Try it on for Size

Wouldn't it be nice to show clients ahead of time what they might look like with a particular style or color? Some salons are doing just that by implementing the latest hair imaging technology into their business. With the click of a mouse, a client can see how she'd look in that new cut she so desires or in that color you keep suggesting but she's too skittish to try.

"When consumers buy items, like clothes, jewelry and cosmetics, they want to try on the items before they buy them," says Hal Wilson, president of CyberImaging in Raleigh, NC. "Of all of the things people buy, the one thing they can't take off if they don't like it is a hairstyle. Now consumers can try it on just like they would anything else."

If you know that a particular stlye will look better on a particular face shape, the software gives you the ability to communicate and illustrate your point effectively. You can let a client see what she'll look like and she's more willing to make the change.

"During the consultation a colorist sits down with the customer and goes through what she's looking for, whether it's a single process color, highlights or color correction."explains Alvaro Sousa, director of MIS and salon development for HairColorXpress (HCX), a chain of color-only salons headquartered in southern Florida. "The customer will talk about what she hopes to achieve. The colorist then explains that there is a product called CyberImaging and that it can be a great way to see what the results would be."

At HCX the client picks between up to six colors, based on the color line the salon carries, and then receives a printout of her choices. She then can make a decision what is most appropriate for her.

"This is something you can offer that other salons don't have, which can bring in new business." says Randy Skillin, American distributor for Salon Styler in Fresno, CA. "You can use it as a sales tool for clients to try different styles because it usually translates into additional service dollors. You also can add a cost for incorporating this into the consultation."

Diane Krueger