Difficult Customers

How to give incredible customer service to difficult clients.

We have all had some type of customer service job at some point. A big factor in succeeding in a salon is delivering exceptional customer service. Most of the time it is easy to smile and to anticipate needs, but every now and then there is a customer that you just cannot make happy or who is just irritating. How do we as a stylist or a company representative provide great customer service according to their standards?

I have worked in the customer service industry since I was fourteen, I have done everything from being a telephone representative to front desk to being a manager. Now I am building my own business and developing my own clientele.

I can honestly say I have had the opportunity to deal with every type of difficult customer, from rude, to crazy to super picky I have worked with all of them. These are some of my tips on how to handle them and still give them incredible customer service:

Kill them with kindness: Don’t let them get the best of you if they say they do not like your shirt tell them that they look great today.

Smile with your entire body: We have all had the customer service rep that is fake and just wants to get you out of there so that they can go stand around and do nothing. Don’t ever be that rep, smile and talk to them, don’t smile with just your mouth smile with your entire body. Its easy to know when someone smiles at you because they feel like they have to, let your smile and positive attitude and love for your business shine through you’re every action. They will remember that.

Be Patient: Some customers just want your individual attention, I know that it can get crazy, especially during the holidays. But I have had customers call me screaming at me at the beginning of a call and by the end they are thanking me and telling me I am the best. Sometimes you just need to take a deep breath listen to the customer and give them your time and all your effort.

The BIGGEST PART of customer service is  SERVICE: Customers pay using their hard earned money, they go to work and sometimes even save up for a long time for our service. Lets serve them, it makes a huge difference and they will remember it.

It really is all about the customer and I feel like sometimes we forget the customer and only think about us. That is how bad customer service starts.

I hope that you all like this and found it useful.

Love you all and MERRY CHRISTMAS

Classic and Vintage looks 1770-1930

Hey everyone,

I know that it has been a while since I have updated. I am sorry. I have been so busy with different projects that I am working on and just general day to life. Lately I have really been interested in early hair styling and wigs they just fascinate me.  I also notice a lot of what was worn back then is very similar to what is on the runway and in today’s fashion.

I have complied some of my favorite styles from 1770-1930. I really wanted to go back further than 1770, but then I thought that might be something that is better for a second update.

1770: "Pouf" I love the classic couture look of this, the flower and feather embellishments really make it look special. It was often styled into allegories of current events, such as a hot air balloon. 

 This look is referred to as the“hérisson” or “hedgehog” was a mass of curls, with emphasis on width rather than height.

The popularity of wigs started to drop at the begging of the 1790's. This  look is just simple curls tied back.

1800's

 A knot on the top of the head was a popular trend in the 1800's as were long curls around the face.

 I am seeing looks very similar to this one everywhere. It reminds me of the bun that you make with a sock. I like how loose she has it in this picture. I also wonder how secure it actually is.

These are some of the more common styles from the era.

These looks remind me slightly of the "pouf" and the "hedgehog", but more toned down. Probably because its actually her hair.

1900's

The 1900's are what I think really created the foundations for today's hair styling. If you look at any red carpet or fashion magazines it is easy to tell where they got their inspiration from. 

I love how simple and elegant this look is, love the pin curls.

 When I started hair school I was so excited to learn how to do finger waves. It really is a look that takes a lot of practice but the out come is stunning.

This looks like it came straight out of Vogue. I love everything about it. Its amazing. This style is from the 1930's but it also reminds me a lot of something that could have been found in the 1700's, its a very regal look.

Fall Hair Trends

Darker Color

I love to watch the leaves change color and I also love to watch hair go slightly darker. It is amazing what going 2-3 shades darker can do for you. I especially love the paler face with the dark lips.

Reds
Reds are coming back and in more than one shade here are a few of my favorites:

Light Red
I love this light almost pink red. Its so wearable and absolutely gorgeous. I have not seen it as much as I would like to.



Red highlights in black hair

I love this look and I have seen it everywhere. But I think that the placements and color of this look are absolutely vital, it can go from cute to tacky quick. Also I think that it is vital to use a Demi permanent hair color rather than direct dye or permanent. I love the richness that demi permanent gives. The thing is that it fades so you have to make sure that you rinse with cold water and only shampoo twice a week. You can use a dry shampoo between washes.





Ombre' 

I remember looking at Sarah Jessica Parker's hair about two years ago and loving how it faded from dark to light. Then I saw it more and more and now it is everywhere. I love the look BUT it has got to be done right. There is a difference between an Ombre' look and regrowth. I love how it just fades into colors it is like a rainbow of hair color. I especially love this picture with the pink, purple and blue, its beautiful.

FAO Drugstore vs Salon Shampoo

"Why is salon shampoo and conditioner so much more expensive than what is at the drug store?"

"Does it matter what shampoo and conditioner I use?"

"How often should I was my hair?

"What products should I use in my hair?"

These are questions that I am asked frequently. I am going to answer all them for you right now:

"Why is salon shampoo and conditioner so much more expensive than what is at the drug store?"

Drugstore shampoos are watered down, they contain waxes such as paraffin, and the chemicals in them are so harsh that with some of them you can actually perm your hair. As a stylist I can tell when a client uses a drugstore or salon brand. Their color will stay more vibrant, and feel softer.

"Does it matter what shampoo and conditioner I use?"

You should use a shampoo that is designed for your hair type. If you have dry hair then you need a moisturizing shampoo, flat hair, then you need a volumeizing shampoo. They have something litterally for every need.
The brands of shampoo that I like are Matrix, Redkin, Sebastian, LANZA and Morcan Oil. I like the way that they smell and they work great.

