A large part of the population visits Beauty Salons on a regular basis and for those working in this sector it is vital that they are able to deliver efficient, professional care. This article gives you tips on the most important aspects of the client consultation.
Client Consultation
Before you perform a service on a client, you should take time to talk with them and complete a client record card. During your talk with the client you should discuss the client�s general health, as well as the health of their nails.
You will use your knowledge of skin and nails to select a service that will be suited to your client. The consultation is your first opportunity to portray yourself as a professional to your client. This should be performed in a straight forward and confident manner.
You will need to:
1. Be friendly and helpful.
2. Look directly at your client while speaking in a tone that demonstrates confidence.
3. Always support the treatments you recommend to your client with the facts and information.
4. Look at the nails and skin of the hands or feet (depending on whether you are performing a manicure or a pedicure). If there is broken skin, you should be tactful with your client. Explain to them that that there may be a problem, and that it is unsafe for you to perform a treatment until they have visited a doctor. (It may be difficult for you to turn your client away, but you must if this is the case). Performing a nail service on a client with a skin or nail condition could very much aggravate the condition. Referring your client to a doctor shows you care and you�re doing your job correctly. The client will be impressed by your professional approach and your concern for their health and safety.
Your Client�s Needs
Discuss with your client what nail service they would like. It may be a manicure, pedicure, or even artificial nails. You must discuss the procedure used to create the service, and explain the maintenance your client will have to keep up after the appointment. Make sure that your client�s expectations are realistic. Discuss your client�s lifestyle - there will always be a nail service more suited to one client than to another.
Client Lifestyle
What kind of lifestyle does your client lead? What kind of job does your client do? What hobbies do they have? Are their hands in water a lot? Does your client have small children or babies? Finding out the answers to these questions will help you determine the correct nail service, such as the right length to have the nails. They would want shorter nails if they have small children or do a lot of computer keyboard work. A model, for instance, may request longer nails. A frequent runner may have a lot of hard skin on their feet that protects them during running. You MUST always consider your client�s lifestyle before providing a service. Giving your client the wrong treatment may result in them not returning to see you.
Meeting your Client�s Needs
After talking to your client about their needs, expectations and nail health, you will either go ahead with the service your client wants, or recommend another nail service which will be better suited for them. You must educate your client - they like to learn about their skin and will respond to recommendations you make. For example, you would not want your client to believe that acrylic nail extensions stay on forever, and that they never need to be maintained! The nail service you supply to your client should always meet your client�s expectations and lifestyle.
Completing the Client Record Card
The form of a client record card will vary from one nail salon to another. If record cards are used, they should be kept in a convenient location where they can provide ready reference. If the salon is computerised, client records can easily be accessed and printed out.
Client records usually include the following:
� General info - The client�s name, address, telephone number etc.
� Client profile - Information about the type of work your client does and hobbies that they may follow.
� Medical record - Information about the client�s general health. This information will determine whether it is safe to perform nail services on either the hand or foot.
This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study.
If you want to find out more about Beauty Therapy or many other distance learning courses please browse their website: Start Learning
Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director � Start Learning
Start Learning
