Here's a quick guide on what to look for in an Afro hair stylist! These tips might seem like common sense to most of you, but for others, it seems the basic rules of professionalism simply don't apply! While home-based stylists generally provide a good experience, when you walk into certain salons and are greeted by someone with a chicken leg in their mouth... well, it makes you realize that some fundamental professional standards are either completely missing or have never been properly set! (Yes, that actually happened to me recently!) So, I thought, why not put together a quick visual that sums up what clients really look for in an Afro hair stylist, right? Alright, let's get into it!
A GOOD AFRO HAIRSTYLIST...
...warmly welcomes her clients!
THE Basics! The first 20 seconds can determine whether a client chooses to book a future appointment with you or not.
Promoting your business isn't just about social media; it's also about word-of-mouth, which is the best (or worst, depending on your behavior) advertising you can get.
In conclusion, good presentation, politeness, and a smile are essential!
...listens to her clients!
Meeting your clients' needs is essential for retaining them. Listen to them carefully!
...knows curly and coily hair!
They say the shoemaker's children go barefoot... I disagree! If you go to a dentist with rotten teeth, you'd run away, wouldn't you? Well, it's the same for hairdressing; the stylist shouldn't make you flee with what they're sporting on their head. You are a showcase for your clients, so take care of it! Your hairstyle, your appearance can speak volumes about your professionalism, your expertise! Your know-how is a weapon; the more you improve it, the more you will attract clients eager to be in your hands.
...gives hair care advice to her clients!
Knowing coily hair is good, but you also need to share that knowledge with your clients! Regardless of the hairstyle, the client should leave with informed advice for daily hair care, to maintain their hairstyle for a long time. Hence the need to know your subject. You cannot treat them the same way as Caucasian hair. There are still few training organizations specializing in coily or curly hair in France, and unfortunately, in 2018, these textures are still not studied in depth in vocational training certificates (CAP). They only appear in the module concerning straightening and relaxing (Do you find that normal?)
Afro hairstylists, be curious, self-train or find organizations in France or abroad, to offer top-notch service to your clients, and at the same time, move things forward. Hoping that one day Afro hair will be included in the CAP curriculum, that would be a revolution!
...is passionate about hairstyling!
Simply put! Passion will take you far! Believe in yourself and realize your worth! You are artists!
