The words PROFESSIONAL and PERSONAL juxtapose each other. However, no professional relationship is as personal as the relationship between a hair professional and their client with hair loss. We see them as no one else does. In many cases, some of their wives or husbands have never seen them without their hair. This can be especially true of clients with alopecia. I have worked in my field for many years. I have clients still coming to me that I first encountered in the mid-1970s. What began as a professional relationship with a single man has become a genuine friendship with a grandparent.
This doesn't happen by accident. Listening to your client's needs before you work on them is mandatory and wise. I encourage my stylists to interact with their clientele. They start by asking questions. Before we start working with someone, I want to know WHY they are here. It's not just the physical loss of their hair but how hair loss has affected them.
Communication is EVERYTHING. We want to know what is expected of us and be honest about their expectations. We do not have salespeople. Therefore, we alone deal with the problems. We consult with each other, stylist to stylist, and we always include our ventilator since she has worked for many years making hair systems for men and women. The buck stops here. I have, more than once, remade a system, not at the client's request but because I was unhappy with the result. The client had not complained, but I felt uncomfortable with their look. They are somewhat astonished, but my staff and I take our work seriously. IT IS OUR ART!
When you go for a consultation, wherever you go, make sure you feel comfortable. There are many reputable companies to engage with. Don't feel pressured. Bring in pictures. Write down your questions. Ask to talk to a few of their clients. Find out what to expect. You will know immediately if this is the place for you. Look around and remember this is a place you will visit once a month, hopefully for many years.
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- Written By: Christine Pusateri
