Hey my beauties! For a long time clients have asked me what’s the difference between a cut and a trim? It’s been a heavily debated topic on social media amongst beauty professionals and clients alike. In short, the difference boils down to how much is cut, let me explain. When you are cutting anywhere between 1/4” to 1” it’s a “trim”. When you’re cutting 2” or more then it would be classified as a “cut”. So why the confusion? In my professional opinion, it’s a matter of pricing and communication, or lack thereof.
In some cases, the reason clients feel frustrated is because if less hair is being cut off why are they paying the same price? To that I say, stylist need to do a better job at explaining that the process of cutting hair doesn’t change simply because the amount is more or less than an inch. A stylist still has to consider sections, angles, elevation and tension in order to provide a quality hair experience, whether it be 1/4”, 3” or more. Stylists should be able to communicate to clients what their expertise is and how their knowledge and technique will be helpful to get clients to their ultimate hair goal. Does that mean stylists should go through interrogation style questioning by cllients? Absolutely NOT, however, I believe it’s important for stylist to describe on their site the process of their cutting service. Stylists can communicate that all cut are precision cuts that will hold a style whether it be for maintenance or a full transformation. It doesn’t have to be in detail or use technical terms that clients can’t understand but I do believe you have to make them see what’s in it for them.
When clients sit in my chair and ask this question of what’s the difference, I explain the process in a way they can understand what’s in it for them and they quickly see the value. The conversation doesn’t have to be lengthy or defensive but it should always let the client know how they can benefit. We are an industry where we are in close contact with our customer base, this can lead to instances of direct curiosity from them. As a result, we have to make sure we let them understand the value of what we do. This does not mean we are begging or convincing them of our value, however, I do believe we are responsible for clients having an experience they can relax and know they are being taken care of at to the highest extent of our craft.
Until next time…SMOOCHES 😘
-Rachel