4 Tips on What to Do (And NOT Do) At the Hair Salon
Most hairstylists want to please. We love what we do and we want you to have the best experience in our chair. We’re artists so we can be a little sensitive when our craft isn’t taken seriously.
So here are a few rules to keep in mind when you come into the salon to get your hair did by your favourite stylist.
Come prepared with 3 pictures.
You could use your stylist’s Instagram page or make a board on Pinterest. It’s best to come prepared. We are visual artists, and we need to know what you’re evisioning. I’ve had so many clients take screenshots from a haircut that’s gone viral on TikTok and it works great.
Otherwise, if you’re booked in for a one-hour haircut, and we’re spending 15 minutes on a thorough consultation because we don’t know exactly what you’re trying to say, we’re going to rush and you’re not going to get the haircut you’ve been dreaming of. Do your research and come with 3 pictures to show your stylist.
2. Don’t change your mind last minute.
This is a big one. And it goes hand in hand with coming in prepared. Say you were late, or we spent 15 minutes consulting, we now have about 20 minutes to do your full haircut. If you have really thick hair, there’s just no way you’re getting a perfect cut.
One of the best ways to confuse us is when a client says they want their haircut changed when we have about 5 minutes left to the appointment. This leaves us with virtually no time to clean and get ready for our next client.
If you want something changed, ask your stylist if they have time. They will appreciate your question and will be honest with you on whether you need to book another appointment or if they have time to do it on the spot.
3. Don’t tell your stylist what you don’t want.
“I didn’t like what my stylist did last time and I don’t know why”. This is a common question, and I understand it because I have been there myself. How-ever, as a stylist my guess is you didn’t communicate what you wanted.
I have been there too, where I asked the stylist to do whatever, not knowing what I really wanted. They did what they specialized in and I never really loved my hair.
One of the worst things to do is to show us photos of what you don’t like. This doesn’t tell me what you do want and it confuses our artsy brains.
4. If you have thick hair let them know when you book.
You know if you have thick hair that requires extra time. When you book your appointment, give the salon a call or DM your stylist. Ask them their preference. They will appreciate you asking.
If you have ultra thick hair, your stylist will have to book extra time and may charge you extra. And don’t think that short hair needs less time. If anything, thick, short hair can take up to two hours. Bobs are back in style and they require a ton of refining dry.
Your haircut is not something you want to rush, so explain to the salon your situation and book enough time so you can get the haircut you love!