Worst mistakes made by Brow Artists, so you don't have to make them

It’s ok to make mistakes

First things first, let’s start with the most important advice: It’s ok to make mistakes. Especially when just starting out. Don’t be too hard on yourself, because those mistakes will make you a better brow artist in the end. That exact mistakes, are the moments you learn the most. So the first advice is to be kind. Ready for the 5 mistakes made by seasoned Brow Artists when they just started out?  

1. Always listen to your clients

One of the biggest mistakes is not communicating effectively with clients. Chloe, one of our Supercilium trainers, admitted, “The worst mistake I’ve made as a brow artist is assuming what my clients want! Always ask the client's preference and listen to their needs”.

By communicating effectively you can make sure that you and your client are on the same page, managing expectations and avoiding misunderstandings. When clients feel heard, they trust you more and are likely to return! 

How to listen to your clients:

1. Active listening: Give your full attention to the client. Nod, make eye contact, and show you’re engaged.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage clients to share details about their preferences with questions like “How do you envision your brows?”
3. Repeat and confirm: Summarize what the client said and repeat it back. For example, “So you want a natural look with a slight arch, right?” Your client will know that they are in good hands!
4. Visual aids: Use pictures or sketches to clarify the client's desired outcome. Clients usually come to you with their own inspiration, so make sure to give it a look. Make sure you also post on social media your previous work, so it’s easier for your clients to ask for something similar.
5. Continuous feedback: Check in throughout the process to ensure the client is happy with the progress.

Pro Tip: Invest time in improving your listening skills. Attend workshops, read books, or take online courses on effective communication. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at understanding and meeting your clients' needs.

2. Use the right eyebrow dye shade

Choosing the right Brow Henna or Liquid Dye shade can be tricky, but it’s crucial for achieving the perfect brows. Fatima shared a funny but important lesson: “Back when I was just starting out, I used the wrong henna color on a client’s brows, and let’s just say we ended up with a look straight out of ‘Angry Birds’!”. Most of the time beginning Brow Artists tend to go for a too dark color. 

Selecting the correct Brow Henna and Liquid Hybrid Dye shade ensures that the brows look natural and complement the client’s features. Using the wrong shade can result in brows that are too dark, too light, or just don’t match the client's overall look.

Tips to find the right eyebrow dye shade:

1. Hair volume: Consider how thick or thin the client’s brow hairs are. Thicker hair can handle darker shades better than thinner hair. 
2. Hair structure: The texture of the hair can affect how the Brow Henna absorbs. Coarse hair might require a different approach than fine hair. 
3. Skin type: Oily, dry, or combination skin can impact how the dye sets and its longevity. 
4. Skin tone & Hair color: Ensure the eyebrow dye shade matches both the client's skin tone and natural hair color.

Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at selecting the right shade! To learn more about choosing the right Brow Henna for your clients, check out our detailed blog post here. For Liquid Dye you can read this blog post. 

3. Set up your prices

Setting up your prices can be one of the trickiest parts of starting your brow business. It's easy to undervalue yourself, especially when you're just starting out. Anastasia, the brow content queen, shared her regret: “The most stupid mistake in my brow artist’s career was working at home for a low price for a very long time.”

Setting the right prices not only reflects your expertise but also helps you sustain and grow your business. By charging the right amount, you'll not only support your business growth but also have some money left to invest in improving your skills and adding new services like Airbrush or PMU!

How to set up your prices:

1. Research competition: Look at what other brow artists in your area are charging to get a baseline.
2. Your skills and experience: Factor in your level of expertise, training, and the quality of products you use.
3. Cost of supplies: Ensure your prices cover the cost of your supplies and overheads. This is one of the most important elements.
4. Value your time: Don’t forget to include your time and effort in your pricing structure! We all have only limited time, so make sure you use it wisely.

Pro Tip: For a detailed guide on how to set up your prices, check out our blog post here. 

4. Give clear instructions

Let’s talk about something super important: giving your clients clear instructions. Whether it’s during the treatment or for aftercare, making sure your clients know exactly how to care for their brows is crucial for long-lasting results and happy clients!

Jenniree, our Airbrush trainer, shared a story from one of her training sessions about the importance of instructions: “During a duo training, I forgot to tell them that they should call me first before they remove the wax strip. This caused the student to pull it off without me being present and there was a whole bite in the model’s eyebrow.” Ouch.

Tips for giving clear instructions:

1. Be clear: Keep it simple! Explain the steps in easy-to-understand terms.
2. Use written instructions: Hand out aftercare leaflets that clients can take home. This way, they have all the info they need and can look back at it if they forget something.
3. Follow up: Send a quick follow-up message or email to see how your clients are doing and remind them of the aftercare steps. This little touch shows you care and helps reinforce the instructions.
4. Demonstrate: Show them how to clean and care for their brows before they leave your salon. Seeing it in action can make a big difference.
5. Be available for questions: Let your clients know they can reach out promptly via social media if they have any questions or concerns about their aftercare.

Pro Tip: Always give out aftercare leaflets. It’s a simple way to make sure your clients have all the info they need and shows you care about their results. You can download them here for free!

5. Stick to your salon policy

One of the biggest lessons you can learn as a Brow Artist is the importance of sticking to your salon policies. Barbie from Browaholics shared her worst mistake: “I think that would be not enforcing my salon policies whenever I had to! I allowed clients to not take their reservations seriously and that led to money loss and a lack of time management.”

Sticking to your salon policies helps you maintain professionalism, manage your time effectively, and ensure your clients respect your business. It’s all about setting boundaries and making sure everyone knows what to expect.

How to stick to your salon policies:

1. Be clear from the start: Make sure your clients know your policies from the get-go. Have them clearly stated on your website, in booking confirmation emails, and in your salon.
2. Communicate your policies: Don’t be shy about reminding your clients about your policies when necessary. A gentle reminder can prevent misunderstandings down the line.
3. Be consistent: Apply your policies consistently with all clients. This shows that you are fair and professional.
4. Stand firm: It can be tough, but stick to your policies even if a client tries to push boundaries. This helps maintain respect for your time and services.
5. Handle cancellations: Have a clear cancellation policy in place to manage last-minute cancellations and no-shows.

Pro Tip: For more detailed advice on handling cancellations and other salon policies, check out our comprehensive blog post with way more tips and examples here!

Mistakes happen, but learning from them and improving is what sets great Brow Artists apart. By following these tips and taking advice from experienced professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls and excel in your Brow Artistry journey! Follow our Brow Pros on Instagram for daily inspiration: Chloé, Fatima, Anastasia, Jenniree and Barbie. Join our Supercilium community, where we support each other, share knowledge, and grow together as Brow Artists. You've got this!