Tag: hair

Happy Client, Happy Life

Eight Ways to Keep Your Clients Happy

Hairstylist finishing curling her clients' hair. Client is smiling and happy.
A happy client leads to a repeat client.

Whether you’re a nail technician, esthetician, or hairstylist, a healthy roster of happy, repeat clients can make or break your business. Not only do regularly returning customers help you maintain a steady income, the effort expended to keep them satisfied is significantly less than the time and expense of marketing to replace them. If you want to ensure that valuable clients book services with you again and again, consider these suggestions to keep them happy.

Name is the Game

1. Remember your client’s name—and use it often. You may be the most talented artist at the salon, but if you treat your customers like nameless mannequins, they won’t be coming back. Greet each client by name and repeat it often while they’re in your chair. While you’re at it, take time after the appointment to jot down a few points about your client’s life that you can use in conversation on the next visit. A few things to note: job, family, health, hobbies, significant other, or travel plans.

Compliments are Key

2. Look for things you can compliment your client on. If your customer comes in with a healthy glow, comment on it. If her hair is thick, curly, exceptionally soft, or has a beautiful natural color, comment on it. Genuine compliments –of any kind– make clients feel seen and special. It also shows that you’re attentive and detail-oriented which are always a good sign of a cosmetologist.

No to the “No”

3. Avoid saying “no” to clients. Instead of telling a customer you won’t provide a certain service, don’t use certain products, or can’t reproduce a particular look, tell her what you can and will do. No one likes to be told they can’t have what they want, but most people are happy to learn about better alternatives.

Eye Contact

4. Make time for eye contact while you work. It’s easy to get caught up in the task at hand, but at least periodic eye contact with your client is necessary, especially if you have one who likes to converse while in your chair. This shows that you’re paying attention and actually listening to what he or she has to say. Don’t believe me? Check this out this article on 5 Reasons Why Eye Contact is Important.

One Task at a Time

5. Avoid multi-tasking. Don’t take phone calls, send texts, chat with other stylists or go on your lunch break. Yes, you read that right. Hair color takes awhile to process but instead of leaving your client to squeeze a meal in, use that time to catch up and really get to know them. This will also allow for you to keep a close eye on the treatment and ensure that they are not over-processing or having a skin reaction. The last thing you want is for your client to need you and you not be around for them. Focus your attention on your client and they’ll know you’re giving their service 100 percent.

Sharing is Caring

6. Share maintenance and styling tips. Whether your client is just getting a trim, her usual facial or manicure service, or going all in on a completely new style, don’t hesitate to share your knowledge! From the products you’re using to the best way to hold the curling iron, they’ll appreciate your tips for maintaining and replicating the results. This shows that you genuinely want your client to be happy both at the salon and at home which generates loyalty yet again. Treat your client like a friend and not a dollar amount.

Flexibility= Loyalty

7. Accommodate last-minute requests. It won’t always be possible, but if one of your repeat clients needs a last-minute appointment, squeezing him or her in for service is virtually guaranteed to generate customer loyalty. People don’t always remember what you did or what you said but they always remember how you make them feel.

Make Them Feel Special

8. Extend a special offer. If your salon or spa manager gives approval, consider extending occasional special offers to your best clients. Whether it’s a small percentage off, a complimentary add-on service or a free product after a certain number of visits, everyone loves a discount and evidence that you value their continued patronage.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Graduate Interview: Katee Brown

How would you describe your dream career? Does it involve working in a high-end salon or spa (or maybe even owning your own) while making clients feel relaxed, pampered and beautiful? Does it include plenty of opportunities for creativity, continual learning and professional growth? Perhaps it enables you to feel a sense of pride every day as well as provide you with financial security? Sounds like you’re dreaming of a career in the beauty industry. Our graduate, Katee Brown, had the same vision before joining our beauty team.

At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we’re dedicated to providing the beauty industry professionals of tomorrow with the education they need to be successful today. Whether you’re interested in our cosmetology, nail technician or advanced esthetics program, we offer financial aid to students who qualify and career assistance to help you land your next job.

Our graduates are highly respected and go on to work in some of the best salons and day spas in the Ohio area because of the world-class training they receive in our programs. In fact, our full-time job placement specialist says she never has enough graduates to meet demand!

But you don’t have to take it from us alone. The best way to learn about a beauty school is to talk to the students who have attended it. We recently sat down with one of our graduates, Katee Brown, to get her take on the experience she had at Creative Images Institute.

CIIC: Thanks for chatting with us today, Katee! Why don’t you start by telling us what inspired you to choose cosmetology as a career path?

Katee: I’ve actually wanted to do hair since I was 12 years old. I grew up as something of a kitchen beautician by practicing things at home like dying my friends’ hair. Growing up in a family of females, I was always going to the salon with my mom and would sit under the dryer while she got her hair done.

CIIC: What brought you to Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology when choosing a beauty school?

Katee: I toured Elite when I first started looking around for a cosmetology school. It was nice, but it was way too small. A few friends actually recommend that I check out CIIC. When I came for a tour, I loved that there was a full-blown salon. It was busy and fast-paced with a friendly staff. And it was cool to see students actually interacting with real clients instead of just mannequin heads.

CIIC: Now that you’ve graduated, what are your job plans?

