The Value of a Good Consultation
It has happened to all of us at least once; you walked into salon or spa, sat in the chair, and ended up leaving completely upset and disappointed. This experience can certainly be avoided and the key to avoiding an unsatisfactory experience all starts with the consultation
A good consultation is not about saying “I want this or that,” but rather an effective consultation is an open dialogue between you and your practitioner. Whether the service is by your stylist, massage therapist, esthetician or nail tech; a clear, concise conversation about your wants, needs and expectations is vital to the success of any service.
Here a few key components to remember as a client when it comes to your next appointment with your beauty professional:
1.) Book time for the consultation
Since the consultation is the key to providing and receiving an excellent end result, it is well worth the time and effort to make sure the salon coordinator books you for a consultation prior to your service. This is especially true when you are seeking your first service with a beauty expert. Spending an extra 15 minutes allows you the time to talk to your practitioner without adding the time pressure of running into the next appointment. This also allows you the time to fill out any forms necessary to ensure the safety and quality of your service.
2.) Establish your vision
Having a vision of your beauty and health expectations when you arrive at your appointment is the best way start a successful consultation. While some beauty professionals may be flattered when you say, “You’re the professional you decide”, the expert service provider knows that you will be most satisfied with your results if a clear and productive consultation starts your service. Whether you desire hair color, cut, nails, or any other service; it is always best to come to your service knowing what you expect and to discuss with your provider how those expectations can be met.
3.) Bring a picture
I picture can speak a thousand words so bringing a picture of what you desire is a fantastic way to start a good consultation. Stylists are above all visual and artistic. Bringing in a visual representation of what you want will help the stylist to understand exactly what it is you want to achieve. But keep in mind that too many pictures can make it harder to determine what you really want. Three pictures are plenty of material for your expert service provider to get you to the place you want to be.
4) Be Honest
Our parents always told us that “Honesty is the best policy.” This is never truer than during the consultation with your practitioner. Telling your stylist “This is my natural color” when the truth is it’s your natural color thanks to an over the counter box color can be detrimental to your service. Your practitioner cannot achieve the desired results if they do not know all of the information. Talk about your lifestyle, hair care regime, current style, any artificial color and medical issues. Let them know how much time you are willing to spend maintaining your service. Don’t be afraid to tell the therapist if the pressure is to hard or the pedicure water is to warm.
5.) Trust your practitioner
Your practitioner always has your best interest at the heart during your services. You are a walking advertisement for their business so they want you to look your best. If your practitioner explains to you that your vision may or may not be achievable in one visit, trust that it is for your benefit to believe them. Your health, safety and the integrity of your service is their top priority.
These simple points regarding how essential a good consultation is will help you and your service provider ensure that you happy and satisfied with your service.
