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

Trade secrets. Not the kind Stylists use to mix color or smooth styling.  I’m referring to those other kinds of secrets….the behind the scenes, unspoken kind.

To my pleasant surprise, the first installment of this series (May/June Issue) sparked some very interesting conversations with our clients.  Some humorous and educational, all interesting, and honestly some down-right outrageous.  Can’t wait to see what happens with this article.  Ready for the next three — here we go back to that crazy thing called the truth!

As Seen on TV Possible at Home

You find yourself glued to the TV watching as a seemingly average woman expertly coifs her hair with the latest and greatest styling tool like that curling iron-rolley brush combination or the steaming flat iron. Viola, within seconds as the iron comes to the end of the hair shaft, bam! — sleek, smooth, no-frizz, straight hair or sleek, smooth, no-frizz barrel curl.

You love it, you rush to the phone, place the order, pay extra for speedy delivery, camp out beside the mail box and on the exact day you get the package answering all your prayers for Hollywood hair without the Stylist you rush to your mirror to watch the magic happen………and………discover…….that no matter what, you just can’t seem to make the hairstyle you saw on TV.

Don’t be disappointed, few will be naturals.  Even some trained professionals find it difficult to master the more complex tools out there. Sometimes with practice it gets better but let’s face it, if you didn’t have a crown and a back of your head the difficulty level would decrease dramatically.

The truth is getting “the look” requires a basically good haircut and some level of training and skill styling hair and ……oh yeah and often the right hair products.

Asking Your Stylist to Discount Services

The economy is still sluggish and most everyone is searching to find ways to stretch their hard earned cash.  One way to do this is to ask your Stylist for a 20% discount on services.

Right…

Did that sound a bit outrageous?  This happens every day and more frequently than ever.  While hair services may be a luxury expense for some clients, they are literally the means to living for your Stylists.  Asking for a 20% discount is equivalent to asking your Stylist for a 20% cut in pay.  Out of fear of losing the client or even intimidation, Stylist often voluntarily agree to the discount, though often with quiet resentment.

If you’re having a difficult time affording salon services, talk to the Stylist instead about finding ways to achieving the desired look within the confines of your budget.  Honesty is the best policy.  No matter how much you share a kinship with your Stylist, it is never positive for the professional relationship to request the Stylist give 100% of their skill and talent for 20% less in pay.

The Best Way to Get the Look, Bring a Picture to the Stylist

Clients arrive at the salon for an up style or hair make-over with a firm idea of the look they would like to achieve. Eyes wide and a bundle of nerves, they hand their Stylist a photo of the coveted look.

The experienced Stylist instantly analyzes this professionally staged photo and the client trying to determine whether the client’s facial shape, coloring, length, texture, density and condition of the hair favors the look.  They understand professional photography and know to consider lighting, airbrushing, the background, and make-up application as these are infused in the finished look.

An experienced Stylist can easily recreate and up style if the client’s hair is similar in shape and texture.  As you have probably determined haircut, coloring and styling are a bit more complex.

The truth, your Stylist would prefer to use the photograph as insight and probably feels the opportunity to create a personal look for you is somewhat limited.   If you trust your Stylist to be well informed, educated and skilled let them customize your look. Take the handcuffs off, try not to stifle their creativity.  You never know, you may find yourself showing off the next new thing in hair fashion.
Imagine you, ……    starting a trend.

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.