Balayage Consultation: The Key to a Perfect Result
A consultation is a crucial step in any balayage service. It allows you to understand your client’s personality, fashion sense, lifestyle, and hair history, helping you select the most suitable balayage technique for them.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting a successful balayage consultation.
Step 1: Meet & Greet – Understanding Your Client
The first interaction with your client is an opportunity to assess their personality and style preferences. A quick observation can help you determine whether they prefer a casual, office-ready, or fashion-forward look.
💡 Engagement Tip: Start with simple questions to understand their lifestyle:
- “Have you just arrived from work?” (If they are dressed smartly)
- “Have you just come from the gym?” (If they are in activewear)
This helps you build rapport while gathering key details about their styling habits.
Step 2: Hair History – Understanding Past Treatments
Knowing your client’s hair history is essential for selecting the right products and techniques.
🔍 Key questions to ask:
✔ Is your hair natural or previously chemically treated?
✔ What colours have you had before? Were they permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent?
✔ Was the colour applied in a salon or at home?
Additionally, ask about relaxing or perming treatments, as these can make the hair more fragile and impact product selection.
Step 3: Assessing the Current Hair Condition
Before proceeding with any colour service, always analyze the client’s scalp and hair condition.
1️⃣ Scalp Condition Check
✔ Look for sensitivity or irritation that might affect colour application.
✔ Ensure the client has had a patch test if needed.
2️⃣ Natural Hair Base Analysis
Identify the depth, percentage of grey hair, and undertones:
🟡 Yellow Undertone
🟠 Orange Undertone
🔴 Red Undertone
These factors help determine toner selection and whether additional services (e.g., pre-toning or neutralizing) are needed.
3️⃣ Hair Strength Check (PET Method)
Evaluate the Porosity, Elasticity, and Texture (PET) to ensure the hair can withstand the lightening process.
Step 4: Defining the Client’s Hair Goals
Now it’s time to discuss the desired balayage look.
📷 Use Visual Aids – Photos of your previous work or reference images from the client can help clarify expectations.
💡 Key questions to ask:
✔ “How noticeable do you want the colour change to be—subtle or more dramatic?”
✔ “Would you like a completely different shade, or just a slight enhancement?”
✔ “Would you like to enhance the texture of your layers for more movement?”
Once you have gathered all the information, suggest shades and tones that complement their skin tone and personality. Confirm the balayage technique and ensure the client envisions the final result.
💇 Haircut Consideration: If the client is planning a major restyle, factor this into your balayage placement—there’s nothing worse than creating a beautiful blend that gets cut off!
Step 5: Home Care & Maintenance
Understanding your client’s daily hair routine will help you refine your balayage technique and recommend aftercare products.
💡 Key questions to ask:
✔ “Do you curl your hair at home, or do you wear it straight?” – This helps determine blending angles.
✔ “Do you go to the gym or swim frequently?” – This affects colour longevity and product selection.
✔ “What products do you currently use at home?” – Provide professional recommendations for colour maintenance.
📅 Maintenance Plan:
✔ Discuss how often they should refresh their colour.
✔ Suggest any upkeep services for long-lasting results.
GO GET YOUR COLOUR ON! 🎨✨
By following these consultation steps, you’ll be able to create a personalized, flawless balayage tailored to each client’s needs. The more information you gather, the better the result!
Want to Master the Perfect Balayage Consultation?
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