Had a client walk out mid-service at the mall salon - now I check everything twice

I was doing a balayage at the Regis in Oakbrook Mall last Tuesday and a lady just got up and left after I started applying the lightener because she said my gloves "smelled like chemicals." Turned out she was 4 months pregnant and hadn't told me, and now I ask every new client if they're sensitive to smells before I even mix anything. Has anyone else had a surprise reaction like that throw off your whole appointment?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_cora11d ago

I started asking about smells and sensitivities at the consultation part too after almost the same thing happened. A girl told me halfway through a toner that the smell was making her sick, and I had to rush through the rest. Now I literally say "any issues with strong chemical smells or sensitivities I should know about" right after I ask about allergies. Saves so much hassle. Adding a little fan or cracking a window nearby helps some people too, even if they didn't mention it beforehand. Also keeping a small jar of coffee grounds nearby to sniff helps clients who get queasy. It's wild what people don't think to mention until it's too late lol.

umasullivan11d ago

Wait @the_cora, does the coffee grounds trick actually work? I read somewhere that smelling coffee resets your sense of smell after being around strong odors. Never tried it myself but i can see how that would help with toner fumes. I heard this from a friend who works in a nail salon actually, they use it between clients to clear their noses from acrylic smells. Smart thinking with the fan too, air circulation makes such a difference in those tiny treatment rooms.