Client Consultation and Service
Purpose of consultation
Consultation is a structured conversation that turns a client’s wish into a safe, achievable service plan. Gather hair history (color, relaxer, bleach, heat), health and allergy information, medications, lifestyle and maintenance time, budget, and expectations. Analyze hair for texture, density, porosity, elasticity, and scalp condition. Use open questions, listen actively, and confirm with visual aids or swatches.
Informed consent and records
Explain the process, realistic outcomes, risks, home care, and cost. Obtain consent before chemical or heat services. Record formulas, timing, products, patch-test results, and client preferences. Confidentiality applies to health information.
Reading the hair
Texture is strand diameter; density is the number of strands per area; porosity is the ability to absorb and hold moisture; elasticity is stretch and return. Test elasticity on a wet strand: normal hair stretches and returns; fragile hair snaps or stays stretched - avoid aggressive lightening or relaxer.
Traps: promising an exact photo result without analyzing the starting level; confusing texture with density; skipping the patch test because “they’ve had color before”; not documenting a formula; failing to ask about box color or metallic salts.
Worked example: a client brings a photo of platinum hair and has dark box-dyed hair. You note the starting level, porosity, and prior color; explain that multiple sessions may be needed and that a strand test is required. You offer a realistic plan rather than a guarantee.
Rule of thumb: spend about 10–15% of the appointment on consultation and write down what you agreed.