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.