Shhh
Silent appointments have become popular in the beauty industry over the years. I started offering them a few years ago and my clients appreciate that I do. When I mention silent appointments some clients and stylists have questions.
What are silent appointments?
A silent appointment is a non-talking experience throughout the salon visit. There is no pressure for the client to talk.
What can you expect during a silent appointment?
Well, don’t expect crickets. Each stylist and salon environment will provide a different silent appointment experience.
For me, the appointment starts off like a regular appointment. We greet each other, consult about the service they are getting, and communicate what needs to be communicated during and after the service.
Comfortable Silence > Awkward Silence
Why I offer silent appointments.
I understand that not everyone likes small talk. Some want to relax and get a service done in silence. They are escaping work, children and over stimulating. I want to provide a place where they can get serviced without feeling like they have to do the salon norm, converse. Here it’s understood that awkward silence is not a thing.
It works both ways.
Stylists love silent appointments too. We don’t always want to talk. Some hair stylist have the same anxiety about having to engage in small talk. We may not have the bandwidth to carry conversation or listen to clients problems.
What to do when, you, the stylist, needs a silent appointment:
Communicate your needs to your client. You don’t have to tell them the reasons you need a silent appointment but just simply tell them that you don’t have it in you, respectfully. They would appreciate you letting them know than wonder why you seemed a little off.
Why aren't you offering silent appointments?
Read the room.
Most hair stylists feed off the energy of our clients. If my client is quiet, reading a book, or scrolling on their phone, I won’t start a conversation. Especially if they give short answers. To me, it’s obvious they don’t want to talk.
On the other hand, if they are asking questions and starting conversations, I will engage.
Take a survey
Ask your clients how they feel about the concept of having a silent appointment. Some may think it’s crazy. Some will love the idea. If just one person says they would book a silent appointment, offer it to them. You have nothing to loose. It doesn’t take a lot to offer this service.
Let your clients know about it.
- Talk to them about it in person or via email
- Hang up a sign in your work space
- Announce it on your website/booking site
- Explain how silent appointments work and let them know how to book it
Why offer silent appointments?
Why not? When you offer silent appointments you will attract a whole new set of clients who’ve been looking for a place where they can get great service without the pressure of having to talk during their service.
Suspendisse tincidunt iaculis varius. Nulla elit ante, ultrices id leo eu, pellentesque suscipit ligula. Curabitur at elementum lectus. Aenean quis nulla nibh. Duis vehicula dui nec rutrum viverra. Suspendisse potenti. Mauris tincidunt, nisi id suscipit dapibus, metus ante egestas ipsum, eget accumsan ipsum tellus et lacus. Proin augue purus, ultricies egestas dignissim varius, mattis in quam. Sed leo turpis, posuere iaculis enim in, tempor luctus metus. Integer ac arcu ullamcorper, luctus neque a, pulvinar lectus.
