The Importance Of A Great Stylist And Customer Relationship
Within the U.S., 70% of women use products to color their hair. Whether the hair color is natural – from blonde or brunette to red or black and every shade in between – or the color is more noticeably unnatural – from fun ranges of every imaginable shade in brighter reds, blues, purples, yellows, oranges, gray and white – dying hair is certainly a very popular form of beauty and self-expression.
For example, blonde hair is a commonly seen occurrence, at least here in the U.S. In reality however, natural blonde hair color belongs to only 3% of the population worldwide. Now that’s an indication of the prominence of hair coloring. Within the U.S., close to 257,000 hair salons and barbershops both use hair products in the shop and sell them to customers.
The high patronage of hair salons and barbershops is unsurprising, given that hair can and does directly impact confidence, at least according to 88% of women, and hair care can certainly be put under the classification of self-care – along with skin care, basic hygiene, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet, among other routines. We do these in order to take care of ourselves, to improve ourselves and our self-esteem. Consistent self-care always leads to a positive impact on general health and happiness, things in which we should always be in pursuit.
Not only do hair salons provide services such as haircuts, hair styling, and hair coloring, but the stylists also positively impact their customers, in the form of company.
Hair stylists are not only the people who cut, style, and/or color hair to the customer’s desire, but given that a hair salon appointment (or walk-in) can be either a brief visit for a cut or several hours for lengthier treatments, they converse with and build relationships with those that frequent them.
Many women, when visiting hair salons for treatment, would prefer to be serviced by a hair stylist they already know. Not only is this much more comfortable, on a relationship level, for both hair stylist and customer, but stylists who are more familiar with their customers will tend to provide better services. A good relationship between the two generally leads to greater satisfaction with the treatment, as the stylist will better know the customer’s preferences, their likes and dislikes.
Typically, conversation happens throughout the hours that pass throughout a cut, style, and/or treatment, and stylists and customers mutually become more familiar with each other’s lives, personalities, and quirks. Sure, the skill and experience of a stylist plays a major role in producing a beautiful outcome. But, it cannot be forgotten that the satisfaction with the final product is reliant on how well the result fits with the customer’s desired look. A stylist who knows the ins and outs of the customer’s life is better equipped to provide that desired outcome.
What are the customer’s personal preferences when it comes to hair cut, color, and style? Personality and perhaps even factors such as cultural background may play a role in this.
What does the customer’s life look like, day-to-day? Maybe certain styles may be more practical than others. Perhaps, the customer like tying their hair up or doing their hair a certain way on a regular basis. Some individuals may be more physically active than others. Practicality is also something to keep in mind.
Is the salon visit due to an upcoming special occasion? A wedding? Prom? Perhaps a birthday or baby shower. In that case, the customer will certainly be very sensitive to styling their hair a specific way for the event.
Regardless, the relationship between hair stylist and customer is very important. It is not simply the cutting, styling, and coloring services that make hair salons great. The relationships built in the salon is also essential in ensuring that the customer leaves the salon beautiful, happy, and confident as a result of the services provided!
