How Do You Balance a Client's Desire for a Trendy Look With What's Achievable?
Navigating the delicate balance between trendsetting and practicality, beauty professionals often face the challenge of managing client expectations. From a Professional Makeup Artist's strategy to adapt trends to individual features to an Owner's advice on guiding clients to realistic tanning results, here are four insightful experiences shared by industry experts.
- Adapt Trends to Individual Features
- Set Realistic Hair Expectations
- Establish Natural Injection Outcomes
- Guide Clients to Realistic Tanning Results
Adapt Trends to Individual Features
Balancing a client's desire for a trendy look with what is realistically achievable is a common challenge for beauty professionals. One memorable instance involved a bride who wanted the bold, graphic eyeliner look popular on social media right now. However, her deep-set eyes and delicate features required a nuanced approach. I gently explained how a softer, winged eyeliner could enhance her natural beauty while still giving her the dramatic effect she desired. By blending her vision with my expertise, we achieved a look that was both trendy and flattering to her eye shape. It's all about understanding the client's wishes, but being the expert, and adapting trends to suit the individual's features and needs.
Set Realistic Hair Expectations
The most common thing I see in the salon, when we have had to balance a client's desire for a trendy look with what was realistically achievable, is the client's understanding of their own hair density and growth pattern.
When a client with fine hair comes in and shows us a picture of a model with very thick hair, we have to discuss and set the expectations to a more achievable look. Each person's hair growth pattern and density affects how the hair falls, the natural partings of the hair, and cowlicks, which will impact the look they are able to achieve. It is important to discuss these things with your clients so you can set realistic expectations for their hair goals.
Establish Natural Injection Outcomes
Knowing when to say no to clients is important. As the injector, it is important to know when you are at risk of overfilling, which can lead to an unnatural or unbalanced look. Setting realistic expectations ensures that clients will have a natural look they will love and boosts their confidence, knowing they're in the hands of professionals who want them to have the best results.
Guide Clients to Realistic Tanning Results
We operate a mobile spray-tan company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Occasionally, we see very pale clients with ideas about going super dark before a vacation to Las Vegas or Miami.
When managing a client's expectations for a spray tan, it's crucial to start with a thorough assessment of their current skin tone and discuss their desired outcome. We begin by understanding their natural color and what they envision for their tan. This initial conversation helps set the stage for realistic expectations. We educate the client about the spray-tan development process, emphasizing that while the color will deepen over time, it may not achieve the dramatic shade they might have in mind. Using before-and-after photos of clients with similar skin tones to illustrate what can realistically be achieved helps to align their expectations with what is attainable.
Next, we explain the different product options available and how each one will affect the final result. We provide clear information on how each solution works and what level of tan they can expect based on their skin tone. For clients with a fair complexion looking for a deep tan, it's important to set realistic expectations by describing the result in terms like "enhanced glow" rather than "deep bronze." Offering a test patch can also be beneficial, as it allows the client to see a preview of the tan and adjust their expectations accordingly.
Finally, we suggest practical maintenance tips to help prolong the tan, such as moisturizing and exfoliating advice, and discuss options for gradually building up the tan over multiple sessions if a darker shade is desired. Throughout the process, it is important to maintain a compassionate and understanding approach. We listen to their concerns, validate their enthusiasm, and guide them towards a result that meets their expectations while being achievable. By combining clear communication with professional advice, you can ensure your clients leave satisfied with a beautiful and realistic tan.
