Lesson Aim

We Are Learning To (WALT):
Develop professional client care and consultation skills specific to hairdressing, so you can confidently communicate and identify client expectations through effective consultation techniques.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 15-minute micro lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Identify the importance of client care and consultation in hairdressing (VTCT Competency: 1.2 Client consultation and preparation).
2. Demonstrate effective communication using open questions and active listening during a consultation (National Curriculum KS4 PSHE competencies: effective communication).
3. Ask appropriate consultation questions to clarify client expectations and needs.
4. Use visual aids (Pinterest inspiration images) to support clear client communication.
5. Provide professional and respectful peer feedback using the WWW/EBI method (formative assessment).

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Success Criteria

Students will:

• Explain why consultation builds client trust and ensures realistic outcomes.
• Use open questions and friendly body language in a mock consultation.
• Identify client goals using Pinterest images to guide discussion.
• Give at least one constructive peer feedback comment using WWW/EBI.

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Curriculum References

• VTCT Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship Standard:
  Unit 1: Client Consultation – Learn how to establish client needs, preferences and lifestyle factors.
• National Curriculum (PSHE Education KS4 link):
  Effective communication and interpersonal skills — practicing verbal interactions and active listening skills.
• Employability & Personal Development:
  Professionalism and client-centred service as per BTEC/VTCT requirements for hair and beauty careers.

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Resources

• PowerPoint slides (prepared as per structure below)
• Consultation record sheets (adapted for ease of writing)
• Selection of Pinterest hair/beauty inspiration images printed or projected
• Pens
• Optional: Tablets or phones for browsing images
• Whiteboard and markers

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide printed consultation questions in dyslexia-friendly font (Arial, 14pt) with space for notes.
• Encourage pairings of mixed ability—advanced learners support peers via modelling questions.
• Offer sentence starters or question prompts for less confident learners during consultation.
• For more advanced learners, challenge them to adapt questions for different client scenarios (e.g., colour correction vs. haircut).

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Extension Activities (For Advanced Learners)

• Roleplay handling a “difficult” client case, incorporating conflict resolution techniques.
• Use additional multimedia: watch a 2-minute video of a professional hair consultation and critique.
• Create a personal checklist of consultation questions tailored to their expert hairdressing focus.

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Classroom Management & Rapport

• Greet each learner warmly by name as they enter to build trust and positive atmosphere.
• Maintain open body language, smile, make eye contact to encourage participation.
• Use supportive language and reinforce all answers positively; encourage quieter learners gently with direct questions.
• Monitor timing strictly to ensure smooth transitions.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Tutor Role	Learner Activity
0–2 mins	Welcome & Introduction	Greet, outline lesson aims & WALT, create positive environment	Listen and engage
2–4 mins	Starter Discussion	Ask: “What makes a good consultation?” Write ideas on board; prompt with open questions	Suggest ideas, discuss as a group
4–6 mins	Tutor Demonstration	Model a short consultation using open questions & Pinterest images; Think aloud explaining why	Observe good communication and questioning skills
6–11 mins	Pair Workshop Activity	Circulate, prompt questioning, check understanding, offer encouragement	Roleplay stylist/client consultation using record sheets and images
11–13 mins	Switch Roles	Prompt role swap, remind success criteria	Repeat consultation in new roles
13–15 mins	Feedback & Plenary	Lead reflective discussion; ask what was challenging; recap why consultation matters	Share feedback using WWW/EBI; summarise learning

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PowerPoint Structure

Slide 1 — Welcome

• Introduction to Client Care & Consultation
• Tutor’s name
• VTCT Level 2 Hairdressing
• Date

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Slide 2 — About Me

• Brief background in hairdressing industry
• Experience with client consultations
• Personal insight on the importance of consultation:
  “I use detailed questioning and inspiration images to make sure the client’s vision becomes reality.”

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Slide 3 — Lesson Aim

To develop your professional client care and consultation skills relevant to hairdressing and beauty.

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Slide 4 — Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Understand the purpose of client consultation
• Identify client expectations clearly
• Practice communication and questioning skills
• Use visual aids to support consultations

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Slide 5 — Why Is Consultation Important?

• Builds trust and rapport
• Prevents misunderstandings and dissatisfaction
• Helps set realistic, achievable goals
• Shows professionalism and care

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Slide 6 — What Makes A Good Consultation?

• Ask open questions (e.g., “What do you want today?”)
• Active listening and summarising
• Eye contact and friendly body language
• Use of visual aids for clarity (photos/inspiration)
• Clarifying expectations

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Slide 7 — Pinterest Inspiration Images

• Show several hairstyle or colour pictures
• Discussion prompt: “How can a picture help avoid miscommunication?”

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Slide 8 — Pair Activity Instructions

• Work in pairs: one stylist, one client
• Complete a consultation using record sheet and images
• Discuss expectations, budget, lifestyle considerations
• Swap roles after 5 minutes

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Slide 9 — Feedback Questions

• What did you do well?
• What questions helped?
• What could you improve next time?

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Slide 10 — Recap / Plenary

• Why is consultation crucial?
• What have we learned?
• How does good consultation improve client satisfaction?

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Teaching Tips During Lesson

• Use formative questioning for assessment and engagement:
  “Why do you think consultation prevents disappointments?”
  “Can anyone give an example of a good open question?”
• Verbally reinforce:
  “That’s excellent active listening.”
  “Try to expand on the client’s lifestyle for better recommendations.”
• Use timing cues to keep pairs on task and swap roles promptly.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

• Use clear, sans-serif fonts (Arial, Verdana).
• Keep text concise and avoid jargon.
• Use bullet points over paragraphs.
• Highlight key words in bold or colour.
• Provide printed copies of slides and questions in large font.

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This highly focused and interactive micro teach supports VTCT Level 2 development, aligns closely with the National Curriculum for England’s PSHE communication skills, and builds professional employability within hairdressing through client-centred consultation.