Why are some cosmetologists more successful than others? Is it because they took more specialty classes to enhance their specific skill? Or maybe they spent more time practicing their techniques to ensure they perform effortlessly in front of their customers?
At the end of the day, while these factors are valuable in creating a successful career in cosmetology, what will make you better than the competition all boils down to one tactic: Excellent Customer Service.
In the cosmetology industry, relying on skills alone will not ensure customer retention. Your potential customers are looking for more than what they can get from anyone else and if they get it, they’ll happily return.
Do you think you have what it takes? All stylists have their own individual qualities, which makes this industry so attractive but it helps to know some common traits the most successful in the industry possess.
They are good conversationalists and great listeners
To ensure your customer comes back for more, you have to give them something more than cutting the perfect lob or mastering the latest trends.
Customers crave conversation. They want to feel welcomed, appreciated and pampered. They want you to make them feel special.
In addition, finding success as a cosmetologist means being able to listen to your clients in multiple ways, not just one. We all have heard that hair stylists make better therapists, let’s learn to live by this.
You’ll notice that many of your guests will enjoy talking about the ups and downs, the achievements and little dramas of their lives with you, even though they probably don’t even know you personally. However, the most essential act of listening you’ll perform will be during the initial conversation you’ll have with your potential customer – before you give them your service.
While it is important to engage with them as they make conversation with you about their personal lives, it is critical that you and your customer have communicated thoroughly about what they want and that both of you are on the same page.
They know how to make your creative visions a reality
Being a successful stylist means that you are on top of the latest and greatest beauty trends, while being able to incorporate them into your customer’s unique style. However, having an edge in the industry also means that you aren’t always sticking to the book as this can come out to be a bit clichéd. Your sophisticated taste, killer eye for style and creativity should allow you to set your own trends so that you can give your clients something new and out of the box.
They are adaptable
A successful stylist does not get fazed by fast-changing trends, increasing client expectations and new tools and products. Instead, they are confident that their vision, skills and creativity will create stunning results and more importantly, an ecstatic guest.
They are honest
Take a situation where a guest comes to you with a look you feel will not work for them. This can be a cut, color or makeup look that doesn’t match their face shape, their skin tone or even their lifestyle. A successful cosmetologist knows how to strategically incorporate some of their ideas that would suit their client better.
A great cosmetologist knows how a look can work for their guest in the long-term and determine whether it will be a great fit for their client.
A good stylist knows how to ensure their client is happy with their new look when they walk out the door, an excellent stylist knows how to ensure they love it a month after as well.
And finally, since we are in the topic of honesty, it helps to address the number one complaint most salons receive by guests – they didn’t know how much the service would cost. If you suggest an additional or elevated service, even while the client is in the chair, it’s best to make sure they are aware of the added costs. There’s nothing worse than an unfriendly, added cost on the bill that can instantly kill an otherwise successful client-stylist relationship. Take a look at our free downloadable cosmetology career guide!