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

The six topics we covered in the first two installments ignited lots of interesting conversations and some controversy.  We’ve enjoyed it all!

After 30+ years in this business, I am still deeply stirred and passionate about the industry.  I enjoy talking about hair, teaching at hair shows and learning every bit of new information available. This series has turned out to be a special gift because so many people engaged in my passion for hair.  Simply, thanks!

Ready for the final three — here we go back that crazy thing called the truth!

My Stylist is my Best Friend,
I can tell them Anything
As I see it, there are two types of stylist in the industry:
Those who measure success by the number of close and very personal relationships with their clients.

Those whose clients see them as professionals due to their disciplined and respectful approach to the industry.

The difference:
The first type may have a core group of individuals who follow their career due to the bond of shared relationships.  Many stylists learn too late that the price of familiarity can be high. In these relationships, the client or the stylist eventually crosses some line resulting in conflict and lost business.

The second breeds mutual respect resulting in honest conversation (definitely a plus in the consultation about a new look), confidence in the skills of your stylist and retention.

The truth is the client is paying for time in the chair, it’s their time.  A professional stylist is expert at building rapport without crossing personal boundaries. The goal is to foster trust and understanding, hopefully preventing miscommunication which could result in an unhappy customer.

Breaking Up with my Stylist Will Hurt Their Feelings
Too many women sacrifice their wants and needs for the sake of others. I’m not naïve; these relationships run deep and are generally developed over a period of years, sometimes decades.

But when I meet someone who tells me they’ve been unhappy or bored with their look for years, I have to ask them why?  They lay the blame on the stylist – I’ve asked for a change, they didn’t listen; we’ve been doing the same thing for years this is how my appointment is booked and I can’t make a change; I’m too intimidated to speak up about my concerns.

Sorry ladies, this isn’t the stylist fault.  You are in control. You decide where to spend your hard-earned cash. You keep them in business. You have to make the choice to leave; they’re not going to fire you.

Will trying another stylist “hurt their feelings”, perhaps but that’s not the real issue.  Move on, you’ll be happy you did.

My Stylist Left the Salon and Does My Hair at Home, Cost Less – Same Service
There are legit home salons and mobile stylists but that’s not what we’re referring to here.  We’re referring to what we call in the industry the “Kitchen Beautician”.  The vast majority in the business firmly believe “doing hair at home” devalues the profession.

Here are some things to consider before you make the decision to follow your Stylist to her kitchen:
-    Stylist limits opportunity to learn through experience and mentoring;
-    Not equipped to quickly and appropriately deal with/or control chemical burns or color correction;
-    Limited ability to make last minute changes to color or chemical services as stylist may not have product on hand;
-    No access to cutting edge technology or equipment that would enhance color or prevent over processing;
-    Less likely to use newest product innovations on the market (including keratin treatments, Japanese relaxers, professional level salon products);
-    NOT insured;
-    No real method for resolving serious service complaints;
-    It’s illegal unless your stylist has gone through the proper channels to officially establish a home business.

Consider this decision carefully, you may be helping a friend and it may cost less but it is definitely not the same service.  The one making the sacrifice here is You!

This concludes the series, hope you enjoyed every word as I’ve enjoyed sharing my insights with you.