Safety first

How can you ensure your pregnant clients get the most out of their salon experience, both safely and stylishly?

As an expectant mother it comes as no surprise that style conscious mums are keeping on top of their roots as well as their eyelash extensions and leg wax. With this in mind, it is now more important than ever to ensure you go the extra mile to look after them as they prepare to bring a tiny human in to the world.

Take the opportunity to pamper your pregnant clients even more than usual, says NHF/NBF chief executive Hilary Hall: “Make sure they are sitting comfortably and feel relaxed before you begin. You may need to offer a supportive cushion or footrest and they may prefer to be in a reclining chair. 

“Offer refreshments throughout the appointment and give them the opportunity to get up and stretch their legs when they need to. Make sure the salon temperature is comfortable for them too.”

“One important factor to bear in mind is that many women find their hair changes during pregnancy, so you may need to do a more detailed consultation than usual,” says Hilary. “Your client’s hair may become more absorbent and react differently to perming or colouring. It may also become thicker or thinner.”

 “You can reassure clients that there are no safety concerns about using hair colour if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, some women are anxious about colouring their hair when expecting a baby and for them it is better to avoid anxiety by not having their hair coloured.” Says Hilary. “Other options include highlights rather than a full head and offering pure vegetable dyes such as henna.

“Make sure you still carry out your usual allergy alert tests– for example, if your client is new to the salon, hasn’t had an allergy alert test for a year, their skin has become sensitive, or you have changed the products or brands you use. It’s also vital to do an allergy alert test if your client has had a black henna tattoo since their last test.”

Some beauty treatments are not recommended for pregnant clients, for example, those which raise the body’s temperature such as sunbeds, hot body wraps and saunas, says Hilary: “Make sure the room is well-ventilated to protect from heat or fumes, for example from nail services.  Avoid massages using concentrated essential oils as they can cause serious side effects during pregnancy.

“Advise your client to get advice from their GP or midwife if they are considering having any treatments and make sure you follow the medical advice they receive.” Says Hilary. Remind your client that they must attend their regular antenatal check-ups throughout their pregnancy.

Health and Safety is even more important with pregnant clients. Sharon Malcolm, Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing, Newtownards, Northern Ireland explained: “You should be even more cautious – watch out for leads from dryers or irons so they don’t trip or jar themselves.  Be aware of comfort more than anything else as they will have aches which they don’t usually have.”

It isn’t uncommon that some colourists won’t colour pregnant client’s hair, but Sharon believes that if your team members can colour their hair when pregnant, why can’t the client?: “You will need to be aware that their scalp and skin may be more sensitive, so make sure to do a skin test and tell them to let you know if they can feel any tingling. Hair can change during pregnancy so talk to them about their haircare regime. Their hair will be thicker and in better condition while they are pregnant, so they may want to use different products.”

It’s important that you make your pregnant clients look and feel fantastic, especially just before they give birth as they will be spending their time looking after their baby rather than themselves, so make sure their hair is low maintenance. Offer them the whole service and treat them like you would any other client. “Offer them treatments at the backwash so they feel pampered – they may want to sit rather than lay down as this may be more comfortable for them and their bump.” Added Sharon. 

To ensure a pregnant client is comfortable for the duration of their appointment, it may be a good idea to suggest they let their feet rest on the footrest. Sitting for a long period of time may give them back ache so let them get up and walk around the salon if they need to. 

TONI&GUY franchise partners, Nick and Claire Slorach are no strangers to looking after pregnant clients and agree that comfort is definitely key. Although, of course; comfort is important to any client, but when pregnant, women are more prone to aches and twinges – especially if they’re sitting in a particular position.

Nick and Claire highlighted the importance of comfort even if they have just come in for a fringe trim: “Be tentative and make sure they feel pampered and cared for.

“Go the extra mile with relaxing touches such as asking an assistant to give them a relaxing hand massage while at the backwash.” No matter how long or short the appointment is, you should go the extra mile as pregnant clients may look forward to an appointment even more than usual over this period as they see it as ultimate relaxation time.

Herbal teas are relaxing and very popular with pregnant clients, as are aromatherapy candles at the backwash, Nick and Claire encourage other salon owners to stock these things which pregnant clients are often keen on.

And finally, Nick and Claire finished by telling us how important it is to never sit them in reception: “Bring the client straight through otherwise they’ll be moving around too much.”

It’s obviously not rocket science when looking after a pregnant client. You can expect them to perhaps struggle to get out of the chair at the basin, they might need a hand. And having cushions on hand for those ladies who are feeling extra uncomfy on the day of their haircut can really go a long way, especially when hormones are up in the air. Take on the expert’s advice and get ready to go the extra mile for your soon-to-be yummy mummies!