Finding a stylist you love and trust is a lot like finding a partner.  There’s a vibe. There’s chemistry. Face it… it’s a relationship. So when you find your person, how can you ever repay them for all the happiness and satisfaction they bring you? 

1) Referrals, reviews, recommendations.  Stop. Before you read any further, if you love your stylist you should be following them on ALL social media platforms. And if you really love their work, feel free to re-post. The power of social media is everything!!! Facebook, Instagram, Yelp… even going to the stylists web-page and writing a review is an amazing way to share your personal thoughts, experiences and feelings. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful referring tools. If you love your stylist, please share us!  We won’t get too busy and forget about you! Too many times I have heard clients say, “I’m keeping you my secret,” for fear that their stylist will become too busy. Please remember this is our livelihood and your personal recommendation means EVERYTHING to us. Many salons even offer referral programs to express their gratitude. So please take the time to write about your experiences and share your thoughts! 

2) Stop buying products outside of the salon. Many clients aren’t aware that we, as stylists, are always learning.  We need continuing education hours (CE hours) to keep our license current and us legal. What does this have to do with buying products? Well, for instance, at Legal Hair we carry Redken, Pureology, and Eminencé product lines. 

 

When you purchase these PROFESSIONAL ONLY products directly from the salon, you help us to accrue points which enables us to receive the best and most current training from the top educators.  I am proud to say that I am able to get FREE education, because our companies value us that much.

However, when we take the time to tell you about a product, or show you what we would recommend for your best outcome, and you buy it online or from a chain store (or worse, from a drugstore that isn’t legally allowed to retail the products but they do anyway) you are hurting your stylist/salon that you love so much. Now I know some department stores offer discounts and point systems, but please don’t let that sway you. Remember that your stylist knows you and has the latest information about the products. And again, we appreciate it more than you’ll ever know when you choose to support us! 

3) Pre-booking.  It may not always be easy with scheduling, but it is so amazing to know we get to see you again! It helps ensure you have an appointment when you want and need it, and it is such a confidence booster to your stylist. It’s an amazing feeling to know my guest believes in me so much that they want the be sure to get back into my chair every 4, 6, 8 weeks because they trust me to make them look their best. 

4) Tell the truth.  Telling a white lie to save someone’s feelings has never helped anyone. If we, as your stylists, do something unfavorable, please communicate! If we offend you, don’t perform to your standards, or if we aren’t communicating well, please speak up. Remember this is a relationship! When your partner is messing up, you call them out, right? Well, we are no different. It does you, nor your stylist, any justice to be dissatisfied with something and not speak up! We are all human and sometimes we can become just plain unmotivated.  Sometimes you speaking up can help us take a good hard look and fix ourselves. Trust me, we all need a reality check sometime!

I really hope you take the time to consider each of these ways to reach a new level of connection with your stylist. Communication is key. You helping us is a priceless way to say thank you and show your support!