"It doesn't matter if it's the first time I am seeing a client or the 100th," says Mark Garrison, owner of the Mark Garrison Salon in NYC, "each client gets a consultation every single time he or she sits in my chair." Garrison points out that the consultation is the most important part of each salon visit.

"I want to know what is going on with her, discuss any new ideas she may have or ideas I may have. Knowing I could cut her hair with my eyes closed, the proper consultation raises the bar in professionalism and gives the client that extra attention."

Most importantly, Garrison adds, "Never take your client for granted. You must always think of a new idea...or someone else will think of it for you."

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