Transparency

Transparency

January 2018 | Hairdressing, particularly within the conventional salon environment, is an industry geared largely toward the monetisation of a woman's beauty needs. For a traditional salon owner, up-selling products and services via emotional manipulation are key to meeting the bottom line and often the foundation of their business plan. This approach does not, by default, serve or benefit a client's best interests.

​Throughout the years working as a hairdresser, the complaints I've heard concerning these practices has been identical regardless of the city and country I've worked in. Countless times over, clients have shared identical stories where a hairdresser or other salon staff member has attempted to use emotional manipulation to sell a service or product, often both. Together with less than favourable results for the service they initially went in for, it's no wonder so many women have developed an acute fear of and apprehension regarding hairdressers and the salon environment.

​To be fair, this experience are not shared among all equally. Many are content with the traditional offerings, and they certainly have a multitude of choices when it comes to heading into a salon to spend time and money. Trouble is, the traditional salon tactics and practices are definitely not a perfect fit for everyone. There is an increasing number of individuals who have become keenly aware of the salon game and are no longer willing to play along. These clients have needs the traditional model simply does not support. Unsurprisingly, these people often have a texture of hair that is considered challenging to live with and cut well. Others though, simply hate being made to feel inadequate for their choice of not wanting to engage with chemical services or purchase expensive retail products. To them, the entire salon environment is one they dread going to. They wish to be treated with respect and have their specific needs met and supported without judgement. They want a hairdresser who will help them with an aesthetic that presents a realistic, sustainable, and manageable result.

Transparency as a hairdresser means meeting a client's needs and desires in a manner that support their best interests, not the other way around. Whenever possible, these should absolutely support sustainable hair health, while providing a maintenance schedule that a client agrees to and can live with. Alternatively, if after a consultation the client or hairdresser feels as though they are not an ideal match, this too should be stated before starting the service. All of this can be achievable with professional integrity, ethics and effective communication. Hairdressing that is transparent facilitates the type of mutual respect that can foster a lasting and trusting relationship for everyone involved.