Mastering the art of hair consultations comes down to one thing: asking the right questions.
Knowing which questions to ask is crucial to getting the most out of your hair consultations.
The best questions give you an opportunity to learn more about your clients’ hair needs and expectations for their appointment.
They also give you insight into clients’ day-to-day hair routines, history, and their hair goals.
In this blog, we’ll share seven essential questions every hair stylist should ask to get the most out of their hair consultations.
Because… At the end of the day, better consultations = better service.
7 Questions to Ask During a Hair Consultation
1. What Are Your Hair Goals?
First up… You want to understand exactly what your clients’ hair goals are.
(I.e. Why are they coming to you in the first place?)
That means being upfront during the hair consultation and asking them what they hope to get out of the appointment.
This will help you gauge what clients want to achieve with their hair — whether it’s a simple trim, a new hair color, a trendy haircut, or a specific hairstyle for a special occasion.
2. Can You Tell Me About Your Hair’s History?
Hair consultations are also a great chance to ask clients about their hair’s history — giving you insight into previous colors or styles that might impact their current hair condition.
Knowing whether your client has recently colored their hair, used hair dyes or chemicals, or undergone any hair treatments helps you make more informed decisions.
With this info, you can choose the appropriate products, techniques, and services that will achieve the outcome they’re looking for, while maintaining the health of your client’s hair.
3. How Do You Regularly Style Your Hair?
Asking clients about their daily hair styling routine during your consultations allows you to understand the client’s level of hair care commitment.
Plus, you can learn the types of hair products they typically use.
Clients who prefer low-maintenance hairstyles may lean towards simpler cuts or styles that require minimal daily styling, while clients who enjoy experimenting with their hair may be open to more adventurous styles.
Taking the time to gather these details gives you the info you need to suggest options that align with the client’s preferences and lifestyle.
4. Are There Any Concerns You Have With Your Hair?
The best hair consultations help you understand any concerns or issues the client has with their hair.
For example, clients may express concerns about dryness, frizz, hair loss, or lack of volume — which you can help them resolve.
Again, by knowing these concerns upfront, you can recommend suitable products, treatments, or hairstyles to help alleviate those issues.
5. Do You Have Any Allergies or Sensitivities?
This is an important question to ask during any hair consultation.
Some clients may be allergic to specific hair dyes or shampoos, while others may have sensitivities to certain chemicals commonly used in hair treatments.
By understanding these allergies or sensitivities, you can ensure the client’s safety and comfort by avoiding any products that may trigger an allergic reaction or discomfort.
6. Any Pictures You Have to Inspire Your New Look?
A lot of clients have an idea in their head for what they want their new style to look like, and a picture can help them show you what they’re envisioning.
So during your hair consultations, it never hurts to ask clients if they have a picture for inspiration.
You can then use that picture more as a jumping off point for your creative process!
7. What Is Your Budget?
Lastly, take the time to ask your clients what their budget is for their appointment.
As you know, hair services can vary significantly in cost, depending on factors such as the complexity, length, or any additional treatments required.
Understanding the client’s budget beforehand enables you to recommend services and products that are within the client’s financial means.
It also helps avoid any potential misunderstandings or surprises when it comes to pricing.