4 Must-Know Tips For Virtual Consultations

Making The Switch To Virtual Consultations? Read This!

Zoom happy hours, digital hangouts and even DIY haircuts over Facetime—2020 taught us that when we can’t be face to face IRL, we have to get creative. That’s why some hairdressers are offering virtual consultations to stay connected to their clients and profitable during these unusual times. BTC did our own virtual consultation with Olivia Garden’s Owner and Vice President of Marketing Anne Maza and Artistic Director Cherry Petenbrink (@hairbycherryp) and scored tips for taking the fear out of going digital.

Keep scrollin’ for different consultation types, how to book out virtual services and tips for putting yourself out there on social media!

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1. Virtual Consultation & Connection Session Ideas

We’ve all heard our clients say, “I can never get my hair to look like this at home.” Here’s a breakdown of different ways to help with virtual consultation scenarios and some tips to get started.

• Tutorial: Let’s say your client has a Zoom conference, family get-together or an interview and they are stressed or frustrated about styling their own hair. As their trusted stylist, use this opportunity to offer ideas and walk them through a quick tutorial 

• Connection Session: This is an easy way to keep in touch with clients during quarantine or in between appointments. Use the video chat to trouble-shoot, problem solve and recommend products or tools.

Pro Tip: Simple quick tips will go a long way with clients. For example, using the cool shot button on their blow-dryer to lay down the cuticle and smooth frizz or flyaways.

• Consultation Kit: After consulting with a client, put together a customized kit of tools and retail products for curbside pickup, or ship directly to their home. The biggest difference between YOU and Google is that you know their hair history and they trust you, so it’s your job to guide them and recommend products. 

Peep this tutorial for client-friendly waves from @ambrosiacarey & @makeupbynikkilarose!

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Olivia Garden International (@oliviagardenint)

2. Post Client Tutorials On Instagram

Here’s another great way to connect with clients digitally: Post fast tutorials on Insta showing guests how to create styles at home and demo easy hair hacks. Then, let them know in the caption that you can customize a kit with the tools and products they’ll need to get the looks.

Watch this client-friendly dry shampoo hack from @claytonhawkins. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Olivia Garden International (@oliviagardenint)

3. How To Offer A Virtual Consultation

Here are some ideas for putting yourself out there, reaching out to clients and setting up virtual services:

Talking To Clients About Virtual Services:

• “I know you typically come in for a holiday blowout. Let me know if you’d like to jump on a video call, so I can give you some tips to do it yourself this year!”
• “Thinking of you at this difficult time and thought I would reach out to see if you need any product.”
• “I’d love to share some ideas on styling and helpful winter hair tips.”
• “Let’s talk about at-home color maintenance and ideas for when you return to my chair.”

Post On Social Media:

• Instagram Stories: Post IG stories (save the story in ‘highlights’ to keep it on your page)—this is also a good opportunity to recruit new clients and consult before their first appointments.
• Social Contests: Run a client-friendly contest (for example: have followers share your initial post or tag friends) to win a virtual consultation for holiday styling. Or, get stylists together in the salon to run a retail competition where a lucky client’s name will be drawn to win a one-hour virtual styling session. 
• Direct Messages: Send a DM out to clients who might be interested in virtual consultations, share what you’re offering and how they can book a time slot.

More inspo: Watch a quickie blowout tutorial @xo.farhana.balayage.

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Consultation Kits: Brush + Tool Ideas

The key to customizing a retail kit is not only including product recs, but brushes and tools clients need to create the looks they want. Here are a few daily essentials from Olivia Garden:

• Detangle Brush – Choose a detangle brush based on the client’s hair type (fine, medium and thick).
  Try this: OG Brush Collection
• Styling Brush – Round brush or vent brush for finer texture and a paddle brush for thicker hair.
  Try this: Ceramic + Ion Brushes
• Everyday Brush – Remind clients that they should brush their hair regularly throughout the day to maintain hair health.
  Try this: Ceramic + Ion Brushes.
• Flat Iron: For clients who want to do more advanced styles at home, like waves or sleek looks.
  Try this: Ceramic + Ion or Titanium + Ion Flat Irons

Want to share a more advanced technique? Watch this voluminous ponytail quickie from @alishajaredhairartistry!

 

 

 

 

 

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