Hair extension consultations are important as it is—they make up the basis of a successful installation—but they are particularly crucial for custom color clients. This is because the coloring process is multifaceted, and can vary significantly based on your client’s circumstances and objectives. Today, we’re going to go over the pillars of a successful color consultation, explaining what you need to do to make sure your client’s goals are being met.
Understand what the client wants.
Namely, do they want extensions to match their natural hair and/or add a bit of dimension, or do they want their extensions to be colored to a different shade? If they want them colored to a different shade, have them bring in print-outs that accurately show the color or look they want, and have them check the Color Ring to see if they find a good approximation there. If not, ask them to describe what they like about the color to get a sense for how they perceive the tone and shade. Perception is everything, so make sure you understand what they’re seeing.
Know the extent.
Ask your client to explain the extent of their color transformation. Do they want an all-over color change? A couple of well-placed highlights? An ombre? Will the color job involve coloring their natural hair, or just the extensions? Find out all of the relevant limits so that you have a firm grasp of the client’s expectations.
Discuss the methods.
Donna Bella has two methods for achieving color transformations using hair extensions: blending or coloring. In some cases, you can automatically rule one of the methods out based on your client’s stated goal—say, an all-over color change—but oftentimes it’ll depend on your client’s preferences. Both methods have their benefits, so be sure to spell them out to your client so they can make an informed decision.
Choose the extension color.
With your selected method in mind, return to the Color Ring and find the appropriate colors. For the blending method, you’re looking for the closest shades to the desired outcome color (up to 2 steps lighter and 2 steps darker). For the coloring method, you’re looking for either the closest shade up to 2 steps lighter than the outcome color, or the lightest shade in the same tone family as the desired outcome color (#60 for cool/neutral or #1001 for warm); you’ll also need to select the hair colors to be used during the coloring process.
Explain the steps.
Tell your client what will happen on the day of their color appointment, on the day of their installation appointment (they should be separate), and during any subsequent touch-up or move-up appointments. Be specific with your descriptions so your client can fully visualize the course of action. Explain the preparation work that your client needs to do before arriving to their appointments, and the aftercare they’ll need to perform to maintain their extensions and hair color. Demonstrate the aftercare tasks, and invite your client to repeat the steps in their own words. Suggest a schedule for all aftercare procedures, including touch-up and move-up appointments, and have your client revise and commit.
Schedule and order.
Once all the details of the service have been verified, schedule the appointment. If a color job is included in the service, schedule it as an individual appointment separate from the installation (the process will have to be completed in phases, with coloring first and installation following after a couple of days). You may even decide to schedule the first touch-up and/or move-up appointment in advance, to give your client incentive to adhere to their approved schedule. As soon as the appointment(s) have been scheduled, place an order for the necessary hair and colors (or set aside the necessary amount of the chosen colors, if they’re already on hand).
Coloring hair extensions can be a big job. That’s why we’ve compiled a thorough collection of color-related resources available at our new Color Takeover Portal. You can browse anything from custom color formulas to in-depth, how-to videos, all of it for free—effective immediately! Visit the Color Takeover Portal now to get started.