This information is meant to serve as a reminder of common hairdresser mistakes that we have probably all made at one time or another while working in a salon.
“An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” - Orlando Battista
By avoiding the simple mistakes listed below, you can improve your earning potential and successfully grow your business.
- Crossing Off On Your Appointment Book — Far too many hairdressers cross off time on their appointment books or show an inconsistent work schedule that limits their availability for customers. Create a work schedule and stay in the salon. You never know when a customer will call for an appointment or just drop in. Don’t make it hard for customers to book an appointment with you.
- Not Inviting Customer Feedback — Invite customer feedback as well as feedback from your boss. If you receive criticism, consider it an invitation to perfect your skills and excel at customer service. Let your boss and your clients know you value their input. Desire to exceed owner and client expectations. I have yet to meet a salon owner that wants to see their staff fail. Give them permission to offer constructive criticism without taking the criticism personally.
- Unprofessional Appearance — If you want to be respected and compensated like a professional, look and act like a professional. Hairdressers are in the business of making people look good and feel good about themselves. If you can’t make yourself look good, how can you make your customers look good?
- Involving Customers in Your Personal Problems — At times there can be a fine line between being friendly and interactive with your clients, and pulling them in to your own personal drama. They have enough problems of their own, they don’t need to be part of yours.
- Not Recognizing the Power of Customer Service — Customer service is often measured not by meeting your clients’ expectations, but by exceeding them. Go the extra mile with customer service. The rewards of doing so can be beyond even your highest expectations.
- Frequent Salon Change — If at all possible, seek to find a solution to any work-related stresses that may have you considering leaving your current job. Try to work out a solution with your boss if at all possible. Misunderstanding each others view points is a big obstacle between staff and management. If you still believe a job change is in your best interest, do so in an ethical manner. Never burn the bridges behind you. Leave on ethical terms, you may need references or a chance to return at a future date if your new job is not what you expected.
- Poor Work Habits — We are creatures of habit. Absenteeism and tardiness is a big problem in our profession. Work hard to value the time of your customers as well as the salon’s reputation. Showing up on time and being ready to perform creates a sense of trust and projects professionalism to your clients and your profession.
- Talking on Your Cell Phone — When working on your customers, your full attention should be focused on your customer.
- Poor Customer Handling Procedures — Always greet your customer with a sincere and caring attitude. Develop powerful people and communication skills. You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. A sincere and caring greeting shows you value their patronage.
In today’s tough economy we can ill afford making these mistakes in our salons, please read my book “A Hairdressers Guide to Success – Personally, Professionally, Financially” for additional tips that will help you succeed in your profession as a hairdresser.
Blog Post Source: Jon Gonzales of HCDS Hairdressing Career Development Systems
