Decoding the Client’s Language: What “More Body” or “Less Brassy” Really Means

Client consultations are filled with vague, emotional language—phrases like “I want more body,” “It feels flat,” or “Can we take the brass out?” As stylists, it’s our job to decode those requests into technical actions. The words clients use aren’t always accurate—but they’re revealing. Learning how to translate their language into shape, tone, and product choices is what turns a good consultation into a great result.

1. “I Want More Body” = Shape + Support, Not Just Volume

This phrase rarely means the client wants visible, teased height. More often, they’re describing:

• Hair that falls flat by mid-day

• Cuts that collapse at the crown

• A lack of movement or lift at the root

What to explore:

• Are the layers too long or too collapsed?

• Do they use volumizing products—or any at all?

• Are they blow-drying with proper tension and direction?

Possible solutions:

• Internal layering or weight removal

• Round layering through the crown

• Blowout education with root-lifting spray or mousse

2. “Less Brassy” = Better Tone + Controlled Fade

“Brassy” is a catch-all complaint. It could mean:

• Too warm (orange or yellow showing through)

• Too faded (loss of ash or cool tones)

• Too bold (yellow vs. beige in blondes)

What to ask:

• When do they start seeing the brass?

• Are they using purple shampoo—or overusing it?

• Do they spend a lot of time in the sun or heat style daily?

Possible solutions:

• Cooler toner with blue or violet base

• Pre-toning with underlying pigment control

• Customized gloss every 4–6 weeks

• pH balancing after lightening to seal the tone

3. “It Feels Heavy” = Poor Movement or Overgrown Layers

This usually signals a haircut that has:

• Lost its shape

• Grown too long for the client’s texture

• Too much bulk sitting at the bottom

What to ask:

• Are they styling the same way every day?

• When did the cut last feel “right”?

• What does their daily routine look like?

Possible solutions:

• Rebalance layers for movement

• Remove weight from the interior

• Dry cut refinement for personalized texture

4. “I Want to Brighten It Up” = Strategic Placement, Not Full Bleach

Clients often confuse brightness with lightness. Brightness might mean:

• More visible contrast around the face

• Softer blend through the mids

• A stronger pop of tone, not necessarily lighter hair

What to clarify:

• Do they want to be blonder—or just more dimensional?

• Are they looking for seasonal change or just a refresh?

Possible solutions:

• Money piece or face-framing foils

• Mid-shaft painting to reopen the surface

• Shine gloss with bright tone reflect

5. “I Want It to Be Easy” = Low-Maintenance, Not No Maintenance

When a client says “easy,” they usually mean:

• They don’t want harsh grow-out

• They can style it in 10 minutes

• They don’t want to feel trapped in appointments

What to ask:

• How often do they come in for maintenance now?

• Are they okay with scheduled toning or trims every few months?

Possible solutions:

• Root smudge or melt

• Air-dry friendly cuts

• Long-layered shapes with soft face framing