Virtual Makeup Consultations

The pandemic necessitated remote delivery of many in-person services. Now, clients expect their preferred salons to offer virtual options conveying the expertise and personalisation of face-to-face appointments through online channels.

Though virtual sessions present limitations, technology empowers customer experiences when thoughtfully used.

Step 1: Set the Virtual Stage

Help clients feel immersed in a premium environment through attention to:

Video quality

Invest in professional webcam setups and lighting equipment avoiding awkward angling or grainy footage distracting from discussions.

Backdrop styling

Display signature branding elements, beauty inspiration imagery and products visually reinforcing your expertise behind you on-screen.

Enhanced sound

Choose conference mics over tinny laptop speakers and minimise background noise interference through studio accessories so all advice resonates clearly.

Step 2: Reimagine Intakes

With sessions transitioning online, revamp intake protocols preparing personalised guidance. Have clients:

Upload style inspiration

Request Pinterest board links, saved images or past look photos to understand the desired look off the bat.

Complete skin assessments

Use AR try-on apps that access undertones or use quiz tools gauging skin type, common issues and goals before conversations.

Share budgets

Find out the event purpose and other pointers framing product or service suggestions to best match both vision and means.

Step 3: Show and Tell, Virtually

Master demonstrating techniques and products visually through tactics like:

Multi-angle videos

Teach application of complex looks by recording video tutorials from multiple views and showing detailed closeups for later reference.

Live application

Do real-time colour match swatching and product demonstrations on yourself so viewers see products in action.

Visual aids

Share screens with makeup diagram overlays, digital face charts and colour comparison tools to clarify guidance.

Step 4: Trial Looks Remotely

Enable virtual test runs of discussed products using mailable testers. Send clients sample-sized tester kits featuring the exact shades of cosmetics suited to their unique colouring, skin type, and beauty needs. Curate mini versions of the key items discussed during the consultation like foundation, lip colours, eyeshadows and more, before shipping the sampler directly to them along with simple instructions.

Schedule a virtual follow-up session for the client to apply the product testers while you observe and provide real-time guidance. Mimic an in-salon trial run as they experiment with the items under your watch and direction.

Offer tweaks and tips as they play with the products and attempt replicating techniques covered. This allows assessing what works well with their features and preferences while building their confidence and skills.

Step 5: Expand Accessibility

Opening access through remote sessions allows serving broader audiences like:

Mobile clients

Connect those unable to visit in person due to health issues or busy schedules.

Expanded geography

Offer virtual consultations without geographic limits based on stylist expertise versus local client base size.

Diverse needs

Adjust lighting, text size and other elements catering to those with visual, hearing or other requirements that would typically restrict salon interactions.

Protect Your Salon with Custom Insurance

Virtual makeup consultations meet clients’ needs for flexible online access, while thoughtful execution preserves the personal connections that drive success. However, new technology adoption also poses new risks to your business and clients.

Ensure comprehensive protection through Salon Saver’s tailored salon insurance policies covering exposures like cyber crimes, professional liability, equipment damage and much more. Protect what you build whilst progressing. Request a quote for cover that ensures every success milestone ahead.

Dean Laming

Dean Laming is a Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 25 years insurance experience. Through various underwriting, operational and management roles, Dean has built up extensive knowledge of the hair and beauty sector and is now Managing Director of Salon Saver, part of the wider Henry Seymour Group.

All articles by Dean Laming