Hair consultation 101: What’s a hair consultation?
In short, hair consultation is a consultation with a hair professional to discuss colors, cuts, care, or all the above.
What's the point of a hair consultation? When it comes to choosing a new hairstyle, it all begins with an idea: a color, a cut, a need for change. But it can be hard to imagine or envision that new look on our own, to actually see our face, our head of hair with a new ‘do. A hair consultation or hair color consultation with a stylist or hair professional can be crucial before making changes big or small. Not convinced? Keep reading to find out why.
Benefits of a hair consultation.
By consulting with a professional stylist, you can get a better sense of what colors and cuts might work for you. Professionals understand hair texture and tone, and can really help guide you in making decisions. During a hair consultation or hair color consultation, they can also help point you in the right direction in terms of haircare and maintenance.
How to prepare for a hair consultation.
A hair stylist consultation is a two-way street, and both clients and professionals should be prepared for a dialogue.
For clients.
It’s best to show up for your appointment with some ideas of what you’re looking for. Think about styles or colors you’re interested in exploring, and think about your hair goals. Pictures – from social media or magazines or wherever – can be really helpful as starting points for a hair stylist consultation. This can also help ensure that you and your stylist have a shared understanding of what you’re talking about when you say, “long layers” or “bronze hair,” for example.
For pros.
During a hair stylist consultation, stylists should ask questions about their clients’ lifestyles, haircare routines and their desired looks. Ultimately, a hair stylist consultation is all about listening and asking key questions, things like, “Can you describe what you’re looking for?” “What’s your morning hair routine like?” or “What are your long-term hair goals?” Getting the answers to these questions can help guide clients to a style that works for them, both now and in the future. Hair professionals should also be able to assess their clients’ hair texture and its condition, to be able to make tailored recommendations.
Types of hair consultation.
It’s the 21st century…so hair consultations and hair color consultation can be facilitated by technology, which can be a real boost in getting a preview of a new style – cut, color or both.
Hair consultation at home
Professional tools like My Hair [iD] are channels for a hair consultation at home. The app is the first professional colour tool to accompany salon services, creating a personalised color experience. With an advanced virtual try-on feature, you can get a realistic idea of what a new colour will like on you. That can help you assess your hair color choice.
Hair consultation at the salon
At the salon, a hair consultation is first and foremost a conversation between stylist and client. Sharing ideas and images is a great place to start, and a virtual app, like My Hair [iD] can help clients preview new colors.![A woman and hairstylist using the My Hair [iD] color app for a personalized color experience, the first pro tool to complement salon services](https://www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/lp/shared/common/hair-pro-mag/hair-tech/hair-mag-what-a-hair-consultation-can-do-for-you/article_content_01_img.jpg?rev=2802fd9a00024cd68bb77058e1458413)
A hair consultation is a key moment in a relationship between a stylist and a client. Whether it’s their first appointment together or their twentieth, this is really a time and place to establish trust and communication. Asking questions, expressing desires and listening closely are really important. And that will get you on your way to a whole new you.