2 minute read
Excelling at the Backwash
Summer 2021 / The Backwash Experience comfort & joy
Salon group owner and CEO for Passion4hair, Debbie Digby offers her top tips on making the shampoo experience a joy, not a trauma!
Image credit: Barrie Stephen Hair
In a client survey about the salon experience, the most popular part of the client visit was voted the shampoo experience. In the same survey, it was also the least popular part.
These contrasting views show that the care and skill of the hairdresser carrying out the shampoo service will determine whether a client finds the experience relaxing or traumatic. When I was an apprentice hairdresser, I loved shampooing, and it showed.
Here are my tips for providing the best shampoo experience:
MAKE SURE THE AREA IS CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE
Before you escort your client to the basin, make sure it is sanitised and that the area around is tidy and prepared for the service. Ensure you have fresh towels and a gown ready.
ENSURE THE CLIENT IS COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED
As your client takes a seat and reclines, her comfort should be top of your agenda. Your basin is likely to have adjustments for the seat and the bowl. Make sure you know how to adjust these for client comfort. You can also use cushions and a footrest to help support or to raise the height. Use a neck rest and keep asking your client how she feels. If your client is not positioned well, she may get wet or suffer pain, if she feels relaxed, she will enjoy your service. Remember if your client cannot get comfortable you always have the option to offer a forward wash.
KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS
Are you comfortable? Is the water the right temperature? Do you prefer a firm or gentle massage? Each client is unique. Your stylist should help you select the right shampoo and conditioner for the best results.
BECOME A MASSAGE SPECIALIST
I became the clients’ favourite apprentice by mastering a massage technique that could be adjusted for each client’s personal preference. Some liked it gentle, others firm, but the movements were always the same. The length of time was consistent — I never cut corners. I would encourage my clients to relax and enjoy by saying: “I want you to enjoy your shampoo so please feel free to close your eyes and I will keep chat to a minimum”.
GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS
While you are with the client, speak clearly and at a volume she can hear. Let her feel confident in your care. Your ability to deliver the client back to the stylist relaxed and ready will pay dividends in your career. If the client leaves you dishevelled with a wet collar, how do you think that will affect the rest of her service?
We have a duty of care to deliver the best services and look after every client’s health and safety. The shampoo experience should be the most enjoyable part of the service, making the apprentice a vital part of the salon team.
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