Sharing your hair color formula with clients is a hot topic of discussion among hairstylists. Many say “Who Care’s” and many firmly believe “Absolutely Not!”. While transparency and open communication are crucial in the client-stylist relationship, there are scenarios where sharing the formula makes sense and others where it’s not advisable. Let’s explore!
When to Share the Formula
Scenario 1: Building Trust and Loyalty
Sharing the hair color formula can be an excellent way to build trust and loyalty with long-term clients. When you’ve been working with a client for years and have established a strong relationship, they may be just asking because of curiosity, because what can they do with knowing their color is Matrix Color Sync 40g 3WN, 40g 4RB and 10g 4n, 10 volume?.
Scenario 2: Educating the Client
If a client is genuinely interested in understanding their hair color and wants to learn about the process, sharing the formula can be an educational opportunity. Fostering a deeper appreciation for your expertise and help clients make informed choices about their hair color in the future. This can allow them to understand how customized your formulation is to them, as well as deepen their respect for your professional knowledge.
Scenario 3: Client Relocation
When a client moves to a different location and needs to find a new stylist, providing the hair color formula can be a helpful gesture. It eases the transition and ensures their new stylist has a clear understanding of their color history. You can even go a step further to help recommend a hairstylist for them.
When Not to Share the Formula
Scenario 4: Trade Secrets and Professional Ethics
Stylists make proprietary color formulas or custom blends they consider trade secrets. Sharing such formulas might not align with professional ethics or business practices or state regulations. It’s essential to maintain the integrity of your trade.
Scenario 5: End of the Relationship
If a client decides to go to another stylist or you both mutually agree to discontinue the professional relationship, there is no need to share the color formula.
Scenario 6: Public Requests in a Facebook Group
If a client publicly requests their hair color formula in a Facebook group, it’s not advisable to provide it. Sharing color formulas in a public space may compromise your name or their hair. You do not want to be liable.
Scenario 7: Random Messaging
When a client messages you, asking for their formula without prior context it’s wise to exercise caution. In this case, it’s better to politely ask for more details and ensure you are communicating with the actual client before sharing any sensitive information.
Scenario 8: Client Absence for an Extended Period
A client who hasn’t been in for a hair service in months and suddenly requests their color formula may raise concerns. They might be looking to replicate your work elsewhere or have other reasons for requesting the formula.
What to say:
[Client’s Name],
I appreciate your interest in knowing your formula. As a stylist, my top priority is to ensure your complete satisfaction and maintain the quality and uniqueness of my work. However, I have certain professional considerations that I must uphold.
Hair color formulas often involve proprietary blends, chemicals and techniques.These formulations are an essential part of my trade, and sharing them could compromise the uniqueness of my services and affect my ability to provide you with the exceptional results you deserve.
I’m more than willing to discuss your hair color and its maintenance during our appointments, and I’m here to answer any questions you may have about your hair. If there’s anything specific you’d like to achieve with your hair color or if you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know, and I’ll do my best to address them. Thank you for understanding.
It’s crucial to balance transparency and professionalism while safeguarding your formulations and maintaining the integrity of your work. If you choose to share the formula, ensure you are communicating with the genuine client and do so privately to protect sensitive information.
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