specialize in, but also the little things like offering them a drink or something to entertain themselves with while they go in for their appointment. When it comes to presenting your services to an undecided client, don’t just give them numerous options in one-go. Offer one or two suggestions. If they have questions, make sure to answer them with the utmost sincerity.

3. Offer suggestions, but don’t take it personally when they refuse

Speaking of suggestions, there will be times when a client will still insist in having his or her own way even after you’ve said your piece on why it isn’t a good idea. When this happens, remember to keep your cool and find a compromise that both of you will be happy with. Don’t take it personally when they refuse to give into your suggestion. Channel your frustration into finding a creative solution.

4. Work on building the relationship

Professional hair stylists and salon owners know that it takes more than just talent to grow the salon’s client base, it also involves time and effort to build a solid relationship. By being relational with your clients, you’ll have a better idea of what they want from you. You’re expected to invest time and effort into knowing your clients on a more personal level so developing your people skills is a must.

5. Value time

From a client’s perspective, time can be equally important to the quality of service so effective time management is essential. When you have a lot of clients lined up, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your hair salon can keep up with that number. Having a busy salon is great but you don’t want to have them all waiting in line that your stylists can’t tell who ‘s going first.

6. Go the extra mile

Aside from stocking up on the latest magazines in your salon for your clients entertainment, go the extra mile and look for other forms of entertainment you can offer them while they’re getting their hair done. Show a movie or hold a quiz day at your salon. Even the littlest of things can make a difference.

7. Stay connected

This may be the most important yet, especially with the many options today’s technology has to help you stay connected. If you want your clients to remember you, staying in touch with them is a great way to make them feel special. Send them birthday greeting cards and offer them a hair treatment deal on their birthday or send them emails with helpful tips or exclusive invites to hair salon events. There’s also social media marketing techniques that your salon can do.

At the end of the day, you want to a have a large number of happy customers leaving your salon on a daily basis. Strive to make every client’s experience at your salon a memorable one.

About the Author: Robin Vinz Salvador

Robin Vinz Salvador is Bound for Style’s digital marketing manager. Contact him at

When preparing for a haircut there are some vital steps to take to ensure you are giving the best possible service to your clients: dry hair-cutting, wet hair-cutting, and guidelines.

Dry Hair-cutting

You must check the hair while it is dry to see how the client is currently wearing their hairstyle to identify their natural hair growth patterns. You should also check the density and texture of the hair as this will dictate any style limitations. Always make sure to carry out a porosity test on dry hair prior to the service.

Preparing a client in hair cutting

Wet Hair-cutting

To test the elasticity, always carry out the test on wet hair. Once the hair has been shampooed and prepared for the service, check through the hair to identify the natural parting. On wet hair you will be able to see the hair type in its natural state, such as curly or straight, and recheck the movement of the hair. The elasticity in the hair allows wet hair to be stretched up to 50% of its original length, and you must consider this when you are cutting the hair wet, as the dried results could be much shorter than you or your client anticipated.

Preparing a client in hair cutting

Guidelines

The guideline is probably the most important part of a haircut, both for male and female customers. The guideline determines the finished length of the cut and the overall shape and balance.
Guidelines are the first cuts of the hairstyle. The first cut should be to establish the baseline length, which you agree with your customer. This becomes the guideline for the length of the haircut.
Once the baseline length has been agreed and cut, you are ready to begin the internal layer guideline. This internal guideline will help you achieve the shape of the style. Agree the desired length of the layers with your customer and then cut in your internal guideline to suit the angle at which the hair will be cut.
If you are cutting and lose your guideline, stop and re-establish it. Without a guideline you cannot work methodically through the haircut or maintain any degree of accuracy. Even the most experienced stylists will follow a guideline.

Preparing a client in hair cutting

Why is it important to prepare hair before cutting?

During cutting, having the hair pre-dried allows the natural tendencies, movements and growth directions of the hair to be seen. This is extremely important for cutting, as the wave movement and hair growth patterns are all being considered as the style develops.

What is client preparation?

This phase includes: developing a therapeutic bond with the client; providing an appropriate explanation of the theory of EMDR; constructing and practicing use of a "safe place;" discussion of client expectations and fears; problem solving and exploration of possible issues of secondary gain; and testing of eye ...

How should I prepare for a hairdresser?

Preparing for your hair appointment.
Arriving at the salon. ... .
Dress as you normally would. ... .
Eat before you come. ... .
Get inspired. ... .
A picture speaks a thousand words. ... .
Tell your stylist about your hair management routine. ... .
Think longer term. ... .
Colour service..

How do you prepare the client before hair coloring?

A Skin Test to ensure the client has no allergic reactions to the products you will be using. This should be done 24 hours prior to any colouring service. An Elasticity Test to ensure the hair won't break whilst using the colouring product. This is usually done when a client wants to lighten their hair.