Lesson #1: The Perfect Consultation
Having a curly client leave the salon feeling confident with their curls all begins with the consultation. Evan gave the stylists his best tips for making clients feel comfortable in the chair:
- Ask the client permission to ask questions and also ask permission to touch their hair.
- Ask questions about their everyday hairstyle, products they use and what they want out of their appointment without coming off as judgmental or humiliating.
- Repeat everything back to them to make sure they know you heard them and are taking their opinions seriously.
- Ask permission to proceed with the service and make recommendations.
Lesson #2: Rethink A Traditional Haircut
The main objective to cutting a curly client is to maintain the curl’s integrity, Evan explained to the class. “We always want the client to be confident in their hairstyle. Curly clients tend to be nervous or apprehensive about getting a haircut so we want them to relax and feel heard.” Evan instructed the class to rethink what they were taught about cutting hair and to approach a curly cut differently.
- Cut each curl individually. Curls are made of an alternating “C” pattern, alternating in size. Use a sharp shear, Evan used the ARC™ Scissors Designer Phantom Scissor, to cut each curl in the curve of the larger “C” to maintain the client’s curl pattern and avoid frizz at the ends.
- If the client is okay with fringe, start face framing first. This way the client can see how you are approaching their hair and the care being taken while cutting.
- Create a base shape along the perimeter of the hair and build the haircut from the top. Since curly hair tends to be heavier, cutting the top of the hair first will remove any weight that could be manipulating the how the bottom looks. This gives more control for the overall look when cutting the bottom section.
