During a salon consultation, what should a stylist assess first?

The initial focus during a salon consultation should be on understanding the client's hairstyle preferences and lifestyle. This is essential because it allows the stylist to tailor their suggestions and recommendations to what the client actually wants, ensuring a more satisfying and personalized experience.

Assessing preferences helps to establish a clear foundation for the consultation, guiding the stylist in choosing styles that align with the client's tastes and daily routine, thus promoting a look that can be easily maintained. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle considerations—such as the client's profession, activity level, and commitment to hair maintenance—ensures that the suggested styles are practical and suitable for their daily life.

While understanding previous experiences, financial budgets, and current trends may be important in the consultation process, they typically follow after assessing the client's preferences and lifestyle. These additional factors can help refine the stylist's recommendations but should not overshadow the fundamental understanding of what the client wants and needs from their hairstyle.