How does social media create unrealistic hair expectations? And what can you do?
By Stephanie Jaynes
We love a good inspo photo as the guiding light for a new style. Yet many inspopics mislead clients.
They can feed and perpetuate social media’s unrealistic expectations when:
- Filters and editing tools blur reality.
- The photo doesn’t tell you how the hair got there.
- Your client doesn’t have key aspects (like face shape and undertone) in common with the model.
- The cut and style will cost more than your client can afford.
What’s the key to managing clients’ hair expectations? What can barbers do to temper unrealistic standards on social media during client consultations?
Here are four ways to guide the conversation.
1. Explain the limitations of inspiration photos. Without demeaning your client, be direct and transparent about how their inspo photo isn’t achievable. Let the client know upfront so they don’t base their hair expectations on problematic or unattainable source materials.
2. Tell them why the inspo style isn’t a good fit for them. Filters, edits, and enhancements aside, can your client look like the photo? If not, it’s time to clearly but delicately explain why. During your client consultation, consider the following:
- Does the model have a different face shape or skin tone than the inspo photo?
- Is your client’s hair a different texture or type?
- Does your client have a lot less hair? Or a totally different hairline?
- Will the look require hours of time in the chair, even multiple sessions to see the final result?
- Will the style your client wants require hours of daily upkeep?
- Does the hair inspo not jive well with your client’s daily life and hobbies?
By helping your client understand how and why their hair won’t look precisely like their inspo photo, you save them from future upset.
3. Give them alternatives. Your client may appreciate hearing the truth. But, unfortunately, they may be pretty bummed to hear the hair they’d set their heart on isn’t for them. If that’s the case, get them excited about a different look with similar results. What was it that they loved about their original hair expectations and inspo? Talk through what they love, want, and need (in terms of budget and time). Then suggest some better option
4. They won’t budge? Warn them once more, or offer the door. You’ve had the tough talk. You’ve explained why their inspo pic isn’t a fit and provided alternatives. But your client won’t budge. Reassert your reservations about the style. After that, you can either move forward or bow out. If you feel like your client is destined to be disappointed, or their hair may be damaged in the process, it’s okay to say you can’t move forward. While the potential business loss may sting, it’ll sting less than hurting your client or your reputation.
Bring those pies in the sky back to earth.Social media may create unrealistic hair expectations. But you, hair extraordinaire, can set them right. By explaining inspo pic limitations, talking through differences between the model and your client, and giving them alternative styles, you can help your clients see the hair Matrix for what it is. (Red pill, please!)
But your clients aren’t the only ones who deserve realistic expectations. You do, too. Barbers can get sued by their unhappy clients. But with WellnessPro Insurance, you can have protection against client confrontations that go south for as little as $159 a year.