sam530•1mo ago

Had a client yesterday who wanted a fade that didn't exist

This kid comes in, maybe 19, shows me a photo of a really specific fade from some rapper's Instagram. The problem was his hair texture was totally different, super thick and curly. I told him straight up it wouldn't look the same and he got a little annoyed. I spent 15 minutes explaining how hair type changes the fade and showed him some examples on my phone. He finally agreed to a modified version and it came out great. He even tipped me $10 extra. Anyone else deal with people expecting a style that just won't work with their hair?

3 comments

3 Comments

leo_campbell1mo ago

Last time I tried explaining hair science to a client, I confused myself.

sage_perry1mo ago

See I kinda feel the opposite though. Confusing yourself is actually a good sign because it means you're thinking about it on a deeper level than just memorizing a script. Most clients can smell a rehearsed explanation from a mile away and they trust you more if you pause and say "okay actually let me think about that for a second." Plus if you get lost mid-explanation that just shows you're being real with them instead of treating them like a textbook (which nobody wants). Clients would rather see you work through something honestly than pretend you have all the answers.

the_val1mo ago

Ever had one of those moments where you just stop talking and go "wait, am I even right about this?" Honestly happens to all of us. What I started doing is keeping a laminated cheat sheet in my station with basic pH numbers and bond types. Not to read off of it, just to glance at when I get lost. Also helps to ask the client something like "have you noticed how your hair feels different after a protein treatment?" and let them guide the conversation back. That way you're not the expert, you're just someone figuring it out with them. Has that helped you feel less pressure when explaining stuff?

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