By: J. Christian
of J. Christian Studio in Hockessin, DE

Unless referred by a friend or colleague, most people making initial contact with a salon have no idea which stylist to request. Standard procedure for assigning new clients generally goes something like this….Stylists with seniority are assigned new clients first and/or the client will be booked with the first available stylist during the time slot requested.

The majority of clients are unaware or vaguely aware of the multiple and varying levels of talent, education or experience of the stylist on staff. It may be news to you that all salons assign “job titles” depending on these very attributes. To make things a little more confusing, while these “job titles” are influenced by the industry, design and assignment are left to the discretion of the owner. No worries though, it’s also uncommon for a salon receptionist to talk you through the various skill levels of the stylists available when scheduling your appointment, they’ll just assign based on the method described earlier in this article.

So, how exactly are you able to judge the skill level of the person standing behind your chair? If you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for, what are you paying for? What exactly are you getting?

I have seen throughout my career and I fundamentally believe initial and ongoing education of the client results in higher customer satisfaction levels. This fundamental truth is most especially important in these tough economic times …..here’s why:

CLIENTS ALMOST ALWAYS KNOW WHAT THEY DON’T WANT. They know their budget and they know they don’t want to pay too much for their services (this is subjective of course). Some people know they don’t want someone fresh out of cosmetology school, some people even know they don’t want to see the owner of the salon and some people even have a gender preference for their stylist. The list goes on.
What they do want is someone who will have the expertise and knowledge within their price point to deliver the look (color, cut, etc.) they’re seeking. So the next time you contact a salon for service, be educated, understand who’s standing behind your chair.

For example, here’s the hierarchy of Artists at J.Christian Studio. Our receptionists are trained to take new clients through the choices when working to match the client with the best Artist.

Junior Artist: Generally 1-5 years experience, starting to develop a consistent rapport with clients, actively works to expand knowledge by attending classes and hair shows, has a good grasp on color theory and application and is confident enough to be a little more creative with cutting techniques.

Price Range: Lower

Premiere Artists: Generally 4-12 years experience, can create new looks and styles, advanced understanding of color theory and application, long established clientele, advanced levels of education, often sought as a resource by Junior Artists. They are able to easily manage multiple clients simultaneously, know how to advantageously use the help of an assistant, have participated and may have won hair fashion or make-up contests. Price Range: Mid.

Master Artists: Usually the most experienced, highly educated person in the salon, twelve plus years experience in all facets of the industry, teaches classes, designs new looks, advanced understanding of color theory and application. Many are award winners; some work for hair product companies teaching or serving on Art Teams, etc. Have a reputation in their industry for their top skills and techniques. Can manage multiple clients easily, may use two or more assistants. Often responsible for the ongoing education of other Artists in the Studio, generally the “go to” person for resolving complex problems such as color correction, adverse outcomes, etc. Clients as well as other Artists seek this person not only for their expertise but their position as a leader in the industry. Price Range: High

These are general guidelines. There are other factors that influence the assignment of an Artist to particular level. It is always in your best interest as a paying customer to know what you’re getting for your money; knowing also will help you feel more confident in your decision to see your new stylist. Ask a few questions, you may be surprised at what you learn.

J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE. As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.

Top left: Jillan Delgado – Esthetician/Massage, Ashley Hoard – Hair and Make-Up Artist, J.Christian – Owner, Marcy Wilkinson – Owner.
Bottom left: Masha Kohli – Hair and Make-Up Artist, Donna Moore – Nail Artist, Dita Watson – Premiere Hair and Make-Up Artist,
and Leslie Chambers – Hair and Make-Up Artist

J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform, is located at 7465 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact J. Christian Studio at 302-235-2306.