Dress code and Client Conversation
DRESS CODE
We feel like we shouldn’t even have to cover this, but unfortunately, we do. There are a few things you can’t wear and some advice, as follows:
You can’t wear Crocs, Uggs or running/workout shoes. You can’t wear sneakers you’d play tennis in, or basketball, or run a mile in. Try Chucks, Vans, Sketchers etc.
Yoga type pants cannot be worn as outerwear. Leggings, tights, yoga pants, Lycra®, Spandex® and similar garments can be only be worn as an undergarment beneath a dress, skirt, shirt or top that covers your butt and your crotch.
Jeans are okay, but they should be fashionable and well fitted. Dark wash is preferred but not required. T-shirts are okay too, preferably cool ones with a band logo or some other interesting design. If you are going to wear jeans and a T-shirt, dress that look up somehow. Make it cool or fashionable, don’t make it sloppy.
No political, religious or otherwise controversial statements on clothing or in the form of tattoos. Tattoos are fine, but if you have one that might offend someone, (i.e. a statement about religion, politics or something pornographic), you may be asked to wear a cover-up. A tattoo that says “down with left-wing black lesbian Muslims” emblazoned across a rebel flag, or instance, will result in you wearing a cover up. Likewise, depictions of sexual acts or genitalia will have to be covered up. If you want to proclaim your religious or political opinions to the world, go for it on your own time or get a blog.
Please look like you could be giving fashion advice or alternately, just look put together. Don’t look like you just rolled out of bed. Your hair has to be done. This is a non-negotiable. Put some thought into your appearance, because you’re in the appearance business. A salon’s not like a bank or like Nordstrom’s, but it’s not like Walmart on Saturday either. You don’t have to look dressy, you just have to look like you work in a salon that charges what we charge.
Chewing gum is not allowed on the salon floor.
No shorts of any kind.
It should not be apparent that you are going without a bra or underwear. Also, no clothing that shows side boob or butt cheeks when leaning over at the shampoo sink. Those are come-on man’s.
Dress and grooming is an area where common sense should come into play and it’s one of the worst things to have to police and call people out on. Honestly, if we’re having to tell you more than a few times that you’re not presenting yourself in a way that’s going to attract clients, you’re in the wrong salon, and maybe in the wrong profession.
CLIENT CONVERSATION
Clients come to you to for your technical skills, your professional advice and to be the center of attention when they’re in your chair. That’s what they pay you for. Keep the conversation professional and focused on their hair.
Customers pay to hear all about you. Granted after you get to know a client, sharing of some life information is a natural part of the visit, but keep things focused on the client and their needs. It’s tempting to think the clients in your chair are your friends, but no matter how much they share with you; if they’re not happy with their hair or you don’t show up for their appointment, or are habitually late, or you offend them in some way, you’ll quickly learn that they are business acquaintances, not friends. Additionally, people don’t often raise prices on their true friends, and you’re going to raise their prices many times over your career.
Do not share the following:
Your partying/drinking stories. How wasted you were.
Anything sexual.
The status of your love life. Your boyfriend/girlfriend break up stories.
Your illnesses or medical procedures
The fact that you’re having a bad day.
Do not have debates or conversations about politics, religion or sexual preferences
Do not curse.
Even if these things don’t offend the client in your chair, they may offend the client in the next chair over. If the client launches into a discussion about an inappropriate topic such as race or sexual acts, try to redirect it. If it’s particularly offensive and you don’t feel comfortable handling it, find a manager.