How to deliver professional service in brow business

Videos

Powder Brows

Procedure, Techniques, Pigments, Aftercare...

Microblading

Procedure, Technique, Patterns, Supplies, Retention...

Ombre Brows

Soft Ombre, Pixels, Whip, Pendulum techniques...

Hairstrokes

Nano Brows, Hairstrokes patterns, Natural PMU...

Combo Brows

Powder + Miroblading, Powder + Hairstrokes...

Marketing

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Organic growth...

Removal

Saline, Lactic Acid, Laser removal procedure...

Articles

Powder Brows

Procedure, Techniques, Pigments, Aftercare...

Microblading

Procedure, Technique, Patterns, Supplies, Retention...

Ombre Brows

Soft Ombre, Pixels, Whip, Pendulum techniques...

Hairstrokes

Nano Brows, Hairstrokes patterns, Cashmiere Brows...

Combo Brows

Powder + Miroblading, Powder + Hairstrokes...

Marketing

Offline marketing, Online marketing, website, domains...

Practical Tips

Tutorials, Action plans, Point-by-poin advice...

Removal

Saline, Lactic Acid, Laser removal procedure...

Facebook

Business account, Ads, Targeting...

Instagram

Organic growth, Fake followers, ads...

Pricing

1. Background

This article presents findings from detailed interviews conducted with 24 of the highest-earning professionals in the Permanent Makeup (PMU) industry. These individuals represent the top 3.5% of practitioners who have completed their training and sustained a successful practice for over two years. This is notable, considering approximately 80% of trainees cease to be active in the field within 24 months. The artists we interviewed make up about 19% of the industry's active professionals, yet they remarkably generate over 80% of the local customer revenue in their areas. Most of these artists are based in European Union countries, with two from the UK and two from the United States. Our research found no substantial differences in the quality of advice based on geographical location.

Our interviews focused on gathering specific, practical, actionable advice emphasizing professionalism and service delivery excellence. The resulting recommendations are compiled into a checklist format. This format is designed to be directly applicable and beneficial for beginners and experienced practitioners specializing in Powder Brows and Hairstrokes techniques.

2. Cleanliness - Take it seriously

It may seem basic, but it's vital to reframe how you view your workspace. Instead of seeing it as a "tattoo salon" or "art studio," start treating it as a "medical procedure treatment room." While regulations for Powder Brows and Hairstrokes might be less strict than those for other medical procedures, this doesn't mean that high cleanliness standards are unnecessary. On the contrary, many top-performing artists have noted that exceeding basic cleanliness requirements has significantly enhanced their professionalism and reputation. Here are some essential aspects to consider.

Elevate Your Standards for Cleanliness

Ensure that every part of your space visible to the client is immaculate. This includes every corner, surface, floor, wall, and restroom. Remove all stains and repair any areas that look worn or damaged. Walk from the entrance to your workstation and critically assess anything that looks unprofessional, messy, stained, or disrepair. This might even involve addressing areas beyond your immediate control. Employing robust cleaning agents to achieve a "medical-level clean" environment is often what sets you apart. Importantly, once you've raised your cleanliness standards, it's crucial to maintain them consistently.

Your appearance and attire are also part of this principle. Aim for a look more akin to a medical professional than an artist. This shift can significantly impact how clients perceive the professionalism and safety of your services.

Declutter Your Workspace

Experienced artists often stress the significance of a minimalistic workspace. A cluttered area can quickly undermine your professionalism, regardless of your location or the elegance of your surroundings. The goal is to minimize the number of items within the client's view. Critically evaluate the necessity of each object and consider what you can remove. In shared spaces, advocate for this minimalistic approach among your peers. Store necessary items in drawers or cabinets rather than on open shelves to maintain a clean visual field. A workspace with fewer visible items will invariably appear more professional to the client.

Hygiene at Your Workstation

The concept of cleanliness is particularly crucial at your immediate workstation. Begin by sterilizing all surfaces involved in the procedure, including chairs, tables, lamps, and even your phone if used for taking photos. Use a disposable interlining sheet on the treatment bed and place a disposable foil pad beneath the client's head for enhanced sanitation.

Cover frequently touched items like lamps, chairs, and your machine with disposable film to reduce cross-contamination risks. Organize all necessary tools and products in advance, such as cartridges, nozzles, needles, pigments, anesthesia, crayons, and cosmetic sticks.

Lastly, keep an open, empty trash bin close to the treatment bed to dispose of used items quickly. This level of preparation not only promotes a smoother procedure, reinforces client trust and contributes to a safer environment.

3. Standardized Consent

A straightforward but impactful way to boost your professionalism is by standardizing your procedures, and a critical component of this is formalizing your interactions with clients through a contract. Contrary to the beliefs of some artists, forgoing formal contracts doesn't necessarily make you more approachable or alter the legalities of your service. The services you provide are already subject to local laws and regulations. Clearly outlining these in a contract is typically beneficial. Moreover, consistently including a consent form as part of your service process enhances, rather than diminishes, your professional standing.

Therefore, before beginning any pigmentation procedure, always provide the client with a standardized contract for them to review and sign. Ensure ample time to discuss the contract's contents and address any questions or concerns the client might have. Many experienced artists underline the importance of this process: the objective isn't to rush the client through signing but to thoroughly guide them through the document. Encourage them to ask questions and fully comprehend the agreement they're entering into. This not only safeguards both parties but also reinforces your professional image.

4. Explaining the Basics

While revisiting aftercare guidelines and restrictions with clients might seem rudimentary to many artists, the significance of this step should not be overlooked. You may have digital aftercare instructions and have even sent them to the client beforehand. However, discussing these matters repeatedly can feel tedious. Some artists confess to skipping this step, finding it "painfully boring," and rely on the client's assertion that they've read and understood everything. This practice is inadvisable.

