Why is personal presentation so important when you work in a salon?

So you have decided to become a hairdresser, that's great news. Chances are you have come straight from school or you may have been at work in a different environment to a salon. So before we can ask why personal presentation is so important really we should ask what is personal presentation?

Personal presentation is the way we present ourselves, this could be the way we dress, the way be talk to people or the way we behave.

Starting with the way we look, you have chosen to work in a hairdressers and hairdressing is a very image based industry you are promoting and hopefully selling your hairdressing skills and knowledge to clients who build up trust in you their hairdresser!

So why wouldn't a client want to get their hair done by someone who looks scruffy with unkempt hair? Simply because if the hairdresser doesn't look like they can be bothered with themselves it gives a very poor image and the client might assume the hairdresser is not going to take time or have the skills to do their hair how they want it. Wearing fashionable but smart clothes with you hair freshly styled and if you wear make up or nail polish ensuring it is suitable and not chipped, this will give clients help clients in thinking you are a professional hairdresser and they will feel more at ease in your capable hands.

The way we talk is a major factor in giving a positive impression yourself when talking to clients. You will be talking to all different types of people of all ages from all kinds of backgrounds, it is important to adapt the things you talk about to suit your client whilst remembering to keep it professional. No one wants to over hear what you got up to at the weekend, or that you have had a disagreement with another member of staff. The biggest no no is talking about other clients if they hear you say something about Mrs Smith how do they know that you aren't doing the same once they leave the salon.

Finally positive body language, simple things like smiling, unfolding your arms and making appropriate eye contact (no one wants to be stared at) can make all the difference.

So remember impressions count and you must ensure a professional positive impressions is maintained at all times.