What should the stylist evaluate during an initial client consultation?

During an initial client consultation, evaluating the client's hair history and desired outcome is crucial for achieving satisfactory results. This aspect of the consultation helps the stylist understand the client's past experiences with their hair, including any chemical treatments, hair color processes, or styling techniques that may have impacted their hair health and texture. Knowing the desired outcome allows the stylist to tailor their services to meet the client's expectations effectively, ensuring that the final result aligns with what the client envisions.

In contrast, while understanding a client's favorite products, hairstyle preferences, and skin type may be relevant, they are secondary components. Favorite products can inform the stylist about the client's preferences but do not provide information about their hair's current condition or needs. Hairstyle preferences are important for the final look but are best addressed once the underlying hair condition and treatment options are clear. Skin type may be relevant in procedures related to skin care but is less critical when primarily focused on hair services.