The Big Picture - In A Salon

By John Michael Zucco


Whether you're a stylist or a client I'll be talking about how to get the most out of the salon visit and achieve the best possible hair styles to suit your facial features.

I will also focus on how to talk to the stylist or the client so both can understand what's possible and what's not, what to expect and how to achieve it. Sometimes the hardest part of the salon visit is the first "consultation" so let's begin to analyze "The Big Picture".

One of the greatest challenges stylists have is when a client comes to the salon with a picture of what he or she wants and the picture is totally out of perspective! What I mean is the client brings in a picture, of a person that has different facial features, hair texture, density, length etc. And the client expects to go out looking like the person in the picture. Many times this just isn't going to happen!
When a client brings in a picture it can be helpful, if they understand that there are limitations on what a stylist can do for them. And a picture brought in for reference should be one with similar features to theirs.

Features like the hairline, texture, density as well as facial shape & proportion and even neck length. All of this play a crucial part in creating a hair style that will be flattering for the client.

E.g. If you have a wide face, full hairline & thick wavy hair, and you bring in a picture of a model with a slim face & fine straight hair, then your expectations are not going to be met!

You must understand we all have limitations on what we can and cannot have for a hair style (unless you want to wear a wig) and we must be willing to work within our own limitations. So it's best to find hair styles on models that have similar features to your own. It will make your appointment less frustrating and more fulfilling for both you and the stylist!

I tell my new clients that I totally appreciate seeing pictures of styles that they like. But it doesn't mean they can have that particular hair style! Pictures are great for guidelines of what the client likes but they are just that, guidelines! However, it's best to bring in realistic images that closely resemble your own features, rather than reaching for what you know is unobtainable...

For instance, if you're growing your hair out then bring in several pictures of lengths in-between the length you have and the length you want, as the length you want may be 6 months to a year away. It only makes sense that the stylist would be assisted by images of various (lengths) on the way to your goal.
My whole point on styles and pictures is. Be realistic with your expectations, bring in pictures that have similar features to your own, and understand you can't have just any hair style, there are limitations. Your stylist will help guide you. However, you have to be reasonable and let them.

And stylists don't give false promises to your clients, explain to them what is and is not possible with regards to the style he or she wants. It's better to turn down a service to a clients unreasonable expectations, than to do it and have total regrets on both sides. You are ultimately in control of whether or not this will be a good or bad experience for both of you!

One of the most popular styles I'm doing in the salon right now is mid-length to long hair with free flowing movement & chipped ends so the hair looks sleek, not bulky. I always complete this style with a "finishing paste" like "Greed" Matt Finish Paste from Seven Sins. Use just a dab (about the size of a pea) rub in the hands until it emulsifies then apply (using only the finger tips) to the mid-strands and ends. This allows the hair to flow freely, with defined lines and slight bounce, very sexy hair.

Sincerely,

JMZ