Making My Services More Inclusive

For many people appointments that involve your face and hair being touched can be a little overwhelming. Every individual is unique and I am aware that for some people the sensory overload and social interactions that come with employing a makeup and hair artist for your wedding can make the experience feel particularly challenging. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. I will always take your lead on how I can make my services more comfortable, here’s some ways I can adapt and personalise my sessions:

1. Communication

Ordinarily your enquiry arrives with me in writing via my website or email. I aim to respond to this within 48 hours. In this initial communication I offer everyone the option to talk it all through on email, phone, video call or in person.

What this means is that I can take you step-by-step through the process, you can ask questions and let me know any worries or concerns. I will also ask you about your preferences, sensitivities, and any accommodations you might need.

Or if it feels more comfortable for you, I can provide a visual aid. This could be in the form of a lookbook, face charts, or digital images to show different makeup styles and options.

2. Initial Consultation

This can take place virtually or in person if you would prefer to meet me before our appointment. During this session we can discuss your preferences, sensitivities, and desired style. I can talk you through the makeup and hair process step-by-step or I can create visual boards via Pinterest or picture guides that illustrate different makeup and hair styles. You can then review this in your own time and highlight your preferred styles in writing if this is helpful.

As well as any accommodations you might need, for example, I’ll ask you if you would like to have a mainly silent/quieter appointment with less conversation or whether you might prefer written or visual instructions over verbal ones during the trial.

3. Booking Form

Once you have decided to go ahead and use my services for your wedding day, I will send you a booking form via Google Forms for you to complete. There is space on this form for you to detail your preferences and any specific instructions for your makeup, skin and hair. When this is complete, I will confirm that I have received it, share my Pinterest page with you and offer you options for a date to do your face-to-face trial.

4. The Trial

Ahead of the face-to-face trial appointment I will send a written document that provides information on how to prepare and what to expect during the trial session. If it would be more helpful, I can create a visual guide as well.

A trial usually takes place in the comfort of your own home or a destination of your choice. I am a mobile service and bring everything with me which is usually a director’s style chair, suitcase and backpack.

If we have agreed on a quieter or less stimulating environment, I will do my very best to create a calm and sensory-friendly trial. This may include things like:

regular breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
scheduling flexible breaks in between each part of the process if you need to decompress, for example, eye makeup and face makeup, or lip colour and hair.
soft, natural lighting instead of harsh, bright lights.
soft, calming music or complete silence, depending on your preference.
asking for feedback on specific brushes or the way products are being applied, for example, some clients find that having mascara applied to their lower lash line is very tickly, others not.
depending on your preferences limiting the use of strong-smelling products or fragrances that might be overwhelming.

I will always ask for consent before touching your face or hair. Plus, I’ll explain what I’m doing and why, and wait for your agreement. I never limit a bride to a certain length of time for a trial, I am committed to ensuring that all my clients feel comfortable.

At the end of the trial, we’ll usually spend a few minutes agreeing on a schedule for the wedding day, but this can be done over email at a later date if you are feeling dysregulated and need time alone.

5. Follow Up

A couple of days after the trial I will contact you via email to check in with you after the session to see how the makeup and hair faired. But also, to see how you felt and if there’s anything I can improve on or adapt for the wedding day.

6. The Wedding Day

On the big day we will replicate the makeup and hair style we created at the trial, taking on board any feedback and changes. I am committed to ensuring that I create a wedding day service that is supportive, welcoming and inclusive.

I am always open to feedback and continuously improving my approach. So, if there’s anything I can add to this blog or my services to ensure that I can help all of my clients feel valued and understood, please let me know by commenting or emailing me directly. I’m striving to continuously provide a positive and inclusive experience for all.