CHS Client Consultation Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client arrives with a printed photo of a style but has fine, straight hair while the model in the photo has thick, wavy hair. What is the best approach?
- Recreate the style exactly as shown
- Explain how hair texture will affect the result and suggest modifications (Correct answer)
- Decline to attempt the style
- Tell the client the photo is unrealistic without offering alternatives
Correct answer: Explain how hair texture will affect the result and suggest modifications
Managing client expectations by explaining how texture differences affect the outcome and offering modified solutions prevents dissatisfaction.
Question 2: During a consultation, you notice a client's scalp has red, flaky patches. What should you do?
- Proceed with the service and treat the scalp afterward
- Recommend a scalp treatment product without further assessment
- Refer the client to a dermatologist before performing chemical services (Correct answer)
- Apply a clarifying shampoo to remove the flakes first
Correct answer: Refer the client to a dermatologist before performing chemical services
Chemical services on an irritated or compromised scalp can cause serious harm, so a medical referral is the appropriate step.
Question 3: A client requests a color service but cannot remember what products were used at another salon six months ago. What is the safest course of action?
- Proceed immediately since six months is enough time for previous color to fade
- Perform a strand test before applying color to the full head (Correct answer)
- Ask the client to guess and proceed accordingly
- Apply a filler first regardless of the history
Correct answer: Perform a strand test before applying color to the full head
A strand test reveals how the hair will react to the new color when prior chemical history is unknown.
Question 4: Which question best helps determine a client's lifestyle suitability for a particular hairstyle?
- What is your favorite color?
- How much time do you spend styling your hair each day? (Correct answer)
- How long have you been coming to this salon?
- What shampoo brand do you currently use?
Correct answer: How much time do you spend styling your hair each day?
Daily styling time reveals whether a client can maintain a style that requires significant upkeep.
Question 5: A client in their 60s requests an extremely trendy cut they saw on a teenager on social media. What is the most professional response?
- Refuse the service immediately
- Perform the cut exactly as requested without comment
- Discuss how the style can be adapted to complement the client's features and lifestyle (Correct answer)
- Suggest the client come back when they are more decided
Correct answer: Discuss how the style can be adapted to complement the client's features and lifestyle
Adapting trending styles to suit a client's individual features and lifestyle shows professionalism and ensures client satisfaction.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of documenting consultation notes in a client record card?
- To comply with salon marketing requirements
- To track inventory usage
- To provide consistent service and reference for future appointments (Correct answer)
- To report to state licensing boards
Correct answer: To provide consistent service and reference for future appointments
Client record cards ensure that stylists can replicate successful results and avoid repeating mistakes across visits.
Question 7: A client asks for a haircut that you believe will not suit their face shape. What should you do?
- Perform the cut as requested without comment
- Refuse to do the cut
- Share your professional opinion and explain why, then respect the client's final decision (Correct answer)
- Tell the client they are wrong and insist on your recommendation
Correct answer: Share your professional opinion and explain why, then respect the client's final decision
Sharing professional insight respects the client's autonomy while fulfilling your duty to provide expert guidance.
CHS Client Consultation Skills 2
A client arrives with a printed photo of a style but has fine, straight hair while the model in the photo has thick, wavy hair.
What is the best approach?