Why Your Hair Consultations Matter: Understanding Why Your Hair Doesn't Always Turn Out as Expected

Number one reason is to manage expectations of what can be done and not be done to your hair. There are times that the look you are going for just doesn't meet what your hair can do safely. And I did not know all hair couldn't do everything in the beginning of my career. I genuinely thought I just didn't know how to do certain things yet (which was/is very true but it is also true not all looks can be achieved or maintained). Hair consultations are crucial for ensuring that your hair turns out as expected after a salon visit or a DIY haircare session. There are several reasons why these consultations matter:

 

Understanding Hair Type: Hair consultations help in identifying your hair type, whether it's straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Different hair types require different care routines and styling techniques and maintenance. Type has a lot of different avenues whether its fine, medium, course, or the natural starting color.

 

Assessing Hair Health: Professionals can assess the health of your hair during consultations. They can identify issues such as dryness, damage, or scalp conditions, which can impact the outcome of any hair services. To truly know the health of someone's hair before starting is by getting it wet. It can show the porosity of the hair clearly and help to decide what routes to take for end goals.

 

Setting Realistic Expectations: Discussing your desired hairstyle or color with a stylist during a consultation helps in setting realistic expectations. Your hair's current condition and texture play a significant role in determining what can be achieved and not. Sometimes we are really close to hair goals and sometimes we need patience to get you there. But a well versed stylist will help guide you down the best process for you.

 

Product Compatibility: Knowing your hair type allows stylists to recommend suitable hair products. Using the right products ensures that your hair stays healthy and looks its best between salon visits. I know this is a hot topic and I do not want to make these big manufacturers any richer. I wish I knew of all the small brands we could support. Maybe that's something we do in the future. But for now it is vital you take care of your hair (investment) at home. We are already facing so many variables with our hair on the daily so it is important to put back in what life sucks out. Deep conditioners can be a huge help in rejuvenating your hair but know that damage can only be mitigated by product not fixed. There is not such 15 second fix with a product on severe damage. It has to be cut from head to start over. But the product can make it so much better if not wanting to cut.

 

Customization of Treatments: Hair consultations enable professionals to customize treatments based on your specific needs. Whether it's a haircut, color treatment, or conditioning process, tailoring the approach to your hair type and condition is essential for optimal results. There is an overwhelming amount of treatments on the market and it's nice to get a custom fix of what your hair needs.

 

Addressing Concerns: If you have concerns or specific issues with your hair, consultations provide an opportunity to address them. This could include discussing past experiences, allergies, or any preferences you may have. Not having a thorough consultation before getting started is why hair doesn't turn out the way the guest is expecting.

 

Avoiding Miscommunications: Misunderstandings can lead to hair not turning out as expected. Consultations help in clarifying details such as the length you desire, the shade of color, or the specific style you're aiming for. This does not mean all is perfect. One of my favorite educators says we are professional guestimaters because ultimately we are trying to imagine something up for you and specifically you. Your hair changes often and figuring out if the look you want fits your whole life can be a game changer.

 

Educating Clients: Professionals can use consultations to educate clients on proper hair care practices. This includes tips on washing, conditioning, and styling, contributing to better long-term outcomes. This shouldn't just be at first appointment. You should constantly be updated on what your hair needs. It is a moving target and there are so many variables at play you want to find a stylist that suits you in all the ways.

 

Planning for Maintenance: Understanding your hair during a consultation helps in planning for maintenance. Stylists can recommend how often you should schedule follow-up appointments and provide guidance on at-home care. This is where it can get tricky. Often times I am able to create the look a guest wants but their life doesn't match what the looks needs to be maintained. And this is totally okay but we want to manage the expectations of what that could look like for any specific guest.

 

In summary, hair consultations are a crucial step in achieving the desired outcome for your hair. They involve a thorough assessment of your hair type, health, and styling preferences, allowing professionals to tailor their approach for the best results. And remember constructive feedback only helps you get to your end goal. I cannot tell you how many times it's just a little tweak or we figure something out about your hair and what you like and don't when feedback happens. Hair goals have to have a moving target because your canvas (your hair) will constantly change:)