Article by Emily Morgan - Membership Program Manager - Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Paperwork. What a buzzkill, right?
We’re fairly certain no one enters the colorful world of cosmetology and esthetics to be pushing papers. In fact, a majority of professionals were probably drawn to pursue hair styling and skin care as a career to escape the mundane tasks of office work.
But hear us out a minute… Imagine that a client walks into the spa, ready for her appointment. She’s been in only once before, but that was several months ago. You can’t quite remember exactly what treatment she received last time because you didn’t have her complete a client consultation form or record the treatment on a card. You take her over to your space and ask her what she would like done today. “I want exactly what you did last time.”
Uh-oh…
Your options now become A) Admit that you didn’t record the last service and you unfortunately can’t promise that her treatment today will come out exactly as it did last time, or B) Rack your brain as best you can, go on with the service how you think you probably did it last time, and hope for the best. Neither option is preferable, and it places both of you into an uncomfortable situation. By not having the proper documentation, you not only risk upsetting and even possibly injuring the client, but you also risk diminishing your reputation as a responsible, attentive hair stylist or esthetician.
Whether they tickle your organizational soul, or you’d prefer to avoid them at all costs, business forms are a vital and necessary aspect of salon and spa management. But try to think of them as more of an extension of your professional handshake.
Client consultation forms are an incredibly useful way for new clients to tell you important aspects about themselves that may be relevant to not only their service, but to their safety. Knowing more about their hair or skin care history can serve as your first indicator to any contraindications, allowing you to further discuss any red flags during the consultation. The info contained in a client consultation form is invaluable to have on hand. It will help you establish a game plan with much more ease and confidence (much to your client’s delight).
Equally as important as the consultation forms, are maintaining treatment record cards. View these as your ultimate treatment cheat sheets. Recording the conditions of your client’s hair or skin both prior to and after each treatment, which treatments you performed and when are all extremely important habits to maintain. Whether your client wants the same service as her last appointment, or is wanting to change it up, keeping current and accurate notes of what you have done in the past will make your job easier and leave more time for you to be creative and have fun! Talk about a win-win!
While it may not be the most exciting aspect of your day-to-day duties, these forms are an absolute must. Aside from impressing your client with your professionalism, maintaining records of your client’s treatments and history is insightful, saves you time, and keeps your client safe.
So get your Marie Kondo vibes on and happy form filling!
Article by Emily Morgan - Membership Program Manager - Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
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