Treatment Notes: Why You Need Them After Every Service

Treatment Room Notes

If you are lucky enough to work for a place that has a salon software program that allows you to add notes to client files then you are already on the right track. If you work for yourself, you should keep either dinosaur notes (a.k.a. paper) or invest in a salon software program that will allow you to keep track of your treatments.

Why is this important?

First of all, it is extremely important for liability purposes: you can document what products you used; recommendations you made and skin conditions; and any adverse reactions clients may have had. If you do a service and keep a log of notes, you will have a better chance at defending yourself when you have a paper trail.Unfortunately, there will always be clients who are out to make a quick dime, don't worry this is not the norm, but you do want to protect yourself.

The other reason you want to keep notes is to remember what treatments you've done on the client in the past and what recommendations you gave your client. Did the client accept your recommendations, or did they continue using the over-the-counter cleanser you advised against? Did you forget that they were using Retin-A, and now they want a chemical peel? This could cause an issue, and you need follow-up information to verify the client's status. Update the notes regularly so you can adjust your treatments and recommendations as necessary.
In any business, you have to keep files and customer notes, and esthetics is no different. In fact, it might be even more important than a regular business because you want a computer trail of notes to follow the client's history for their safety and your protection.