Ethics and Transparency in the Salon: How to Talk About Products With Your Clients

Many groomers dread the classic client question:👉 “So, what are you putting on my dog?”

It’s tempting to give a vague answer, or to highlight only the “glamorous” active ingredient printed in large letters on the label (aloe vera, argan oil, keratin…). But that’s a mistake: clients today are more informed, more demanding, and above all, more concerned about the health and well-being of their pets.

That’s where ethics and transparency become your best allies.

Why transparency is a strength

• Professional credibility: when you explain clearly what you use, without hiding the limits or drawbacks, clients see you as a true professional.

• Trust-building: honesty strengthens loyalty.

• Preventing disputes: if a skin reaction occurs, a client who has been properly informed cannot claim they didn’t know.

Keys to communicating about your products

1. Keep it simple and concrete

Avoid chemical jargon. Use clear, client-friendly language:

• Bad example: “This shampoo contains sodium laureth sulfate as its main surfactant.”

• Good example: “It’s a foaming cleansing agent, but sometimes too strong for sensitive skin, so I only use it in specific cases.”

2. Don’t hide the “less glamorous” ingredients

Yes, there are sometimes preservatives, perfumes, or strong surfactants. Instead of skipping them, explain their purpose:

• “This preservative prevents bacteria from developing in the product.”

• “This fragrance makes the coat smell pleasant, but it can irritate sensitive dogs. In those cases, I use a fragrance-free option.”

3. Highlight your conscious choices

• Explain why you chose this product over another.

• Show that you adapt your selection to each dog (puppy, fragile coat, sensitive skin…).

4. Be honest about “natural” claims

The word “natural” sells, but it means nothing without context. Clarify what is truly natural… and what isn’t.

• “This shampoo does contain aloe vera, but it also has a synthetic foaming agent. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s gentle and effective for this type of coat.”

Tools to make transparency easier

• Simplified product sheets: list key ingredients and their function. Print them or keep them on a tablet.

• A personal glossary: create a list of the ingredients you use most, with simple explanations.

• A prepared speech: practice explaining your products in two short, reassuring sentences.

Conclusion

Being transparent doesn’t put you at a disadvantage — it positions you as a responsible, credible professional.

Clients don’t expect you to sell dreams: they want to see that you know what you’re doing, that you can explain it, and that you can justify your choices.

And remember: in a market where many simply repeat the brands’ marketing claims, the one who speaks the truth stands out immediately.