I conducted an interview with a stylist who is interested in joining the metro FOR MEN team the other day.  In this interview I instructed the stylist on our cutting technique on a model he brought to the interview.  The model stressed to me several times in the consultation what he did NOT want.  It was very apparent that this model was uncomfortable with a new stylists and a new hair cutting technique.  It was my goal from that moment to establish trust with this model in order for him to trust my talent and my ability to listen to what he did not want in his haircut.  I began the class focusing on the model and telling him about me, my background as a stylist, and explained to him what I was doing while I was doing it.  This put the model at ease while also easing the anxiety of the stylist who was being interviewed.  As we moved through the haircut, I continued to reassure the model and explained what we were doing as we were doing it.  By half way through the haircut, it was obvious the model began to relax and started to trust me because he saw that I was doing exactly what I said.  Three quarters way through the haircut, the model was more interested in what was on the television than what the stylist and I were doing.  I established trust with this model and it felt good.  By the end of the haircut, the stylist was so impressed by the technique we used and the model could not stop raving it was the “best haircut I have ever had” and basically said yes to everything I suggested we do to his hair.  The stylist also thanked me for showing him how I build trust with a guest.

Tust is so important in being a hairstylist and I was reminded that trust needs to be established with guests before and during a service.  As a stylist, I can feel when a guest begins to trust me and that is my opportunity no to lose it.  I keep building trust during our professional relationship.  When a guest trusts a stylist, they are a customer for life and will do anything a stylist suggests.  That is the ultimate TIP a stylist could get–a lifetime customer that trusts him/her.

Do you have a hair related challenge that you have yet to find a stylist that can fix it?  As a stylist, my goal was always to find that challenging area and offer design solutions that could fix it.  The other day I had a guest point to his front hairline and explain that the right side of his hairline always seems to grow faster than the rest after I inquired about it.  I also inquired as to his use of styling products because I want to provide options that can be also achieved at home.  I made a design suggestion after building his trust with a thorough consultation and he felt comfortable to allow me to make that change in his hair style.  Once I completed the haircut, even before applying product, he noticed there was not a visual issue as he has seen in the past at that stage of his service.  He exclaimed, “wow how did you do that?  No one has ever been able to fix this problem and I have had many haircuts”.  My answer was simple.  I saw the issue, I listened to his needs, and I demonstrated genuine care.  I feel that when care is used in anything we do, we achieve the most amazing results that make a lasting impression. 

At metro FOR MEN, I teach the stylists that care is Consistent–Attentive–Reputable –Experiences.  It’s this level of care that makes us who we are and have happy returning guests year after year.  Please share your Consistent–Attentive–Reputable –Experience you’ve had with us.