Business

So, it happened again. Some poor soul made the common mistake that because they saw that I was rockin’ a great hairstyle and had some lipstick and eyeliner on that I must not be very bright. SURPRISE! Yes, it’s true, a woman can be attractive and be intelligent at the same time.

I know many people think, “oh, it’s just hair products, how hard can it be?”. As in any profession, product knowledge is key. In my store/salon, we have over 30 different hair care lines, so approximately 1000 products. Let us not forget the nail care and foot care products which equal out to approximately 200 products. Quite a bit of product knowledge to retain, don’t you think? Now, because this is a business there is payroll, accounting, staff meetings, inventory, orders, meeting with Sales Reps, keeping up with the latest trends and newest products, advertising to take care of and all the while servicing our customer’s and clientele with the best customer service we can provide.(Yes, it’s true….hairstylists and beauty professionals alike actually run a business….we are not playing beauty shop all day).

I know, you are reading this thinking “Hey! I thought this was a blog about salon tales”. Well my friends, everyone has a tale to tell and this tale is for all the salon owners, stylists and for professional business women everywhere or the stay at home mom who enjoys beauty products. Getting excited over hair extensions or squealing with delight over the newest polish collection does not lower your I.Q.. Wanting to have your hair done before you go to the grocery store doesn’t make you a bad mother. Taking pride in your appearance doesn’t make you vain. Stop worrying about what others will say. Sorry to break it to you – they are probably already talking about you so why not (in the words of Bonnie Raitt) – give ’em something to talk about.

Think of all the fun you will have when you get to take them all by surprise. Trust me…..it is glorious.

On this beautiful Sunday, I have been recalling many a tale. Tales of hair woes, mine and yours. Everyday I am immersed into a complete strangers pool of uncertainty. Uncertain if I am trustworthy to speak of their hair. “Does she know of what she speaks? She isn’t a hairdresser, she looks normal and her hair is nice but I have seen this before….hmm.”. I know that is what these strangers are thinking and I am okay with that. I have broad shoulders (thank you Dad for the genetics). I am here to say, in most circumstances I do know what I am talking about, and when I don’t I find out.

On a daily basis I remind women that they have a voice and they are allowed to use it. I hear their tales of discontent, of fury at their stylist for their new found pixie cut when all they wanted was a trim. The first thing I ask is “did you explain you were not happy?”. The answer is always “No, I didn’t want to hurt my stylist’s feelings”. Lets stop right there. First- not fair to the stylist – he/she doesn’t know there is a problem. They will continue to do what you do not like because they think everything is great! Second- really? You said nothing? If we are able to tell our physician’s when we are not happy, tell our dentists we fear them worse then the plague, why are we unable to tell a stylist we are not happy with the service. The good ones won’t be offended, if anything they will be upset that they may have offended you.

That said, next time you sit in a chair, awaiting the new you, listen for the consultation. You should hear from the stylist;

– What are we doing today?

– How have you been?

– Any changes since I have seen you last? (An important question – stress/medication/illness can sometimes affect your hair during chemical services)

– How do you do your hair at home? What products do you prefer?

All of these are important, as are you and your hair. If you aren’t hearing these things, you may want to look for another chair.