Self-image is the image we have of ourselves. Unfortunately, most are unaware of or aware of it, especially when it is negative. People with good visual intelligence have keen perception, but they are a minority. Even these people probably do not know if their image is the right one.

The beauty professional should be able to guide people through all of this, but if he does not master the visual language and the principles of Philip Hallawell Visagism, he will not know how to make an accurate analysis of the image. It will only depend on his intuition, and that is not enough to explain the effect that the image has on other people and on the customer himself and to point out improvements. The image, even being beautiful, is not always the most suitable for the person's moment.

I usually say that, although surrounded by millions of images, in magazines, on television, on the streets and in all environments, most people are “visually illiterate”. There are few people who really know this language (not only in Brazil, but worldwide). Images, including the personal one, affect us and influence us, without our being aware of their effects and consequences.

Even so, we are overly sensitive to criticism. No one likes to be told that they are not looking good, even when they are dissatisfied with their image. This is because, intuitively, we all know that the personal image is the expression of who we are, and that self-esteem is linked to it.

It takes a lot of tact and sensitivity when analysing a client. Pointing out the positives and never directly criticizing the cut, colour or hairstyle is highly recommended. No one should impose an image, not the mother or father of a child, because that means projecting yourself onto the other. Remember that it is the person who will have to live with it and its emotional and psychological consequences and effects.

For example, let us say you are a woman, who has a wide rectangular face shape, large eyes, a sharp chin, and fall-like skin, and you are wearing your hair in a cool dark Chanel cut.

You probably do not know that this means you are an angry type of person, or that your hair colour should be warm, and the cut is making you look cold, stiff, and inaccessible. Unless your job requires it, you probably do not want to make that impression on others. But how would you like to be informed of this? You do not want to be offended, humiliated, or belittled.

You probably will not understand what choleric means. In fact, you will think you are saying you are angry! You want something to be said about the qualities that your face expresses, something like that you appear to be strong and determined, emotional and like a challenge. Ready! The dialogue is in its infancy, and you feel free to talk about what you like about yourself, your preferences, what bothers or hinders you in your relationships with others, at work and in your personal life, and what you want to emphasize, attenuate, or add: in short, what you want to express through your image.

It is at this point that you can talk about your current image and point out what is inappropriate, but always explaining why. You also want to know how the professional intends to express what you want. And you want your professional to be open to changes suggested by you, and to respect your preferences.

When Philip Hallawell Visagism is used correctly, people realize that the professional is working with knowledge, in search of an image that will bring benefits for them, both aesthetic, making them more beautiful, as well as psychological and emotional, increasing self-esteem and welfare.

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