Personal presentation in the beauty industry is crucial for salon staff. Whether it’s at a hairdresser, spa, wellness centre or elsewhere, people come to salons to look good and feel their best. If staff members appear sloppy or unprofessional, their credibility (as well as the whole salon’s) can fall under scrutiny.

Are you in the beauty sector and wondering if your appearance is giving off the right vibes? Read on to find out more.

Why is personal presentation in the beauty industry important?

7 seconds. That’s all it takes to form a first impression. As a salon worker, you need those 7 seconds to present a smart, professional front that will gain the trust of your clients. The impression we give is a combination of our appearance, body language and communication. Besides giving off a professional aura, getting your clients to trust you is incredibly important. They are often left in a vulnerable position while you work with them. Whether you’re dealing with someone’s hair or body, an element of intimacy and trust rests on you to make them feel comfortable.

Good working practices

If you’re a beauty industry rookie or a seasoned veteran, there are some standards you should always adhere to.

Uniform

Not all salons have a uniform, but they will all have a dress code. You are responsible for maintaining your uniform and ensuring you always look presentable. When it comes to washing your uniform, it’s crucial that you follow the washing instructions. If your uniform is white, ensure you don’t mix it in with a coloured wash. If it’s black, steer well clear of bleach – both in washing and at work. Also, be wary of nail polish and fake tan to ensure the longevity of your uniform.

Make-up, skin, and nails

If you work in this industry, there’s a good chance you might be providing one of these services professionally to a client. This means that your client will judge your professional ability to do their hair/make-up/nails based on how your hair/make-up/nails look. Your make-up shouldn’t be too over the top – light day make-up is more than enough to show good knowledge of application techniques. Looking after your skin as best you can highlights the importance of a good skincare routine to your clients.

When it comes to nails, first and foremost, you need to assess yours from a safety standpoint. In salons that offer massage, facials, etc., keeping the nails short means you won’t scratch, pinch or hurt your client. No nail polish or extensions should be worn to avoid allergic reactions from clients. However, if you work as a nail technician, this rule will differ as you need to provide an example of your salon’s work. If you’re working in a place that permits nail polish, ensure that it isn’t chipped or coming off, as this can look unprofessional.

Hair

Like the rest of you, your hair should be always kept neat and tidy. Long hair should be tied up in a ponytail or bun and kept off the face. It should also be clean and free from grease. From an aesthetic standpoint, it matters, but also from a hygiene point of view. Your clients don’t want to brush your hair off them during their treatment. Apart from anything, it’s very unhygienic!

Jewellery

Your jewellery can also impact a client’s experience at your salon. Wearing rings, for example, during a facial can catch on or irritate the skin. Excessive amounts of jewellery can also make for a negative experience. For example – a client has had a stressful day, so they book a massage to relax and relieve some of the tension of the day. The masseuse is wearing multiple bracelets on their wrist and rings on their fingers. While trying to settle into the massage, the client is met with the jangling sound from bracelets and the feel of the rings upon their skin. While they were looking to relax, the masseuse’s jewellery – a seemingly small thing – impacted their experience. When in doubt – don’t wear it!

The touchy subjects

Now it’s down to some of the more sensitive subjects of presentation in the beauty industry.

Tattoos

We live in a world that is becoming more accepting of those with ink. Tattoos are a personal choice, and employers can no longer discriminate against those with tattoos when hiring. However, keep in mind how your tattoos may appear to clients. If you can, try and keep them to areas you can cover if necessary. Derogatory ink can make for negative first impressions and leave your clients feeling uncomfortable. If you’re planning on getting a new tattoo, consider your salon and how this would impact the way your clients see you.

Personal hygiene

Your personal hygiene is an extremely important aspect of your presentation. As you’re working in close quarters with your clients, you must be conscious of how you present to them. Body odour is one of the most important things to be wary of – especially if you work in a hot spa environment. Take the time to ensure your uniform is clean, and use a non-perfumed deodorant that is strong enough to keep you dry and fresh while you put in the hard yards! Avoid wearing perfume or cologne, too, as some people are sensitive to smells, which can feel overpowering.

Fresh breath is another thing to keep in mind. Avoiding foods like onion, garlic, fish, and anything with a strong odour can help to eliminate poor oral hygiene. Steer clear of handling these foods the night before. They can leave a smell on your hands – even long after washing them – which isn’t pleasant for the client you’re giving a facial to the next day!

Personal presentation in the beauty industry is crucial. Your client’s first impression of you often is formed in the first 7 seconds and will determine if they’re comfortable with you and think you’re credible. Wearing a uniform, practising good hygiene and looking neat and professional all help to form a strong first impression. If you’re looking to up your game and boost your professional appearance at work, shop the Biz Care range for the beauty industry or head into your closest distributor.