03 September 2010

New clients

Thought I'd share a few things from my day at work yesterday. I had two new clients on the books. You never know what that new person will be like. I wonder how many new clients think about what it's like for us? They're probably nervous. We can be too, but we have to act utterly cool and in charge. We have to be great conversationalists and have the ability to put our clients at ease. It's a skill that comes pretty easy to me, though I'm often uneasy before I actually set eyes on the new client. I like nothing better than to see that my new client has curly hair because there's an instant bond; and instant ease. Most of my new clients are curly, but by no means all of them. So yesterday...my first new client has smooth hair. Probably in her late 50's. Skin so white it's practically translucent...you can see the underlying blue of her blood. She was quiet and soft spoken. And she passed me a printed list with her full name at the top and at least 15 bullet-points outlining how she wanted her hair cut. Yes, you heard me right. Fortunately, she came to the right person, because I'm very good at following directions. But, can you imagine??? (BTW, I have another client with a printed list that she hands me every time she comes in.) She had 3 pictures too. I found the whole thing to be kinda humorous, but others might have been irritated. I colored her hair first, including adding some highlights--a first for her. The color came out perfect, considering it had been 18 weeks since she'd last had it done. That's a lot of roots! It turned out that her hair was very curly. I asked if I could dry it curly first, so she could see what it looked like, then wet it down again and dry it straight, since we had the time. She declined. She's a curly girl in denial. She loved her new color and new hairstyle and booked her next appointment before she left. Yeah! My other new client was curly-haired. She was in her 20's and met me with a very strong handshake. She had just gotten engaged last weekend and we spent the entire time talking all things wedding. She booked her next appointment too.

And that's a little slice of life from my day at work.

8 comments:

Leann said...

I've always wondered what beauticians are thinking when we sit down in that chair for the first time. (or every time if we're challenging) :-)

Lena said...

No, I never thought that beauticians get nervous about having new clients. They do always seem so confident and easy going.

I have never even thought to make a list of how I wanted my hair. I just tell them to do what they think will look good. How easy am I?

Jules said...

Oh I LOVE this from your point of view. And a list? Are you kidding me? I'm even embarassed to bring in a picture.

I've been with my "Cheryl" for two years. I wouldn't know what to do if she ever quit me. I think it would be time to go bald.

Rick Rockhill said...

oh how interesting Cheryl. It was neat to "get inside your head". I never thought about it before but I can totally see what you mean on the whole "contract with a customer" type of thing. Share more of these, I enjoyed this post!

KathyA said...

Well the booking for next time is ALWAYS a good sign! Fifteen bulletted details? Really??

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

When I go to the beautician, I don't have lists or pictures. I usually tell her to do whatever she thinks is best since she is the professional. It works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't.

I wish you would move to Virginia. I would love to have a beautician who was good at working with curly hair.

Jamie said...

I could NEVER do what you do...I have personally seen (and been related to) to many women who FREAK OUT over their hair. I don't understand, it is just hair...it always grows back. It's not like going to a surgeon, where whatever is removed is gone forever...but anyway, I am impressed by what you do and how you handle it. But no surprise there, I am one of your biggest fans. And oh how I wish wish wish you were near me, I would love to have your talent and services near by, and you would love to have me as a client, I don't ever make issues. :)

Lynx217 said...

Missed you but I'm back now! *hugs*

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