Habits of a Successful Stylist
By Amanda Lenz, Product Club Educator

LACE these habits into your everyday. You will find your job easier and more predictable when it comes to the variable stressors we face every day. Clients will have reasonable expectations and boundaries, your standard of business can be upheld, and the remaining free mental space can be filled with creativity, learning, and enjoyment.

Let me break it down like this- 

Listening

One of the most important habits in this job is listening. We need to listen to our clients. The number one complaint I hear from a new client about why they left their last salon is that they felt like their stylist didn't listen to them! We are often therapists, yes, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Every single time your client is in the chair for their appointment, a consultation needs to occur. This doesn’t have to be super formal, but checking in with a client and truly listening to their responses is a vital habit to get into. I want to know as much as possible about how my client’s hair is working for them in order to address any challenges they are facing and formulate the most successful plan possible. This creates comfort for both the client and myself, the stylist, knowing that we are working towards the same end goal. That trust nurtures loyalty and a long-lasting client/stylist relationship.

Accountability

The art of accountability is one I fear we might lose in years to come if we don’t pay attention. It can be hard to be accountable! But the resulting feeling is rewarding. If a client is unhappy with a service, we need to learn not to take it personally, but to take accountability. As a stylist, we are working on people’s physical appearances and we do not always get it right. Sometimes when we do, we still might have an unhappy client. Being accountable does not mean we are wrong, but it means we are responsible. Ultimately, we are the only ones who can provide a solution to a client, and it is within our job role to do so. The rewarding feeling I’m talking about comes from getting through those situations without placing blame on the client or the situation, and just doing the things that need to be done to resolve them. Trust me when I say you will feel proud of yourself at the end of the day and your client will not forget those actions either.

Our accountability is also to ourselves. Stylist, suite owners, salon owners, and managers- we have to have this good habit! When things need to be done from an administrative standpoint or salon tasks need to be kept up on, we have to hold ourselves accountable to get done what is necessary. This could be something like coming in early to make sure the product order is done or having a tough conversation with a coworker to ensure the vibe of the salon isn’t being disrupted. Holding ourselves responsible is an important habit to create an infallible system.

Consistency

Consistency is key. Don’t credit me for that one, it’s a quote much older than me. Consistency allows us to create and manage realistic expectations for ourselves, coworkers, and clients. Think of it like this- if you create the habit to write down every color formula after each client, you’ll consistently be able to refer to the past service at their next appointment. The consistent habit helps you create a consistent result for your client. That creates comfortability for your client (and also for you! We have all been in the moment when you don’t remember what you did last time- yuck!) and consistency in your business.

Another example is the consistent experience you create for your client. Does your salon have a signature scent, color, Spotify station, drink? Those are consistencies that your client looks forward to! Every time I have a color client, once they have a robe on and are in my chair, I put a towel around their shoulders and clip it on. My clients know and expect that feeling, and it’s as familiar as when I give them a signature head massage. Consistency allows clients to feel relaxed because they know what to expect, and this good habit also gives the opportunity for you to set yourself apart from others.