Don't let your colour clients fall under the hypnotic spell of social media – read on to find out how to prevent false colour expectations during the summer months.
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have proven to be invaluable in providing endless hairstyle inspiration, spotlighting trends, and giving us a front row seat to all the emerging trends. While these are all positive aspects, like most things, there are some downsides. Clients now mistakenly think they can achieve any colour that pops up on their feed or timeline, regardless of their hair type or the condition of their mane. So, with the help of hair experts we delve into some of the common misconceptions you'll have seen or heard from your customers when it comes to their summer colour aspirations.
Client expectation: "I can go from dark to blonde in one day."
The reality: Many clients fall into the trap of thinking that they can achieve a dramatic transformation in one sitting. Ellie Smith, from Smith England, reminds us: "In order for hair to go from dark to light, it has to go through each undertone and be lifted to a blonde. Unless they have a team of hairdressers, 10 hours in the day and big budget, clients won't be able to achieve dark to light in one sitting. It takes from 3-5 sittings to go from dark to light. This means if a client comes into the salon with dark brown hair, depending on how hair lifts, they might leave the salon with a light brown, sometimes orange tone. We recommend out clients maintain colour at home with conditioning treatments, such as Wella Colour Fresh Mask in Pearl Blonde." And if your clients want to go from dark to light in one sitting, show them this...
Client expectation: "It's okay to forgo colour safety rules for the 'gram."
The reality: Any reputable salon will put safety before style, which can be frustrating for clients who are keen to replicate the 20 second before and after hair transformation they've seen on TikTok. Manic Panic UK ambassador, Verity Clarke, says: "Social media is fantastic for inspiration – clients have an infinite amount of images to browse. However, in the same way that we're all hyper-aware that bodies can be manipulated with position and lighting, so too can hair colours. As stylists, we have a responsibility to show 'real life' looks as well as perfectly styled and lit images."
Client expectation: "Being in the sun or swimming in the sea won't affect my colour."
The reality: We know chlorine and sea water can be extremely damaging to their hair, and when you consider the fact that colour treated hair is often more porous, it can be a recipe for disaster. Glen Burr at Andrew Jose says: "I'd advise all my clients to have a pre and post-treatment prior to sunbathing or swimming and remind them that they must cleanse the hair to remove sea salt and pool chlorine, this is essential as sea salt and chlorine will damage colour. Revlon Professional Eksperience Sun Pro Keratin Spray can be used as a top-up when lying in the sun." Another thing to remind your clients, this is what they need to know about sun, sea and hair extensions...
Client expectation: "I don't have to do much colour upkeep during the summer months."
The reality: Remind clients that they must stay committed to post-colour treatments both in salon and at home to ensure their hair remains healthy and looking its best. Jamie Benny at Hare & Bone offers the following advice: "Why not glaze hair with Goldwell Colorant Gloss Tones – it gives a super-charged level of shine. It's a great service to offer clients to refresh colour between highlights and balayage services." Speaking of summer, have you seen our guide to keep clients hair hydrated?
Client expectation: "I want this colour for my holiday – next week."
The reality: "What a client wants isn't always possible straight away, or sometimes isn't possible at all depending on the client's natural colour, and what they have been using at home," explains Dylan McConnachie, FFØR brand ambassador. The only way to truly manage expectations is to have a thorough consultation. Dylan insists: "Always come to an agreement on what can be done before colouring." After all, it's all about creating that clean canvas.
Words by: Keysha Davis
Feature image: Tom Connell for Davines