Groomer by Design
Dear Barb, Is it okay to have a “style” as a groomer, or should I always do what the client wants? I feel like I’m developing a certain look in my grooms, but I don’t want to seem like I’m ignoring instructions.
Dear Signature Snipper,
Sorry to hear you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, or rather you’re stuck between creative expression, and an owner’s printed picture of a Schnauzer once popular on Pinterest back in 2008 (and their dog is most likely a cavoodle - go figure).
No matter how hard you might be trying to stop yourself developing a “look”, it will inevitably happen. Not because you’re too caught up in your own desires, but because as groomers we develop a routine in the way we do things.
You might start with pawpads and nails because you know you’re likely to forget at the end, or start with the body clip and leave all your scissoring until the end. We will always have a way we do things, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing the things at all!
Having a style doesn’t mean you’re an arrogant groomer either! Clients may come to you for the haircut, but they stay because they like your touch. Your eye, your hands and your aesthetics that show up consistently in your work.
“Create your own style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
- Anna Wintour
Whilst Miss Wintour is undoubtedly a master of style, we still must tread a little carefully when it comes to our self expression - because style should never override communication.
If I order my Thursday afternoon treat of a skinny chai latte and a slice of carrot cake and the waitress brings me a long black and a snot block (vanilla slice) whilst whispering “trust the vision”, I’m going to be very peeved off - it’s not what I asked for, nor is it something I enjoy looking at.
So how do we balance between the words of Anna Wintour and the waitress who would surely be donning a stunning new vanilla slice fascinator?
Listen first. Ask lots of questions, hear them out, take notes. What the client wants matters.
Educate… gently. Explain why a request may not be possible. “You’ve got a Cavoodle Karen, this is a picture of a Schnauzer”.
Put your polish on it. Show them the reason why they keep coming back to you.
And don’t worry - having a “signature look” doesn't mean you're inflexible, it means you're identifiable. Think the bold ‘tick’ of Nike… only fluffier.
Develop your style, hone it, be proud of it.
Just make sure there is always room for the client - and the dog - in the final result.
Now I’ll have to love you and leave you,
There is a skinny chai latte screaming my name.
Barb-bye!
