As I wrote about in Client Preparation: Part I, I am always in my office before my scheduled client arrives—even if she’s early I am there to greet her. Here is a general rundown of what I say and do once she has walked through the front door:
The Initial Greeting. Assuming this is a first-time client, I stand up, put my hand out and
shake her hand, asking “Are you Mary?” and introducing myself, “Hi, I’m
Carolyn.” I do this in my current office because there are several
professionals working in the suite. However, I did this (introducing
myself) in my other offices where I worked alone. I never assume
anything, even that the client knows my name. And I always know their
name before they walk in the door. That may seem obvious or it may even
sound unimportant, but in order to make a good first impression and have
an instant connection with this new client, knowing her first name upon
introductions is crucial. In other words, I’m not saying “Hi, I’m Carolyn. Who are you?” I have had facials where the aesthetician didn't make a formal introduction (why not?) and it felt like a true connection was never made.
Room introduction.
I start walking to my facial room, asking if she needs to use the
bathroom. I highly recommend having this “service” available. After all,
who can relax when they have to go? If she opts for this, I tell her
she can leave her things (purse and coat if applicable) in my room and
meet me back there when she’s done.
Instructions. Once in my room, I tell my client this: “I’m going to tell you what I need you to do, then I’m going to leave you to do it.” Many times this gets a chuckle as a response. I’m not sure why exactly, maybe because I’m
so deliberate. Regardless, I want them to have full knowledge of
what is going on and why from the minute I meet them till they leave my
front door. Here is what I tell them:
- I’m going to have you put this smock on like so [demonstrating that the smock goes above the breasts but not over her shoulders].
- I’d recommend taking your pants off since you’ll be lying in this bed under a lot of blankets plus it’s heated underneath, so you’ll be more comfortable if you take everything off and just wear the smock.
- If you want to leave your bra on [some clients do], just slip the straps off your shoulders so that area [the décolleté] is clear.
- You can wear these socks or keep your own on—or not wear any at all. [I supply socks as well as a smock so I make sure my client is comfy.]
- There are hangers behind the door, or you can put things on any flat surface. [I have a desk, as well as a little high table for them to put their things.]
- I need earrings and necklace off. [Some ask about rings, but I don’t do anything below the décolleté in my treatments. If you do, obviously, have them take rings and bracelets off as well.]
- Before you get into the bed, just open the door a little bit so I know you’re ready, then climb in and I’ll come in and give you a facial!
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| The smock and socks are already waiting on the heated bed. |
My preparation. I leave them in the room to get ready while I go and thoroughly wash my hands. I can only hope that all aestheticians are doing this—washing their hands. I have been to a few facials and several massages where I did not see evidence of this most basic sanitary procedure. What can I say?—Ick!
Continue to read posts on client preparation and giving the facial to understand how I have been working as an aesthetician for over 30 years.
