Some may call it a “Consultation,” but a “Suitability Analysis” is more structured and tailored to account for characteristics beyond just face shape and hair texture.
During this “Suitability Analysis”, a stylist discovers that lifestyle, fashion influences, and personality traits can surpass the conventional method of pairing hairstyles with face shapes. The additional information allows a stylist to form an on-point plan that delivers a cut/color/style that meets the guest’s expectations in a more precise way.
“Every quest in my chair has a suitability analysis so I can gather crucial information BEFORE creating a strategy, choosing tools/products and executing a plan for a haircut or color. It also enables me to think through what techniques to share with my guest for the best home styling routine,” explains Teresa Romero, Creative Director for Sam Villa and Artistic/Education Director for Jose Luis Salon @_teresa_romero
Romero taught how to do a proper Suitability Analysis Suitability Analysis at Premier Orlando. Here’s a sneak peek of what she explained.
- Bone Structure of the Skull: The foundation of everything! Is the occipital bone large, small, curved or flat? How is the top of the head shaped? Is one side smaller than the other? Are there any dents or bumps? The shape of the skull influences length, layers and graduation, as well as how to utilize overdirection, tension and section sizes.
- Scalp Health: Are there any sores or abrasions, dryness or flakes? Any moles or bumps that look concerning? Guests can’t see their scalp, so if there is something, share it with them. “More than once I’ve found something on a guest and it turned out to be skin cancer,” says Romero.
- Growth Patterns: Are there any oppositional growth patterns growing in a different direction than the rest of the hair? Strong growth patterns (cowlicks) may require a change in technique or tool in that area.
- Density: How many strands of hair, thick or thin? Is there any scalp exposure (common with thinner hair) or is the scalp hardly seen due to thick hair?
- Hair Texture: Is the hair fine, medium or coarse? Fine hair tends to be naturally shiny but has a smaller diameter and tends to lay flatter. Coarse hair has a larger diameter and tends to have more natural volume but can lack moisture and softness. Medium texture is usually the most desirable as it has the best of both, volume but not too unruly and has natural shine.
- Natural Movement Patterns. Is the hair straight, wavy, curly or coily?
- Face Shape:
- Round: Styles that add height or lengthen the face can be flattering.
- Square: Softening angles with layers or textured styles can balance the face.
- Oval: Versatile face shape that suits many styles; consider emphasizing or softening features as desired.
- Heart-Shaped: Styles that add volume at the jawline can balance wider foreheads.
- Diamond: Styles that add width at the forehead or chin can balance this face shape.
- Hair Condition: This one often gets overlooked…the condition of the hair, including factors like health, elasticity, and existing damage, affects how certain styles will look and how well they will hold up over time. Less healthy hair may require a style that promotes health and minimize stress on the strands.
- Personality and Lifestyle: Understanding the client’s personal style, preferences, and lifestyle is crucial. Some may not ever want a change while others are constantly adopting trends. Some might not have the flexibility to experiment, while others consistently want to look different. It’s important to know this before creating a look.
- Maintenance Requirements: Consider the amount of time and effort the client is willing to invest in styling and upkeep. Some clients may never pick up a blow dryer and prefer low-maintenance styles, while others happily devote an hour every day to styling (even more!). Recommend styles that align with their preferences and abilities.
Credits: Hair/Teresa Romero, Creative Director for Sam Villa; Photographer/Delia DeLeon