Katee: I plan to go to work for a full-service salon so that I can continue to grow and learn about all areas of beauty. I’m looking for a salon with a strong client base and plenty of opportunity to gain experience.

CIIC: Of everything that you learned here, what was your favorite part?

Katee: Color! I absolutely love doing color—it’s my niche! Color is always fun to play with, but I really enjoyed learning the technical part of it like how to figure out what color equation I need to achieve a certain type of look and what section pattern will allow me to cover as much hair as quickly as possible. I especially love doing highlights and balayage because of the transformation you get to see. I also love doing nails and makeup because there are so many possibilities and so much creativity is required.

CIIC: And how about your future goals? What’s your ultimate dream for your career now that you are a cosmetology graduate?

Katee: My ultimate dream is to open my own successful full-service salon. I want a full staff and, because I believe in active business owners, I will still take on clients of my won. But for now, I’m going to focus on continually improving my skills. Once I have a strong enough client base, I’ll start looking into creating my own brand.

CIIC: Well, we wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about each and every success! Tell us something that has pleasantly surprised you about cosmetology.

Katee: This industry is what you make of it. If you want to go far, there is definitely the opportunity to do so. You just have to be willing to put the work in. The possibilities in this industry are actually endless.

CIIC: So, so true! What other advice do you have for anyone who is considering getting into the beauty industry and considering Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology?

Katee: Now that I am a graduate, it’s not just doing hair and painting nails. There’s so much more that goes into your education than you would even think about. You’re going to learn anatomy, chemistry, biology, dermatology and seriously so much more. It’s hard work, but it will absolutely pay off. There are so many avenues to choose from in this field, your only real competition is yourself!

For more information about how to start your beauty career journey, contact us at https://www.creativeimages.edu/contact/ and we’ll guide you every step of the way!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Stylist Survival Guide: Prom & Wedding Season

Stylist Survival Guide: Spring is FINALLY here! That means it’s time for us to bust out the tank tops and jean shorts and really start working on getting ready for that summer vacation. That also means that your chair is about to be filled with soon to be brides and local prom goers. For many new professionals, and even some salon veterans, this time of year can be unbelievably hectic and stressful. Between bridezillas coming in with their bridal back-up party trying to get ready for the big day and young teenagers doing some last minute running around before their senior prom with their entourage of classmates; things can get crazy!

On the upside, with effort comes reward. In order to prepare yourself mentally and physically during this spring season, follow these tips on how to tackle the obstacles that lie ahead.

Tip One: Get Organized Mentally and Physically.

The simplicity of organization is beautiful. Create a calendar and stick to it! Not only does it put your mind at ease knowing what is on your plate for the day, but it also allows you to plan accordingly and avoid any surprises. Knowing what clients you’re going to be helping and if you have any down time will allow you to be as productive as possible. If you just finished a client and you know you have a prom up-do for your next appointment, use whatever down time you have and get prepared! Get all of your supplies in order and lay out all of the tools you may be using. Not only will you save time for you and your client but you’re working more efficiently which will result in fewer mistakes.

Tip Two: Show Off Your Work

Though this time of year may be hectic, this time of year also allows for the most creativity! When it comes to special event hairstyles and makeup, most clients want something designed uniquely for them. Use this opportunity to express yourself and push your boundaries! Get a feel for what the client is looking for and incorporate that into your design. If you are relatively new to the industry, show the world what you got! Share all of your designs and masterpieces on your social media platforms and make sure you use your hashtags. With people now able to follow you through hashtags, this will help broaden your exposure and get your work out there for everyone to see! Make sure you provide your contact information either in your posts or in your bio so when people start to fall in love with your work, they can call to book an appointment with you!

 

Tip Three: Take Care of Yourself

With this season being mentally and physically exhausting, it’s important to replenish! Stylist Survival Guide Stock up on energy bars or quick, rejuvenating goodies that you can go to during your few minutes of down time. That way, in case you don’t have time for a full lunch break, you are still able to get the necessary nutrients to keep you rocking and on your feet. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body and brain functioning at capacity. Even though most salons and spas have dress codes, make sure you’ve got the proper footwear and attire. On the days where you are booked open to close, you want to make sure you have on the shoes that won’t only get you through the day but will also keep you confident and comfortable. Also, don’t wear clothes that are too constricting or ill-fitting. You want to be focused on your client; not on how badly your feet hurt or how soon you can get home and change. Dress for success and you’ll come with the attitude to match because when you look good, you feel good!

 

Tip Four: Know Your Limits

Yes, we all want to make money and yes, most of us like a little bit of a challenge, but don’t over-exert yourself! If possible, make sure you have a little bit of time to yourself throughout your day; it’s good to take some mental and physical breathers every once in a while. Allow plenty of time for each client so you don’t find yourself rushing through services just to make sure you stay on time for your next appointment. Stylist Survival Guide Clients like to feel pampered and that they have your full attention. If you are rushing through a service, not cleaning your work station, or not holding genuine conversations, your clients will notice and that’s the last thing you want. Keep yourself busy but don’t keep yourself overwhelmed.

 

This time of year will be busy with all of the weddings and proms you come across, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful! Stylist Survival Guide This is an important time of year for your clients and you get to be a part of it! Don’t forget to just do a little prep work so you can reap the benefits and each spring season will be better than the last.