Technical training prepares new hires to perform services. I believe we also need to prepare them for what to say when a client brings up a supplement they saw online or a wellness trend for hair, skin, or nails.

Early in my career, I did not always have answers when clients asked about shedding, flaking, or changes in their hair. I knew how to perform the service. I did not always know what questions to ask or when a concern needed attention beyond what I could offer in the salon.

In my work, those conversations have expanded to include supplements, devices, and treatments clients are considering. Their questions go beyond the service booked, and they expect an informed professional opinion.

As a licensed cosmetologist and public health educator, I see understanding new products and technologies as part of keeping up with our industry. This includes looking at the evidence behind their claims and recognizing how health and everyday habits can affect hair, skin, and nails. New professionals need practice using this knowledge in client conversations, including knowing when another professional should be involved.

Here are three conversations every new beauty professional should be ready for.

1. “Should I Take This Hair, Skin, and Nail Supplement?”

My first question is, “What are you hoping it will help with?” Some clients are concerned about shedding or brittle nails. Others want to maintain what they have or improve their appearance. Not everyone needs a supplement, and we should not assume one will solve the concern.

Ask before recommending

I ask about their everyday habits and any recent changes in their health or stress levels. What I learn helps me decide whether I can offer a recommendation within my scope or whether they need medical advice first.

Supplements add nutrients or other ingredients to the diet. Some help people meet nutritional needs. Other benefits depend on what is in the supplement and what research supports its use. NIH: Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

Beauty professionals should know enough to recognize possible contributing factors and judge whether a supplement is worth discussing. We can use our observations to guide the conversation, but we cannot confirm a deficiency through a salon consultation. For hair loss, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends biotin, iron, or zinc supplementation only when testing shows a deficiency. AAD: Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment

Know what you are recommending

Before recommending a supplement, I research the ingredients, look at the claims, and read reviews. Reviews help me understand people’s experiences, but I also want to know whether research supports the promised benefit.

I use what I learn to give my professional opinion. If I do not think a product will address the client’s concern or meet their expectations, I explain why and may suggest another product or course of action. Medical questions, including suspected deficiencies, medication interactions, or doses to treat a medical concern, are outside my scope and need guidance from a healthcare professional. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/

Explain the whole investment

A supplement adds another habit and an ongoing cost. Being honest about expectations means discussing how it fits into the client’s routine, the consistency required, and how long they may need to use it before its benefit can be assessed. I want research on the product to support those expectations.

Taking something consistently does not guarantee it will work. Clients deserve to understand the possible benefit and the commitment involved before spending their time and money. Sometimes, after talking it through, there is no good reason to add another product.

2. “Does This Device Actually Work?”

Clients ask about devices and tools they see online and want our opinion before buying. My first questions are which device they are considering and what they want it to do.

Look at the actual device

We need to understand what a device is designed to do and whether research supports its claims.

Red light is a good example. Some studies suggest benefits for certain signs of skin aging and hereditary hair loss, but results vary and more research is needed. Studies also use different devices and lengths of treatment, so we should not assume every product will deliver the same results. AAD: Is Red Light Therapy Right for Your Skin?

Know when to learn more

If I am unfamiliar with a device, I research it before giving an opinion. I look at its claims, the evidence, reviews, and instructions for use. I want to understand what results are reasonable, who the device is intended for, and any safety considerations.

If I do not think it is worth the client’s money, I say so and explain why. It may not address their concern, or the results they expect may go beyond what the device can offer. Depending on what they need, I may suggest another product or course of action. If the concern needs medical evaluation, I explain why getting advice before buying makes sense.

Be honest about the commitment

I want clients to understand how often a device needs to be used, how long each session takes, and whether there are additional costs.

With red light, regular use is necessary, results take time, and improvement is not guaranteed. Clients need to follow the instructions for their particular device. AAD: Is Red Light Therapy Right for Your Skin?

I also ask whether they will realistically use it as directed. If the routine does not fit their day, I would explain why I do not think the purchase makes sense for them. The cost and the commitment are part of the recommendation.

3. “Should I Be Concerned About This Change, and What Could Be Causing It?”

Clients expect us to understand why changes happen to their hair, skin, and nails. Sometimes a concern is what led them to consider a supplement or device in the first place. We should know enough to recognize possible contributing factors, even when we cannot fix the problem. It is okay to recognize a concern and still need another professional’s help.

Start with what has changed

I ask when they first noticed the concern, then ask about their routine, products, and habits. Have there been any recent health changes, medication changes, or periods of stress?

For a client concerned about nail breakage, I would ask about how they care for their nails between appointments and what their hands are exposed to during the day. Our training and experience help us consider whether services or everyday care may be involved, while recognizing when a concern needs further evaluation. These questions guide our next step. They do not confirm a medical cause.

Explain what you can help with

If I can offer guidance within my scope, I explain what I recommend and why. If I am unsure, or the concern needs further evaluation, I suggest another professional.

Flaking is one example. We should not automatically assume the scalp needs more moisture or a treatment. There are several possible causes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a dermatologist for severe dandruff or dandruff with no improvement after appropriate care. AAD: How to Treat Dandruff

I might ask, “Have you considered seeing a dermatologist?” Then I explain why I am suggesting it and what I can still help with.

Make referral part of client care

Building a relationship means being honest about what we can help with. Referring a client shows we understand the scope of our abilities and want them to see the right person.

New professionals should feel comfortable explaining when a concern needs attention beyond what they can offer in the salon. We can still be knowledgeable and helpful without having every answer.

Make These Conversations Part of Training

Continuing education should cover more than technique. New hires need opportunities to learn about products, devices, and wellness claims and practice responding to the questions clients bring into the salon.

A question from a client can become a chance for the team to learn. Take time to review the ingredients in a supplement or research a device together. Discuss when a referral makes sense and how to explain it to the client.

We should be able to explain why we recommend something and be comfortable acknowledging when we need more information. Start with one client question from this week and work through it as a team.