In the beginning of a career in the hair industry we as stylist/colorist are taught many things. We learn how to weave foil into the hair in many different ways. We learn cutting techniques and how to do a great blow out. Invaluable information no doubt. The one thing that we don’t learn to do very well is managing the expectations of the client. Managing your expectations should be something everyone in the hair and beauty industry should master in order to make sure things go well. Properly managing your expectations of what you will get from the service is the best way to make sure that you and your stylist have a great, long lasting relationship.

Here are a few questions ,that as a new client, could help manage your expectations and facilitate a good color experience :

1.  Have you had color done before?                        If yes please describe.

This is important because it will tell me how experienced you are with the process.

 2. Is your hair currently color treated?

This will let me know that I need to inquire further into what kind of process you’ve had done ,so as to guide me into a formulation.

3. Have you been processed with bleach?              If yes how long ago?

VERY IMPORTANT. If you come in with brown hair but just recently were blond before you went dark it will effect how we proceed.

4. Has your hair been damaged/broken off by color processing?

I need to know how fragile your hair may be. If you have a lot of breakage that will let me know that I need to go further into your color history.

5. When was your last color process?

This will let me know how much of your hair is natural and how much is color treated.

6. Were you happy with the results of your previous color process?       If not, why not?

Another very important question. What specifically was the reason you were unhappy?

7. What are your expectations of today’s service?

In order to manage your expectations I need to know what they are.

8. How long ago have you had blonde hair?

If you were a bleach blonde for a long time but just recently tried being a brunette it may be some time before you can be back to the same blonde.

 9. Have you experienced any scalp sensitivity after a color service?

Some color processes are stronger than others and having a sensitive scalp will alter how we proceed.

10. Do you have trouble achieving your desired look/color?

This may tell me that either your previous stylist wasn’t understanding what you wanted or that your expectations for what you wanted were unrealistic.

Essentially it is very important as a new client to a salon for the stylist to know where you started from, where you’ve been ,and where you want to go with your hair.

My relationship with you is very important to me. Managing your expectations is the best way to insure that we stay close.