MENU
SEARCH"The most important skill they never taught you in beauty school was how to deal with the many different personalities you come into contact with daily," says the author of the book, As the Chair Turns. Find out what you're already doing that keeps good clients coming back and learn how to get even more to return time and again.
Did you ever stop to wonder why a client returns to a salon year after year? Is it the warm welcome from the receptionist at the front desk? The new check-your-e-mail-while-you-process Internet Cafe? Is it the mini neck massage you delivered at the shampoo bowl? Granted, these are all fantastic amenities and marketing efforts, targeting new clients as well as keeping your existing ones excited. And I honor the fact that providing the latest trends in services and products are a great way to lure the client in the salon doors. But what really brings back the client year after year is the one-on-one human touch connection between the client and the stylist, the relationship that transpires out of trust and personal experience. It's that very human and irreplaceable connection that makes or breaks the client's experience.
Clients come to us for so much more than our expertise. They come to receive validation for who they are and where they are in their life. The most important skill they never taught you in beauty school was how to deal with the many different personalities you come into contact with daily. When clients come to you, they have a story to tell, usually about what is happening in their lives. Their hair is a huge reflection of what is going on! You have the golden tools not only to make that client not look good, but also to make him or her feel magnificent. Clients look to you as a role model with all the necessary goods to "fix" them and their self-image. Wow! What a thought! Your work on their head plays a significant part in their life's events.
Think about it. How many times have you had to comfort clients to help them feel better about what was going on in their life? Clients come to us because they place value in what we have to offer them spiritually. We add a rainbow of color to people's lives that few others can provide. This, I believe, is the gift that we have to offer, our personal touch that comes from our heart to theirs. This service cannot be bought, nor can it be eliminated. It is the sunshine that you provide to another human being. The connection and the time you spend with them personally are what they treasure.
One day far in the future you might wonder why you are still standing behind that chair, and then you'll reflect back on all the lives you have touched and the ones that have touched yours, and you will remember. Be proud to be a hairdresser!
Kathy Jager is a 25-year veteran stylist who has been both a salon owner and school educator. Look for her valuable feedback on our FirstChair message board, and go to her website at www.lulu.com/pros-grapevine to purchase her books.
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
