As stylists who live and breathe all things hair, it should come as no surprise that a client's hairstyle can seriously affect their life. In a recent HairRx study conducted with 1,000 women, 80 percent of the participants aged 30-60 admitted that their hair can influence their personal outlook, with most saying they want their hair to make them feel prettier and more confident.
A more startling statistic that might break a few hairdresser hearts is that 68 percent of women are unhappy with their hair. We talked with a several hairstylists to hear their take on shifting the statistics, how they adapt to unhappy clients and how they meet a customer's ultimate hair #goals.
If a woman expresses unhappiness with her current style, how do you approach the situation?
I approach it with the same mindset as I do every client: I'm here for her and only her. I treat every guest like a celebrity.—Daniel Roldan, Matrix artistic director
I would find out how long she's had the look for. Is she somebody that's constantly searching for the ultimate look? Who does she identify with? If she can show me what she wants, I can break that picture down to understand who she's identifying with.—Rodney Cutler, Redken brand ambassador
How do you address customers' hair goals during an appointment?
Questions, questions and more questions. If I don't feel like we're on the same page, I ask questions until I'm certain I'm on the right track.—Jennifery Montoya, Paul Mitchell artist
I start by asking, "If you could do anything, what would you do?" and I let them talk without interruption. You wouldn't give someone a crew cut just because it'd look good, it also has to make them feel confident and comfortable.—Rodney Cutler
Compare what they have and where they want to ultimately be. One you have a clear understanding of the end goal, you can then plan out their grow out phase and create the look they desire.—James Le Bosquet, Keratin Complex artist
How often do you have clients who are seriously unhappy with their current style?
Most of the time they sit in my chair and say 'I need something different.' What I hear instead is, 'I need a pick-me-up, I'm in an appearance slump.' As stylists, we need to read between the lines and understand where their contempt is coming from.—Daniel Tetreault, TRUSS brand specialist
I find that if your clients are coming back to you, they're generally not that unhappy. Regardless, it's crucial to look at every appointment as a new experience, no matter how long you've cut their hair. Stylists need to be sensitive to those moments for change or reinvention.—Rodney Cutler
I'd say two to three times per month. Part of the problem lies in the age of millennials and social media and the fact that a style or look has a much shorter lifetime. Younger clients especially are constantly on the hunt for a dramatic change and it's hard to keep up sometimes. —Daniel Roldan
How can stylists shift these statistics?
I believe the shift will happen when hairdressers really start listening to their guests' needs and challenges.—Jennifer Montoya
Communication is imperative. How does she style her hair? What products does she use? Once you understand the person you're working with, it's about tailoring a haircut to fit her face shape, bone structure, hair type and texture. When your client is wearing a bespoke hairstyle, that's when they feel confident and beautiful.—James Le Bosquet