"How often should I was my hair?

My answer is always the same for this question. Twice a week. If you have oily hair then maybe three. I would recommend using a dry shampoo rather than actually washing it. The reason I say twice a week is that your body releases natural oils that your hair needs to stay healthy. I am not going to lie for me it was an adjustment at first. But after almost a year I can honestly say that my hair feels amazing.

"What products should I use in my hair?"

It depends on your hair type and how you want to look and feel. The one necessity I would say is a really good leave in conditioner. There are so many some of them will even put protein back into your hair.

If you have more specific questions about your hair email me at chrishowellhairdesign@gmail.com or shoot me a message on facebook or twitter #chrishowellhairdesign

I am so lucky to have so many talented people in my life. I thought that I would share some of the shots that I have gotten back from my photo shoot I have done. If you would like to see more check out my Facebook www.facebook.com/chrishowellhairdesign

Here are my photographers websites if you would like more information on them or would like to see more of their work. They are all incredibly talented:

www.nateography.com
www.torbangphotography.com
http://www.ericanphoto.com

What makes a good hair stylist.

I have been thinking of ways to market myself and network because when I get out of hair school I want my career to blast off. Often I think of ways to set myself apart and to be the best stylist that I can be. This is what I have come up with:

You are your own walking billboard

If you are going to be a stylist then you need to look the part. Lately I have made a conscious effort to have my hair done and wear a foundation to even out my skin tone. It has paid off so much, every time that I leave my house I get a complement on my hair and my "look" in general. Even just going to the gas station I get comments. Its such a great way to start a conversation about what I do.

Have business cards

There have been so many times that I have said to myself, "Gee, I wish that I had a business card to give to that person," and I don't. When someone gives you a business card you usually put it in your wallet and carry it around and when it is in your wallet you look at it pretty regularly. By giving someone a business card you are giving them a constant reminder of who you are and what you do. That is why it is so important to have a unique business card that they are going to want to look at.

Have a Facebook page 

I have recently with in the last few weeks solely for my Stylist Career. I put inspirational quotes, pictures of my work and update everyone on what I am doing. Everyone seems to really love it and it is awesome for marketing myself. When I am bored at school and dont have any clients I put something up telling everyone that I have a "rare opening"
 and to come see me at the salon. It works really well.

Trade work

Trade work has opened so many doors to me. I have met models other stylist and photographers that all want to build their portfolio. Typically I have been organizing my own photo shoots and have a photographer and model come to my house and we set up and do a shoot. But thanks to Facebook and the beauty of tagging people I have been getting alot of people asking me to come and help them on their shoots.I am so busy all the time and photo shoots are my favorite part of what I do.

Networking

Whenever I am asked to work on a project or to do someones hair I always say yes.When one door opens then so does another and another. Its like that web game you used to play as a kid, I know this person who knows this person, who knows this person that is Brad Pitt's best friend. Everyone knows someone so if I am asked to anything I always say yes because then I can take a picture and tag that person on Facebook or #tag them on twitter, then everyone that they are friends with gets to see my work. Awesome way to get my name out.

Personality

Even when I feel like I want to fall over and die, I put on a smile and fake it. My personality has gotten me so far. Being able to talk to clients, make them laugh and just listen to them has helped me retain my clientele. Nobody wants to have their hair done by someone that just stands there and works. People pay for conversation.

Bring your portfolio everywhere

I was doing hair for a runway show last night and one of the models asked me if she could see my work. I grabbed my phone and showed her my portfolio. She loved it and asked for my number and where I went to school. She also told me that she defiantly wanted to work with me again and that she wanted her hair cut with layers. I basically just booked a photo shoot and a haircut just for having my portfolio handy.

I think that you can apply these to any type of business. These are just some things that I have learned so far, I am sure that I will learn a lot more. I hope you all liked this.

My story and who I am.

My name is Chris Howell, I am a student cosmetologist, image consultant, stylist, make up artist, artistic director, organizaionalist. I currently am a student at Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design, where I have had so many opportunities  to work on a hair show, and gain hands on learning experience from some of the best in the business, such as Phillip Wilson, Larry Curtis, Fatima Ampey, Nicholas French, The Teals and Mark DeBolt.

If you asked me 18 months ago if I thought that I would end up in hair school I would have laughed and said no. Hair has always been a passion for me, but I never thought that I could do it and make a life for myself doing what I loved. I had thought that I was destined to work in a call center and be miserable. Then something happened that changed everything:

I was over at my friends house visiting with her and her 6 year old daughter. I was telling them about how I had watched a tutorial on how to curl hair with a "straightener" and telling her how I wanted to do it. She suggested that I do it on her daughter, who refused to let me. I ended up begging her to let me do her hair. I ended up paying her 6 year old five dollars and a movie date to let me do her hair.
On  the way home I was thinking about it and realized I could have someone pay me to do their hair. I immediately went home and looked up hair schools and two months later I started.

I started school November 2011 its almost been a year and I cannot believe how far I have come. I was looking at my Facebook pictures and you can defiantly tell when I started school.

I have learned that you can do what you love to do, and you can make money. But you have got to work your butt off. Success doesn't just happen you have to work for it. But if you are doing something that you love then its not really working. I have finally found my outlet and I am so happy.

I started this blog to record my journey, I have some big plans for myself and want to be able to record my journey.

I will update weekly if not more often and I will write about everything from make up reviews to hauls, photo shoots and whats going on at school.

Never, never, NEVER tell yourself that you cannot do something, because you can and YOU are the only one that is stopping yourself.

Chris