Who is an image consultant and what do they do? The image consultant aims to achieve the best overall “image” (appearance, clothing, style of behaviour and self-presentation) for a client with regard to his/her professional and personal life.
What are the activities of the image consultant? The consultant works primarily as an adviser, who must be able to analyse his/her client’s face, figure, behaviour, occupation, etc. with the aim of finding out what “image” would be appropriate precisely for this client. Computer programs already exist to do this – for instance to find an appropriate hairstyle for a particular face. The consultant then recommends to his/her client the most appropriate hairstyle, make-up, cosmetics, clothing, gestures, facial expression etc. They may offer more than just advisory services, however, shaping the client’s appearance directly – by the treating the skin, preparation and application of face masks, by make-up, by grooming the hairstyle or by manicure, massage, etc. Image consultants also provide advisory services covering the life-style as a whole.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In the a salon consulting room or similar venue. If the consultant offers cosmetic services, there may be some contact with chemicals.
What tools/equipment do they use? The spoken word, a computer, often also cosmetic, hairdressing or manicure tools (for instance steam devices, electric hair dryers, lamps, magnifiers, camp beds, facial masks, creams, make-up, and various hand tools, such as scissors or comb).
What do you need to succeed? You need good taste, patience, cultured behaviour, ability to treat other people tactfully, ability to put yourself into somebody else’s place, skilful fingers, and an eye for detail.