The Consultation: And How to Crush It Every Time

It all starts with the consultation. Honestly, I begin my consultations the moment a client requests an appointment, because I need to make sure we’re a good fit. I ask for current photos of their hair (always in indirect natural light), inspo photos of their goal, and a full hair color history, both professional and at-home. A successful appointment begins right here, where I determine whether the goal is realistically achievable and if the look is in my wheelhouse.

I get it, this can feel intimidating to ask for, especially if you’re a newer stylist. But if I’ve learned anything from 20 years behind the chair, it’s this… knowing your strengths and not taking on more problems than you can handle is the key to happiness for both you and your clients. Asking for the information you need to make an informed decision only feels weird the first couple of times. After that, it becomes second nature.

And clients who don’t want to comply? That’s fine. There are plenty of stylists out there who don’t require that level of commitment. But not you. You want to give your clients the best, and that means you set standards, baby.

Inspo photos can be incredibly helpful, but only if you know how to break them down. Is it a drastic change from their current look? It might require multiple sessions or even corrective work. How close is their natural base to the one in the photo? That answer affects how much lightness or dimension you can realistically achieve. I personally like to work with the natural base for longevity, and I typically decline to dramatically lighten or darken it. Are you seeing warmer tones or more ash? And how is that tonality going to sit next to their skin?

Most of these answers will naturally lead into a conversation about maintenance and lifestyle. Heavy blonding requires more time and financial commitment than softer, dimensional looks. If a client wants to go months between appointments, part of my job is to gently steer them away from drastic changes or heavy foil work. If the goal is longevity, then there has to be some comfort with warmth, or at least a willingness to embrace those warmer tones as the color evolves.

Don’t get me wrong I’ve got my fair share of high-maintenance blondies. But I always make sure they know exactly what they’re signing up for.

I’ve always joked that part of what makes me good at hair is that I’m not afraid to tell clients no. My job is to take all of the little details and build a full picture of who my client really is, what she truly wants, and what she actually needs, so I can craft the perfect color for her. Clients might not always love hearing “no,” but they do love the care and intention behind it. They love knowing you’re thinking about how their hair will look and feel long after they leave your chair.

Approach these conversations with grace, education, and plenty of alternative suggestions, and you’ll be golden. Remember, you’re the expert, and they’re relying on you for good advice.

Want to master consultations like a pro and build the skills you need to confidently deliver those luxe, dimensional looks your clients are bringing in? Grab a ticket to one of our upcoming workshops! You’ll learn techniques developed by real stylists behind the chair, techniques you can start using immediately.

I’ll see you there, and we can talk all things consultation!

Until next time,

Julie 🖤