Research indicates that clients often do not fully read or understand the guidelines; they might agree to expedite the process. Thus, a mere verbal acknowledgment is insufficient. Engaging in a direct conversation about these topics greatly minimizes potential issues during the healing process, particularly as clients encounter unexpected developments. So, irrespective of the client's initial assurances, maintain professionalism by meticulously explaining the fundamental risks, restrictions, and aftercare procedures.

5. Know your limits

Handling client expectations is a nuanced task that requires a balanced approach. There's often a significant disparity in expertise between artists and clients. With their extensive experience, artists may have a deep understanding of dermatology, aesthetics, and various techniques. In contrast, clients might not be familiar with the differences between options like Combo Brows, Hairstroke Technique, Hairstrokes gradient, Ombré Effect, and more.

The challenge then is balancing what a client desires with what is professionally advisable. New artists sometimes veer towards extremes: they might rigidly refuse to accommodate specific client requests, criticizing their choices, or they might agree to almost everything, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.

True professionalism is about finding a middle ground. It's crucial to listen carefully to the client's wishes, educate them to the extent they can understand, and then negotiate a compromise. This compromise should be something you're comfortable with and doesn't undermine your professional standards. Experienced artists often note that the best compromise usually aligns with the least they're willing to offer, particularly concerning aspects like brow shape, color, mapping, placement, and arch height. Respecting your professional boundaries is key to providing a superior service and ensuring client satisfaction.

6. Knowing When to Walk Away

In "The Art of the Deal," Donald Trump highlights the strategic advantage of being able to walk away during negotiations. He argues that your negotiation power increases significantly when you're not afraid to leave the table, as desperation or overcommitment can undermine your position. While your opinion of Trump might vary, the underlying principle here is crucial, especially in the professional world. Essentially, you're not truly negotiating or compromising if you're unwilling to refuse a procedure. This willingness to walk away is more important in maintaining professionalism than many artists realize.

Seasoned artists often emphasize the necessity of establishing firm boundaries. Many have declined to provide services under certain conditions. Newcomers might rationalize bending their professional limits as "making an exception," but this can be dangerous. Phrases like "every client is different" or "flexibility is key" can be deceptive. True professionals have strict standards they refuse to compromise.

Adhering to your principles, even when it's challenging, demonstrates professionalism. Although refusing a client's request or insisting on a signed contract might lead to immediate losses, such as the client's displeasure, these are typically balanced by long-term benefits. If your professional integrity becomes known, it can enhance your reputation. Being firm in your professional standards protects you and elevates your standing in the field.

7. No gossiping

Discussing the work of other artists, particularly when a client is dissatisfied with their prior service, is a delicate situation that can test your professionalism. While validating a client's criticisms of another artist's work may be tempting, doing so can compromise your professional integrity.

It's crucial to consider that the root of any perceived issues may not be solely the artist's fault; factors like the client's aftercare can significantly influence the outcome. Furthermore, if a client has consistently been unhappy with services from various artists, the problem might lie more with their expectations than with the artists' competencies. Envision how you would feel if this client discussed your work unfavorably with another professional.

What do seasoned artists recommend? Rather than partaking in criticism, they advise maintaining a neutral position or respectfully defending the previous artist when appropriate. While this might momentarily make you less popular with the client, it ultimately reinforces your credibility in the long run. Should there be a legitimate issue with the brows or skin, concentrate on addressing that specific problem instead of critiquing the prior artist's work. Upholding such professional standards is vital in establishing and maintaining a reputable practice.

8. Prioritizing Client's Interests

A common trait among many Hairstrokes artists is their profound passion for the technique, often leading them to recommend it as the optimal choice for most clients. However, artists must recognize that their expertise gives them a significant influence over clients' decisions. They are in a position to sway clients towards one technique over another.

A professional artist should never exploit their knowledge to persuade the client to prefer one technique over another. Being honest and truly listening to the client's desires is paramount. Many seasoned artists have emphasized that over time, they've shifted towards being more straightforward, avoiding misrepresenting how a particular style might interact with the client's skin, its retention, or potential healing issues. They have moved towards brutal honesty, describing the situation as they see it without embellishment, allowing the client to make a well-informed decision.

People vary greatly, and it's impossible to know exactly what's happening in a client's mind, thoughts, and feelings. Therefore, the artist's role is to listen attentively and respond with utmost honesty and transparency. This approach respects the client's autonomy and upholds the integrity of the artist's profession. It's about providing the best possible advice while allowing the client to decide based on a clear understanding of all factors involved.

9. Conclusions

Enhancing your professionalism as a Powder Brows or Hairstrokes artist involves several key strategies:

Prioritize Cleanliness and Hygiene. Aim to exceed standard cleanliness expectations. Transform your workspace to mirror a medical facility rather than an art studio. This elevates your professional image and assures clients of their safety.
Declutter Your Workspace. Maintain a minimalist and orderly space. Store non-essential items out of sight and utilize disposable tools when possible to ensure a pristine environment.
Standardize Procedures. Implement standardized processes, including contracts for all clients. Don't hesitate to decline service if necessary. Regularly review care guidelines and restrictions with clients, regardless of their familiarity with the procedures.
Know Your Professional Boundaries. Be open to client preferences but remain within your professional limits. Be prepared to refuse service if it compromises your standards. Avoid unnecessary lecturing, focusing instead on constructive dialogue.
Maintain Professionalism in Discussions. When discussing other artists, especially in cases of client dissatisfaction, maintain neutrality or defend the other artist professionally. Avoid participating in criticism as it undermines your and the industry's integrity.

Remember, your professionalism is not just about the immediate service but also about building a reputation for long-term success and client trust.