Your Most Important Client is the One in Your Chair
How many clients do you have? Tens? Hundreds? Thousands? We get wrapped up in measuring our business this way.
I would challenge you that whatever number you offer up is likely wrong, unless you offered up the number one. If you are reading this blog I hope you are not in the middle of a haircut. The only client we really have is the one in our chair right now.
I am sure we all agree that we do not own the clients. We are given the honor and privilege of serving them. That is customer service basics. They also do not belong to the salon. They are free to come and go and spend and choose as they wish.
Frequently we are lucky. They choose to come back. Yes, our efforts add up to more than luck. When you consider all the marketing messages, friendly referrals and impulse opportunities, it is a bit of a miracle any clients ever come back.
We work through an unwritten contract. When a client sits in our chair we have agreed to provide a service and they have agreed to pay for it when it is done. How many of us take the money up front? Have you ever asked to see the cash before you pick up a pair of scissors? It sounds silly to even suggest it. Therefore today’s haircut is a foregone conclusion. It is really done and paid for before we begin. So what is really the purpose of today’s haircut?
I will take the position that the purpose of today’s service experience is really an exercise to earn the next visit. That is the one we are working for. Today’s is done. Each visit is linked to the next. Today you might deliver a great haircut, but if the client does not allow you to cut the next one, this hair cut can really be seen as a failure.
I think we understand this concept better when the client is new to us. We work hard to earn that second and third visit. We know how to do it. The bigger challenge is to maintain that perspective beyond the first few visits.
Because, really, every visit is a first visit. If we do not treat it as a first visit, the client will likely treat it as a last one.
My wish for you is that you may have nothing but first-time clients in the coming year.
Link: CurlStylist
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Here at Shiro Shears we absolutely love it when customers give us positive feedback. Here is an e-mail we received recently, thanks Jessica!
“Dear Shiro Shears,
I am writing you today to express my gratitude for making my purchase affordable and easy. I have been searching for a reasonably priced pair of shears to replace my old shears. When I came across your page on twitter, I looked at your website and was able to find a new set of hair cutting shears (including thinners) for a great price. I am usually hesitant to purchase expensive things online, but when I saw your payment plan option and 30-day returns I just couldn’t resist. For less than $30/month I now have an awesome pair of shears, and the thinning shears are surprisingly smooth. I am not used to using such nice thinning shears, and the difference is remarkable. I was a little worried about trying a pair of swivel-thumb shears, but I am pretty sure that the swivel-thumb is helping with the pain in my hands. It used to hurt really bad at the end of the day, but now its not quite as bad. I just wanted to thank you for making it easier for us hairdressers to afford nice shears.”
-Jessica Andres (Las Vegas, NV)
How to get hired at a Top Salon
Ever wonder what it takes to get hired at a top salon?
What They’re Looking For: The top Salons receive hundreds of applications a week, but they only interview and hire a few of those individuals because they are looking for people who can handle the responsibilities of a real career. They look for talented, motivated individuals who love interacting with people and possess a desire to change lives.
- The candidate should look like a professional hairdresser: fashionable, not trendy.
- Do some homework about the Salon. A good place to start would be a look at their Web site or visit one of the salons as a client before interviewing.
- You should want to work on a team; “stars” need not apply. Everyone’s job is important and everyone shares the credit.
- Don’t worry about how much you know, they will teach you their systems, but you must have a willingness to learn.
- You can’t get to the top without starting at the bottom.
- Don’t tell us you’re a hard worker, show us by not being afraid of long hours, dirty jobs, or challenges.
- Be enthusiastic. Come early, wear a smile, tell us about yourself and why you would be a good fit.
- If you’re looking for something short-term, don’t waste your time or theirs. They want someone who is willing to commit for the long term (5 or more years)
Another thing to consider is your tools. It is likely that you received a pair of hair styling shears from your beauty school, but they are not meant to last any longer than the few months you are in cosmetology school receiving your training. Once you graduate, it is very important to purchase your first pair of hair cutting scissors, and any other tools you may need (hair-dryer, irons, etc.) before you apply to a Top Salon. Investing in a high quality pair of Styling Shears is a necessary investment that all hairdressers face. Choosing cheap, inferior tools can reflect on what type of hair stylist you are. Salon owners will look at your tools and see how you take care of them. Don’t get caught with your tools out of order…
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Related Articles:
Add a Pair of Professional Shears to Your Bag of Beauty Supplies
Add a Pair of Professional Shears to Your Bag of Beauty Supplies
Along with maintaining a blemish and pimple free complexion, it is also a must that we take good care of our ‘crowning glory’. Having a full head of shiny, bouncy, and manageable locks is great but keeping hair in show off condition naturally needs effort. Aside from conditioners, treatments and other shampoo beauty supplies having the basic knowledge of trimming one’s hair to eliminate split ends could really help a lot. So when you stock up on beauty products for your hygiene arsenal, include a sturdy and trusty pair of professional shears.
Shears are a Hairstylist’s and Barber’s tool of the trade. Just as an artist wields a brush on a canvas, the Hairstylist and Barber uses shears to create beautiful or handsome hair. Shears are a Stylist and Barber’s livelihood. It is of the utmost importance that a hair stylist or barber have the best and latest tools of the trade.
Hair Cutting Tips
Hair Cutting Tips
Hair cut is an excellent way to change an appearance, make someone feel different or younger, or simply keep up with the latest trends. Hair cut and style their hair to symbolize something, whether it’s personality, religious conviction, tradition, social status, membership in a group, or self-expression.
Understanding your face’s structural composition and scheduling a consultation with your stylist are the best ways to ensure a perfect cut.
Choosing a hairstyle that suits your looks & lifestyle, and then learning the techniques that will ensure a perfect finish.

