Consultation is basically an exclusive interaction with the client privately so that you can have a comfortable one-to-one talk. This interaction with the client will help to analyse the needs and other confidential information regarding the client that will assist you to give them the best advice and satisfying treatment. Start the conversation with your introduction so that the clients can take their time to get comfortable and engage openly. The body language and the tone of the therapist matters a lot during the consultation.
Make sure to give at least 10 minutes to the initial client consultation in the room where you intend to get the client’s treatment done so that he/she can become familiar and an open atmosphere is maintained. There are three important parts of every consultation session which must be fulfilled before the client gets ready for the treatment; this would probably eliminate any chance of misconception later on.
The three fragments of consultation session are as follows:
- Observing the client:
The therapist needs to thoroughly observe the body language of the client to be aware of his/her state of mind. This will highlight whether the client is nervous, extrovert, introvert, hiding any illness, having a poor posture, is mentally stable etc.
2. Verbal questioning:
During this phase, the therapist will gather all of the client’s information required to create a record file. This record will keep a backup of the client’s visit and the treatment taken and would help the therapist to keep a follow up of the client afterwards.
3. Physical examination of the client:
This part of the consultation session is carried out once the therapist is satisfied that the client is suitable for the treatment. This examination will tell whether the client is physically fit for the treatment to be carried out or are there any restrictions. Therapists figure out the presence of any contra-indication and ask the client openly about any allergies.
The therapist must be open to the client and inform the need to carry out the consultation session. The client must be encouraged tactfully to answer all the questions required to create his record update and to make sure that there is no contra-indication present. Carry out your professional consultation to identify the treatment objective.
The consultation is your opportunity to up-sell the treatment you are giving if this is possible or desired by the client. For example, if the client is having a standard manicure or pedicure you could offer them a deluxe treatment. To make sure your client leaves satisfied, it is important to listen to them carefully and match the treatment objectives to their expressed needs.
The client might have several treatment objectives including:
- To reduce and/or even out the length of the nails
- To smooth out any irregularities on the nail plate
- To improve the condition and appearance of the cuticle
- To condition, rehydrate and nourish the nail and skin
- To exfoliate the skin
- To provide an attractive and/or a protective covering to the nail plate.
When you have agreed the treatment objectives, it is a good idea to summarise exactly what the manicure or pedicure treatment will include. When you have agreed the treatment plan with your client, you should ask them to sign and date it to agree and consent to the treatment.
