How to improve communication in your living room

Good communication is key to the success of any business, but it's especially important in the beauty industry.

Poor communication with clients can land you in hot water, because if you don't understand what they are asking for, you could disappoint them with the results. But when customers feel comfortable communicating freely, they can clearly explain what they want and enjoy the entire salon experience.

Effective communication is also important for your staff. When team members talk openly with each other and with management, there is more transparency and less risk of conflict in the workplace.

So how can you improve communication in your living room?

We've rounded up our top five tips for salon owners to foster good communication with their clientele. We'll also look at why creating a communication culture is so vital for your salon team.

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5 tips for good communication in a living room

If you can't communicate well with your customers, you won't be able to deliver the results they want. They will leave unsatisfied and probably won't return.

Customers don't just visit salons to get their hair cut, they also come to the hairdresser for a relaxing and fun experience. And if you can build a relationship with them, you'll likely have a client for years to come.

Conversation is an integral part of the living room environment: customers expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and they should feel comfortable explaining what they want and giving feedback.

Good communication can also prevent incidents before they happen, so as a salon manager you need to ensure that you and your staff are following best practices when communicating with customers.

These are our top five tips for good communication in your living room:

Be polite and professional Start conversations To ask questions don't talk too much Be a good listener Be polite and professional

Always be polite and professional when styling your clients, especially when they come to your salon for the first time.

Focus on what they want to accomplish and answer their questions or doubts.

Offer your professional advice when needed to help them choose a flattering hair color or hairstyle they'll love.

Start conversations

If you go straight to work in silence, your clients may feel uncomfortable or bored, especially if the treatment takes time.

Hairdressers need to take the initiative and start conversations. New clients may feel shy at first, but a light conversation will help them relax and trust you. Make eye contact and make sure your body language is open and friendly.

Ask open-ended questions

If you don't know what to say to customers, just ask questions. Avoid heavy topics (politics and religion are off the table), but good light questions will get your clients talking.

Ask them about their weekend plans, hobbies, and if they have any upcoming holidays or special occasions, and pay attention to their answers.

As you get to know your customers, it will be easier for you to strike up a conversation each time you see them.

don't talk too much

Remember that clients come to your salon to be pampered. So while they're eager to tell you about their next trip to Thailand or their best friend's wedding this weekend, they might not be so excited to listen to all your news.

Of course you can talk about yourself, but don't overdo it and try to keep the focus on them. If you sense that your client is not in a chatty mood and prefers to relax quietly, respect that and don't try to force a conversation.

Be a good listener

Salon employees should have good listening skills.

First, you need to listen carefully to what customers want, even when they don't do a good job of explaining it. Sometimes people have unrealistic explanations (makes me look like Jennifer Lawerence!) or want something you know won't fit them (bleach my jet black hair blonde platinum!) You have to listen and interpret their wishes to offer them...