If you're a hairstylist, then you are familiar with clients canceling their hair appointments last minute or not showing up to their appointment at all. How do you handle those situations? Do you charge a fee or reschedule them on certain conditions? The way you deal with cancellations reflects your values as a professional. If you are the client, then keep these tips in mind when you need to cancel your next hair appointment.
When a client cancels on me last minute...
I accept it without charging a fee, and I let them reschedule because I understand that life happens. However, I let them know that in they should notify me 24 hours in advance. If it's a one time cancellation, I reschedule the client as soon as I can to fit them in somewhere within a week or two, but if they cancel last minute a second time, then I allow them to reschedule for my next available appointment in 2016.
If a client doesn't show up and doesn't have the courtesy to let me know in advance, then I will not reschedule them again. This may sound harsh, but it is disrespectful to not notify me when they are not going to make it to their appointment, especially when there are others waiting to schedule an appointment with me.
For my loyal clients...
All of my regular loyal clients book their appointments ahead of time. By ahead of time, I mean every 3-6 months for 2 consecutive years. Due to the high-volume of clients and future clients wanting to book an appointment with me, I get booked crazy fast!
If I need to cancel on a client...
Just as life happens for my own clients, sometimes life happens for me, and I need to make a cancellation. At the end of the day, I respect my clients' time and I will stay late to make up for the cancellation. I do not have to cancel often, but when I do, I always make those clients a priority.
It is easy to become frustrated when a client cancels their appointment last minute, but it is important to understand and accept that it is bound to happen, and you have to be flexible and reschedule them in order to maintain their business. I love all of my clients, and I want them to feel the same way they make me feel: valued and appreciated!!
“As artists we need to respect our own craft and time. Don’t let things slide but stay professional and humble. ”
My responses to three of your "Ask Larisa" questions:
1) Adrianna P. asked:
"I went to cosmetology school, had lung surgery that left me with nerve damage in my cutting arm, recovered, then got my first salon job. It was a terrible experience because my arm was still recouping from my injury and made me incredibly slow performing services. After being tormented by other stylists, at 19 I left the salon to be self-employed. It was fine for a while because my schedule was flexible. I had loyal clients, and I wanted to finish my college degree in the meantime. I moved to another city recently and need to rebuild my clientele. No salon wants to take me in because I have been self-employed, even though I have kept up my license and have not stopped doing hair. Is my career as a cosmetologist over? What are your thoughts?
Thank You <3
Adrianna"
LL: It's only over if you let it be over! It is absolutely never too late to start all over again and begin a new journey. Good luck! Xo
2) Alexis G. asked:
"Looking at your photos it seems like you and I have similar hair textures (very fine!). I was wondering if you have any tips on how to style fine, flat hair so that it has volume and body. My usual routine is using a volumizing mousse and then teasing my roots and curling the ends with a wand, and finishing off with a volumizing hairspray. However, I can't seem to find a way for the volume to last throughout the day :( Any words of advice?"
LL: Two words: Dry shampoo! It is amazing for fine to normal hair. It gives intense volume and of course cleaner hair. Xo
3) Jeana C. asked:
"Hi Larisa! I am a new stylist just getting started in the Minneapolis area, and I was wondering if you could share how you got acquainted with the various color lines that you use. I have only used one color line, the one which I learned in school, and I am looking to branch out, but I'm not sure where to start. Did you take classes? Just try things on clients? Try them on yourself? How long did it take you to discover the products you absolutely love? Thanks so much! You are an amazing inspiration and I love what you do!"
LL: Hi hunny. I literally took risks on myself, close friends, and family by trying out every professional color line out there as well as hair styling products. It is important to explore and go outside your boundaries and try something you normally wouldn't. Don't be afraid and have fun! Xo