I would Like To Change My Hair But I Am Afraid Of Other People’s Opinions

There have been a few times over my hairstyling career that I have met

clients who have said “I would like to change my hairstyle but I am afraid of other people’s opinion”.   Technically, it was mostly females but it always blew me away because these women are confident and successful.

A lot of clients will say to the hairstylist “do what you want”, when you ask what service they would

like to have.  When I was new to my career, I fell for this ruse with disastrous consequences.  My current clients will tell you when they say this to me now I counter with “you don’t want to do that because I can go pretty crazy”.  I had to do this because I figured out that people know exactly what style they want but are too scared to actually do it.

Here are some things to know if you get such a client:

• When a client says “I would like to change my hairstyle but I am afraid of other people’s opinion”,and they choose a hairstyle that is totally different from what they have and have had for years, ask intrusive questions.  If you do not, there is a 100% chance they will leave the salon with the  hairstyle they came in with.
• If they just broke up with a boyfriend, husband, bestie/ride or die, try to choose a style that is not too far from what they currently have.
• If they have hair that grows in a particular pattern; they have a strange hairline or thinner/thicker hair for the look of the style, strongly give reasons the style will not work.
• If the new style involves color, outline all the pros and cons e.g. red color washes out easily or lighter blond needs more care etc.

• If the haircut is shorter than they normally have, you may be able to find a middle ground but be prepared that you will be the fall guy if it is too short.
• If they are “trying to grow their hair longer” and still choose a short cut, bring this up again and again during the consultation.
• If the client does not have a firm choice for the service and seems unsure they should do it e.g. a color, suggest highlights rather than a full head, a layered bang rather than a straight one.
• If your client is very soft spoken, you will have to give suggestions for dealing with opinions from intrusive family, friends and coworkers.  Many visible minorities have a culture of changing their hair regularly, while this is not normal in parts of the West.  They will have to face the office the next day.  While the comments are not necessarily bad, some people do get overwhelmed when too many people notice them.

Therefore, when you get clients who say “I would like to change my hairstyle but I am afraid of other people’s opinion” proceed with care.  Do a thorough consultation and let the client decide how you proceed.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head” & “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest”.