Client Care and Consultation
Domain focus
Client Care and Consultation tests the structured conversation and hair analysis that must happen before any chemical or cutting service. The exam looks for contraindication screening, realistic expectation management and a written record another stylist could follow.
Core rules
- Follow five steps: greet and listen, analyse, advise, agree the plan and record it.
- Analyse texture, density, porosity, elasticity, scalp condition, hair length and previous chemical history. Ask about henna, metallic salts, box dyes, relaxing, bleaching and heat damage.
- Screen contraindications: open wounds, ringworm or lice, inflamed scalp, known allergy to PPD or persulphates, pregnancy (refer for chemical services), recent henna.
- Patch-test 48 hours before colour or relaxer and record the result. Strand-test before lightening or colour correction.
- Use shade charts, swatches and photos to show what is achievable; state cost, time, aftercare and the risk of a multi-stage result.
- Obtain informed consent for the agreed plan, including permission to photograph.
- Refer out anything beyond your competence and record the referral.
Worked example
A client with box-dyed black hair asks for platinum blonde in one sitting. Reasoning: black box dye contains unpredictable pigments, so one-session lightening would destroy the hair. Explain that colour correction is staged over several appointments, strand-test first, quote the full cost and time, and let the client decide.
Traps
Skipping the porosity check; assuming one shade lighter means the same to the client; forgetting to ask about henna; recording the plan only in your head.