As an esthetician, we know charting is an important part of the job to keep track of client’s history and details. Charting allows us to form a treatment plan based on past treatments and product use. You never want to skip out on charting one of your clients, because this could affect you and your client in working towards their skincare goal. Here are the best tips when it comes to charting as an esthetician.
Tips for Charting
- Be consistent and note everything you do. We tend to be forgetful sometimes, so it is best to write down the information/ updates as they are coming in. Staying consistent with your charting and noting the little details will make you grateful come their next treatment. This is good, especially for clients that may have an allergy or sensitivity towards a facial treatment or product. You can work on a process of elimination based off your extensive charting, so you and your client can work past the sensitivity and get closer to their skincare goal.
- If there are any changes in the clients history make sure to write it down. Typically, clients will come in every 4-6 weeks for a treatment. A change in medical history can happen suddenly. Always ask your client if something new has come up, that way you are up to date and informed before performing a treatment on them.
- Note any changes in physical activity. As an esthetician, you need to be aware of your clients physical activity. This is especially important for laser treatments, micro needling and other invasive skin treatments. Make sure to provide the appropriate post care form so your client is aware of what to do and not do. You do not want them running a marathon after having done a laser treatment! Keep your client informed.
- If your client purchases a product, write it down in their chart if you do not check other systems regularly. In our work environment, the pace can move quickly, so you may not always log in to check their purchase history. You do always need to have their chart. Have an area in their chart for product purchases so you can take a quick glance and know what home skincare regimen they are on. This will allow you to remember to ask them how they are liking the skincare or if they have any concerns.
- If you recommend a product or service note this down. This will help you stay on track with a treatment plan. Cross promoting services is apart of the job, so if you recommend a different service for the next time, make sure you know which service you mentioned at the previous visit.
- As an esthetician, you see multiple clients a day. It may be hard remembering every conversation you have. Write down little details or conversations you have with your clients to stay connected for future treatments. For example, if they plan to go on a trip, note this. The next time they come in, you can ask how it went. This is a great conversation starter and shows that you care about your client.
- Make sure you are charting clients the day of the treatment. That way you do not forget any important information that needs to be looked back on.
- Pictures are a must! Keep track of client’s progress by taking pictures of their skin for future reference. Clients see their skin up close everyday and may not notice changes that you see. Snap some pictures for comparison so they can see the progress and have more faith in your treatment plan. If your client allows, this is also good for social media to create awareness for your business and treatments.
I know, charting can be a drag, but find your rhythm to help you succeed. Keeping up with this habit will only benefit you. Allowing yourself to notice flaws in your work, will better you and your customers. Stay organized with your notes to provide the best treatment plan for each of your clients.