Add one more consideration when selecting your most flattering haircut and style: your body type.
One of the most important hair cutting tips to know is your hair type. You would be surprised just how many people have no idea much about their hair at all. Is your hair thin, thick, straight, and wavy, course, fine, and so on? This is important since not all hairstyles look good with all types of hair. If you are unsure, then stop by a salon and ask.
Use the correct shampoo for your hair type. Not all hair is created equal.
If you have long hair, get your hair cut in the back in a v-shape. It allows for extra length without leaving you looking too “high school,” plus it’s a classic look for long hair that’s universally considered gorgeous.
Edge the front, sides and nape of the neck first for a shape-up then cut the hair. Should your child not tolerate a haircut before you or the barber is done, a shape-up will give him a clean, fresh haircut look, even if the hair has not been entirely cut.
Always remember to cut off less hair than what you want the finished length to be.
For better manageability, use a styling gel, letting your hair dry naturally.
Always cut hair by pulling it through your fingers vertically and making the cut. This will help keep from leaving a “line” in the hair.
Take each haircut session one at a time. Observe your child, take notes if necessary. You will learn more about your child each time.
If you start off sloaching or a bit crooked your hair will end up a little bit off too. So get a good comfy position when you first sit down.
Always use extremely sharp scissors. The type of shears you use is extremely important, make sure they are professional hair styling shears.
A popular way to achieve asymmetry in a hair style is to cut the bangs in an asymmetrical fashion so that they hang heavier on one side.
Remember, it is better to cut too little than too much, and don’t try to rush.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
Haircutting Scissor Care
Haircutting Scissor Care
In order to give a decent haircut, you need to have proper equipment that will help you get the job done right. Professional haircutting scissors are a must – they make the difference between frustration and a job well done. They come with different price tags, colors, styles, and lengths. As for price, you pick up a pair for around $20 at a beauty shop, or you can purchase scissors for several hundred dollars. If you give the occasional haircut at home, a $20 pair will do the job. However, if you cut hair all day, every day, at a salon, you’ll need the more expensive, higher quality scissors. You get what you pay for.
$50,000 Giveaway for New Salon Professionals
Current and incoming students of franchise locations of The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship courtesy of Redken and the TSPA. In celebration of Redken’s 50th Anniversary in 2010, ten salon professionals will have the opportunity to sharpen their professional edge with a $5,000 scholarship to be applied towards TSPA tuition fees and books needed to complete a student’s training at franchise locations of TSPA schools. Scholarship awardees will be chosen by the Redken Scholarship Advisory Board based on their submitted applications as well as educational and career goals. Redken and TSPA expect to receive applications not only from students looking for financial aid during this tough economic time, but also from students looking for an advantage come graduation and job-seeking time. Shiro Shears is also offering a 25% discount for all students who are in need of new Hair Shears. As a student, you must have professional tools to go along with your new career, and having the right tools is the next step in reaching your goals as a professional.
Interested students can find the application at www.TheSalonProfessionalAcademy.com. Completed applications must be submitted by May 31, 2010. Chosen recipients will be notified by phone or mail on or about July 10, 2010.
Shiro Shears Offer: Use COUPON: salonpro for 25% OFF your entire order at www.ShiroShears.com
Choosing Professional Hairdressing Scissors
Choosing Professional Hairdressing Scissors
By Kristy Klien
A set of hairdressing scissors offers you an exceptional hair cutting experience through its quality and performance. Many of you would accept that choosing professional hair dressing scissors is not an easy job! This is undoubtedly a skill that is developed from a deep understanding of tools and techniques used in this field. A lot of efforts go to select a hair cutting scissors, which has been specifically manufactured to perform a specific hair cut.
Many a times, the kind of scissors you would use for a hair cut often depends on the hair type of the person. Therefore, you must choose a pair of scissors, which allows you to perform all hair cutting techniques perfectly and develop a comfort level in all applications. Let’s go through the steps of choosing a high quality pair of scissors:
1) Choosing the blade
You must choose the blade of the scissors to match the performance you are up to. There are two types of blades:
• Classic bevel edge blade
This is a hard type of blade, which is originally developed by the Germans. It is recommended for a durable impact, but it requires more efforts during the hair cut.
• Convex blade
This is the latest type of blade, which is developed by the Japanese. The convex blade offers you precision cutting experience, and requires less efforts and strain. It is reputed for offering a clean cut. This blade requires regular sharpening, and needs to be handled for sudden damage.
2) Selecting the Handle
If you pay attention to the handle of the scissors, you can have a comfortable hair dressing experience. Not only a comfortable handle causes less strain to your wrist and shoulder, but also allow you to easily style your hair. There are basically three types of handle designs that you can choose from:
• Handles with opposite grip, good for professionals, who cut with thumb and middle finger
• Handle with Offset grip, good for those, who use thumb and ring finger.
• Handle with crane grip, most ergonomically designed for industry professionals
3) Choosing blade length
Next step involves choosing the blade length of the professional hair dressing scissors. Remember, the length of the blade depends not only on the size of your hand, but also on the hair cutting technique that you would use. You can measure the length of scissors from the tip to your finger hole.
Besides above three important steps, you should also pay attention to the production material and production method or technique used to manufacture these scissors. Once you have chosen professional hair dressing scissors, you should ensure that you maintain them well. For this purpose, you should always keep them clean and dry. You should also lubricate them every week and keep checking them against any damage or cracks.
In the end, you should handle these scissors with care and store them in their original cases. If you don’t have the storage case, it makes sense to buy a new leather pouch in order to safeguard your expensive set of professional scissors.
Source: www.isnare.com






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