We ask our September 2010 MODERN contributors:
How do you handle clients
who are particular?
Ouidad
"Have a thorough consultation,
which I call a contract, with your
client to understand his or her
exact needs so you can address
every issue. Whether it's doable
or not, the client feels you have
full understanding and clarity,
which turns into a client's
confidence in you." -Ouidad
Known as the "Queen of Curl," Ouidad is a salon owner, author and
international educator. Since she opened her first salon in New York City
catering to the curly haired client in 1984, she has developed her signature
(and now trademarked) "Carve and Slice" cutting and styling technique, and
created a support line of Ouidad products designed for curls and waves.
See her work here and here.
Steve Elias
"If a client is particular or
difficult, you have to take the
high road and not react to the
particular mood they're in
that day. Always be your
most pleasant and make
them look and feel great-
you'd be surprised how much
that changes their mood and
attitude!"-Steve Elias
Editorial stylist and 2010 NAHA winner Steve Elias completed cosmetology
school while finishing high school. After apprenticing at Festoon, a Vidal
Sassoon salon in Berkeley, California, he moved on to his true passion,
editorial work. His designs have been featured in many magazines including
Men's Vogue. See his latest collection here.
Amoy
"I simply meet their
needs. Unless a client is
being disrespectful to my
staff, I cater to their
needs."-Amoy
Amoy has coiffed the tresses of
dozens of high-profile clients including
Rihanna, Alicia Keyes,
Mary J. Blige, Naomi Campbell,
Joy Bryant, Angela Bassett, Iman
and Donatella Versace-just to
name a few! Recently she opened
Amoy Couture Hair salon on the
upper east side of New York City to
offer a "home" to her high-profile
clientele. While best known for extensions,
we met up with Amoy as
she was creating a fresh fall look
at a Rene Furterer photo session. Click here for the results.
Ric Pipino
"I listen to
all their needs,
then I smother
them with
confidence!" -Ric Pipino
Celebrity stylist and Babyliss Guest Artist Ric Pipino has been cutting
hair since he was a teenager in his native Sydney, Australia. Since
arriving in New York in 1981 he has focused on session work, creating
looks for advertising, editorials and fashion shows. Most recently he
opened his Pipino Salon in the Little Italy section of New York City.
"The salon is more important than ever," he says. "In a salon we truly
get a chance to be creative and learn from each other." Click here and here to see "Town and
Country".
Tommy Buckett
"Stop and explain what you're going to do very
clearly. I also explain what I'm going to do briefly while
cutting or styling. Afterward, I look at the client's
reaction and ask what they don't like so we can adjust
anything. Listen to their opinion." -Tommy Buckett
Editors and industry insiders arrive
at Tommy Buckett's chair at the
Marie Robinson Salon in New York
City for new shapes and styles on
a regular basis. Celebrities such
as Ashley Olsen, Sienna Miller and
Rachel McAdams count on Buckett
to keep them beautifully coiffed. As
the Sedu Elite Styling Consultant,
Buckett uses Sedu appliances
to finish his looks. See his "Wave
Maker" look here and here.
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