Hair Health First or Style First?

[redd1120]

hello,

i'm considering becoming a hair care professional but i'm trying to figure out what my goal should be when caring for my clients. hair health or style?

if a client wants a particular style but i know the style will damage their hair significantly, should i recommend that they not go forward with the style? ...or not question what the client wants and proceed?

what is more important to you, as a client: Hair Health or Style?

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

I think that it's a no brainer that hair health should come first. I think your clients will respect you more for telling them the truth about styling options and hair health.

 

[JazzyDez]

I think that it's a no brainer that hair health should come first. I think your clients will respect you more for telling them the truth about styling options and hair health.

Agreed. Plus when they see that their hair is healthier and retaining length....they WILL COME BACK. If a customer wants a particular style which could be damaging maybe you can suggest a similar style that is less stressful to the hair/scalp.

 

[Synthia]

I agree ...health first.

 

[wadadligyal]

Maybe six months ago before joining this site I would've said style first but after learning so much definitely health first. However as a stylist I think you can make recommendations to a client but the final decision will rest with the client!!!!! If you explain to them the dangers of a particular style they want and they still want that style you may have to go ahead and do that because you may lose clients. Also some people are very adamant about how they want are willing to risk their hair's health to get a style.

If you are willing to stand firm about only doing certain styles that promote healthy hair then that would be great!!! But let's be honest there will be people out there that want a style they don't clear if you have to glue it or what have you.

 

[Kimberly]

I think hair health should come first. Whatever style would look better with a healthy head of hair. Plus, if you give a style that damages the hair, your client will be on here talking about how you did them wrong.

I will say this, I would pay a little extra for a stylist who took good care of my hair and was concerned about it's health than I would to someone who gave me a good style (that usually only lasts three days) and, a year later my hair is the same length or, worse, even shorter.

Nervermind all of that, you have a head of hair...which would you prefer?

 

[SerenityBreeze]

Health, Health Health. I am so parinoid about the damaging effects of flat ironing, etc.

Just give me a good ol set and dry wrap..and I am good to go.

I think most women who are interested in retention of growth will be more interested in health.

 

[Isis]

Hair health is always more important than styles. People respect those who really care about their hair than just trying to make a quick buck.

If a client insists on a style and you know it is harmful to their hair, why not refer them to another stylist who would do it? You would perhaps lose that client but gain many more who are serious about their hair.

 

[brownsugarflyygirl]

Okay...first just realize that you are getting answers from a very biased sample..almost everyone who spends hours reading, responding, or lurking this site...would say HEALTH first....so keep that in mind

Also...if you are relying on your PRIMARY income coming from being a stylist, then the advice about INFORMING the client of the risk but still going forth with the style if they insist is important...being able to just send them somewhere else would not really be a great ECONOMIC decision for you....if you have an alternate source of INCOME then I say...go ahead and be picky about clients...you can literally AFFORD it!!

With all that said....I choose HEALTH first...I have been walking around looking CRAZY while I have been transitioning my hair without heat...I have no clue how to style my newly nappy hair without heat so while I am learning...I have to sacrifice STYLE...but for me its worth it...at least I hope so But if I went to a STYLIST...I would expect to be able to walk out of the shop with BOTH

 

[tenderheaded]

You know we believe in health But you face a dilemma in that you need to prosper in your chosen profession, so you will have to take the same road that I do - inform people of the pros AND cons of what they want and let them make the final decision.

I think you'll retain clients that way!