Your client is planning their dream day and has come to you for advice to help get their brows perfect. So, what do you do? Where do you start? How do you make sure their brows are absolutely wedding ready?
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Your client is planning their dream day and has come to you for advice to help get their brows perfect. So, what do you do? Where do you start? How do you make sure their brows are absolutely wedding ready?
Brow Assessment
First, you need to assess the brows. Is this a client you’ve had forever or is this a new client with a goal? The client who’s come to you for years will be an easier process potentially, but they still should have a plan in place to avoid any mistakes along the way.
The struggle with a new client is just that, they’re new, and there’s a level of unknown. So, where do we start with either client?
With either client situation, the first priority is having a conversation. Along with the many well wishes and congratulations, there should be some necessary questions.
For example: Top 4 Pre-Wedding Facials
- “When’s the wedding?”
- “What’re your eyebrow goals?”
- “Do you have any inspiration photos?”
- “What makeup look are you planning?”
As you discuss these plans, you can get the information you need to map out your plan for your client’s brows.
When Is The Wedding?
This gives you a clear timeline and allows you to set realistic expectations for your bride to be. For a current client, this may just be booking out their regular appointments, so they don’t miss an appointment before any events. For a new client, this may be the time to help curb any unrealistic goals. You need to put on your educator hat and help them understand what the best options are. Not only for their brows, but also for what will be achievable in their timeline. The less time you have, the less major changes you can create.
Recommending something like permanent cosmetics could lead to a lot of possible issues. The best protocol is to keep them as natural as possible, so they still recognize themselves on their big day. You want to enhance their natural beauty.
What’re Your Eyebrow Goals?
This may seem obvious, but it’s ground zero for any plans. It’s also something that gets overlooked, which can lead to misunderstandings. Addressing the client's goal may not always be clear and easy. Some clients need a bit of help getting to their dream eyebrow goals. It’s your curious mind’s time to shine, so ask tons of questions to get to the nitty gritty.
Related: Top 4 Pre-Wedding Facials
Do You Have Any Inspo Photos?
Rolling off the last question, this is a great option for when you or your clients may be confused. Though this can make things clearer, it also has its confusing parts too. Depending on where your client found their photos, you may have to critique them a bit. Make sure to point out any makeup, treatments, etc. that you notice in the photo. This way you can explain realistic expectations and avoid confusion or issues later.
I love when a client uses my own social media feed as examples of what they like or want. I know exactly what it took to create that look and typically can recreate it or something similar to it.
What Makeup Look Are You Planning?
It’s important to know what their plan is for a couple reasons. First, if their timeline is on the shorter end, you may be able to get them as close to the goal as possible and then give makeup recommendations to cross the finish line.
Second, if they plan on going super natural or super bold, you may have to adjust your game plan. Someone opting for a natural makeup look is going to have higher expectations than someone planning a bold makeup look.
Making a Game Plan
Once you’ve gotten really clear about their goals, it's time to assess the brows in their current state. If the client is new, you may need a little more consulting to ensure you’re on the same page. A new client, depending on their goals, should come to you ideally nine to 12 months prior to their big day.
The bigger the adjustments needed, the longer the timeframe will need to be. With treatments like brow lamination and tinting, you can make bigger changes happen in a shorter time frame. However, if it’s the client’s first time doing anything outside their comfort zone, you need to account for that. I recommend them getting tinting done a minimum of three months before their wedding if they’ve never had a tint before. For lamination, I’d recommend a minimum of four months before the wedding or longer if they wanted to test it a bit more.
This will allow them to experience the service, results and aftercare without all the pressure. The last thing you want for your client is a terrible experience too close to any of their events.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Maintaining a solid line of communication is important for any client experience, but especially when planning for big events, like weddings. Getting clear on their needs and goals is the first task in tackling a game plan. Once you’re clear on your client’s goals, it’s time to educate, plan and get to work.
Common Brow Goals For Big Events
Let’s talk about a few main goals I see most commonly:
- The maintenance baddie: Their goal is scheduled beauty treatments, so they don’t have to worry. This bride/groom is all about sticking to a plan of action and goodbye to any worries. Supporting them will look like scheduling all or most of their appointments, so they slay every event they have planned. They probably don’t want to try anything new, and the goal is to stay the course and keep it consistent.
- The newbie: Their goal is simplicity and guidance. This bride/groom may need a little more education. They could be really excited about a new treatment they’ve never tried. That would be the best time to explain the need for time to test out these treatments and total transparency about expectations. If they’re short on time, it would be better to keep it super simple and not try anything they’re unfamiliar with.
- The drama queen: These clients want it all, all the treatments and all the drama. This client may have unrealistic expectations at first. Thankfully, drama takes time, and they typically have a longer timeline. First, make sure their expectations are grounded in reality and be super clear about realistic results. Meet in the middle and find the perfect sweet spot that elevates their natural brows in the best way.
- The growth guru: Their goal is to rehab their brows back into shape. This is definitely the most unpredictable situation. First and foremost, you have to have the conversation that you may not be able to make growth happen in some areas. But, with enough time, you know you can make some real changes to the brow shape. The game plan for this client is patience and regular appointments to maintain shape and check-in. This also would be the best client to retail a brow serum to, along with a quick breakdown of how they should use it. Also, making sure to have them agree to stop grooming their brows at home.
Brow Wow!
Helping a bride or groom on their journey to their wedding can be such a magical experience! As a brow artist, it can be worrisome if you don’t have a plan in place. Once you and the client have that conversation and set the goal, it’s a breeze you both can enjoy. Just remember to maintain clear expectations, communication and realistic goals. You’ll have your bride’s or groom’s brows slaying in no time.
Megs Saxton has been an esthetician for seven years with a focus on brows. Threading has her heart and will forever be her preferred method of hair removal. She believes in continued education and is always learning to make your experience better than the last! Her favorite service is definitely brow lamination and is eight times certified by the best trainers in the biz. Megs strives to empower other professionals with in-depth education.
