Girl, What's The Latest: Hot Gossip...Bad Topic

What is one of the first things you think of when you hear the word Beauty Salon (besides hair)? GOSSIP! Yes, gossip. We are all active participants in this cyclical activity whether you are doing the talking, listening or just simply being a spectator. It may sometimes seem innocent, but unhealthy conversation can do more than hurt someone’s reputation. Loose lips may also lead to violence such as the internet video which displayed a young beautician, who was servicing a client at the time, being brutally beaten by patrons of the salon due to gossip a.k.a. ‘he said, she said’.



We learn how to do it at such a young age; playing telephone, listening to our mother’s conversations with friends, and also watching the women interact with others in the beauty salon. And do not get me wrong ladies, men do gossip too, whether they will admit it or not. To some gossiping is like second nature, they just cannot help it. But it is our job as the professional to maintain control of what is being discussed in our salon, whether we own the salon or are just renting booth space. It is often seen as unprofessional to take part in such activities as gossiping. This may even turn some clients away, therefore affecting the amount of cash in your pocket.


We are not only cosmetologist, but did you also know we are counselors, therapists, and sometimes even mediators. Although it is fine to get into conversation about what is going on in the lives of your client, be careful not to get too involved in the situation. Sometimes the client may want you to pass a message on to someone else, but I would be careful in doing even that. Words get so twisted when trying to relay messages, it is usually just best that the client relays the message on her own. Unless it is that client’s personal business that he or she chooses to share with you, or a general topic, there is really no need for it to be discussed.


Now I am not saying be silent while performing services on your client, but what I am saying is find other things to discuss other than who is doing what, who, when, why or how often. For example:


• Make it interesting. Try to come up with an open-ended question you will ask each client as a way to get conversation flowing in the right direction.



• Guide the conversation. Do not be afraid to re-direct conversation when it gets into talking about other people who are not present in the salon to speak for themselves.

 • Lead by example! Be the one to set the tone of how their salon visit is going to be, and check yourself when you find yourself talking about somebody else’s business other than your own.



Ladies let’s get some business about ourselves and discuss topics that are of substance. Topics that may encourage uplift or educate another individual. Your mouth is a powerful tool and what you say you can never take back. There is no rewind button or do-overs. Once it is out there, that is it, be ready for whatever consequences may follow. Let me leave you with a quote from an unknown source:


GREAT MINDS DISCUSS IDEAS, Average Minds Discuss Events, small minds discuss people!


Where do you fit in?


Please feel free to comment below by clicking on the word ‘comment’. Thank you for your feedback.

The Hook Up: The Professional's Point of View

     So, I love doing hair... And nearly ten years ago, fresh out of Cosmetology school, I used to love doing hair so much that I would do it for next to nothing or sometimes even free of charge. My mother would have a fit and say I was not charging enough for my time as a licensed professional. Now remember the key word here is "used to". Since then I have wised up and have come to understand what she meant by 'knowing how much my time is worth'. For the amount of time we as Cosmetological Entrepreneurs spend behind the chair beautifying others, we should be respectfully compensated for our hard work.

     There have been several times I have been asked by relatives or friends to do their hair. Now me being me, I would always make time to squeeze them in. But I can recall a few incidents where it came time to pay and the infamous question spilled out of their mouth, "Can I get the HOOK UP?"  I am sure we all know exactly what 'The Hook Up' is; a break, discount, pay half now and the rest later, a birthday gift, trade, or favor. 'What?' I would say to myself, 'After I have slaved over your nest, now you try to play me?' Surely,I am not the only stylist who has ever been offered this type of propsition. While our family and friends can be our biggest support they can also force us to make some tough decisions in regards to providing them with services. I will never forget while working in one salon the owner had a bold sign posted next to her mirror stating, "NO DISCOUNTS!!! FAMILY AND FRIENDS INCLUDED!" I was like  'wow, that's messed up', but then as my clientele grew, mainly from friends and family, I began to understand why she posted that sign for everyone to see.  
    
     It has not solely been family and friends who try to get a break, but just the other day a young lady entered into the salon  where I work and asked if anyone waxed eyebrows. I let her know I did and would be able to take her in a few moments. She then asked the price of the service and I told her. I couldn't believe what came out her mouth next..."Wow that's a lot, they only charged me X dollars at the other shop Can't you do them for the same price?" I giggled to myslef and politely explained to her that prices vary by stylist, salon and service, and just because one place charges a certain fee does not mean other salons are going to price match. This is not Meijer or Wal-Mart. We are talking about experience, expertise, and individuals who have spent many hours and years inside the classroom and out in the field perfecting their craft. Now tell me would that same person go to the local nail salon and ask for the 'free', or give them $10 now and the rest on Friday. I know that would not happen, so why is it okay to do that to your beautician?For most who picked Cosmetology as their career this is what feeds the family and pays the bills.

So, is it wrong for a sign to be posted for everyone to see? Fellow beauty professionals and clients please tell me your thoughts on 'the hook up'? Is it ever a time that its okay to ask for one? Tell me what you think.