Serious question, how do you handle a client who wants a style that just won't work for their hair?

I was at a family cookout over the weekend and got talking with my cousin, who's a graphic designer. She was telling me about a client who wanted a logo that was way too busy for their simple brand. She said her job wasn't just to give them what they asked for, but to guide them to what would actually work best. It hit me... that's exactly what we do, but I think I've been too soft about it. I had a woman in my chair on Tuesday who brought in a picture of a super sleek, straight bob, but her hair is the curliest, most dense hair I've seen. I tried to talk her into a shape that would work with her curl, but I backed down when she pushed. Now I'm thinking I should have been firmer, like my cousin is with her clients. It's not about being rude, it's about using our skill to get them a good result. Has anyone found a good way to say 'that won't work, but this will' without making them feel shut down?

3 comments

3 Comments

joseph4553mo ago

Totally get that... I had a guy insist on a close shaved side with his fine hair. I showed him how it would look limp and offered a textured version instead... he loved it in the end.

white.grant1mo ago

And that's exactly what separates a good stylist from someone just running clippers over a head. You earned his trust by being honest and showing him what actually worked for his hair type. @caseypalmer hits on something important though, why do people dig in their heels so hard before they even give the professional advice a chance? I've had clients argue with me for five minutes about a cut they saw on Instagram, then watch their face fall when the result doesn't match the picture. It's like they forget hair texture and face shape change everything. They pay for our expertise but then fight us on using it. Did you ever find that guy coming back to you after that first cut settled in?

caseypalmer3mo ago

Why do people fight the obvious fix, @joseph455?