Whether it’s your first time visiting a salon or your thousandth, there are a few things you should know. Some are common sense, but as we all know…. common sense isn’t so common. From booking your appointment to checking out, these little things will make your salon experience all the better. I’ll keep this list as straightforward as possible!
Client do’s
- Confirm your appointment. Whether by text, phone call, or online- we need your confirmation so we know we can expect you!
- Come prepared with a couple photos as inspiration for your hair. (Make sure you’re visualizing the HAIR in the picture on YOU. Trust me, we all wish we looked as sexy as Lauren Conrad or JLo)
- Allow your stylist to offer suggestions outside of your ideas & comfort zone. (You did come to us for our personal opinions and expertise, right? Let us help you live up to your fullest, most beautiful potential!)
- Ask questions. If you want to know how your stylist is getting your hair from A to B, just ask. It’s our job to know the chemistry behind our products and formulas.
- TRUST your stylist. We know how valuable your hair is to you- our’s is valuable to us too! We do want you to love your hair as much as we love our job. Trust us. & if you really hate something, it can always be adjusted! So no worries.
- Tip your girl or guy! Just like in any service industry, hair artist’s accept tips. Thank them for making you obsessed with your hair again!
- Refer your friends (or randoms!) to us by handing out our business cards. A referral truly is the greatest compliment to any stylist. Make sure they give us your name! Many stylists offer reward programs once you refer a certain number of people. Plus we want to thank you!
Client don’ts
- Never no show your appointment. Not only is it insanely disrespectful, but it’s a complete waste of our time. We could have spent the 3 hours we booked for your balayage on somebody else- a paying customer who would actually show up.
- Don’t ask a stylist for their opinion or direction, then run it to another stylist to create. A second opinion is always great, but if you have no intention of booking an appointment while discussing your hair, then it’s rude and shady…and a waste of our time.
- Don’t tell us how to do our job. We love to hear what you like and hate- that’s how we’re gonna learn your preferences- but sometimes clients think that just because they saw a youtube tutorial or have always done it themselves, they know best. Not always the case. If we listened to your exact instruction, you might end up hating your hair. Let us do what we’ve spent so much time learning to do! (We love it even more when you give us full creative reins)
- Many stylists are flexible but don’t try to make them feel bad for not being able to “squeeze you in” when you decided last minute to try to book an appointment. Many of us schedule months out in advance. If your hair is important to you, then schedule on your day off, or leave work a little earlier. We’re all working and we all have lives outside of work, so make your appointment within your salon’s operating hours.
- Don’t bash other stylists (or anyone) to us! Sometimes those people are our friends, and we know every hair artist isn’t perfect. And we don’t think we are! If you dislike something your stylist did, TELL THEM! We are always happy to adjust your tone, tweak your cut, or add a couple lowlights. Nothing is irreversible, so there’s no need to be negative about it! Just be kindly upfront to your hair guru. We don’t want you to hate your hair- or us! Give us a chance to make you love us again!
These are a few of the things we take seriously as hair artist’s in our industry. We are passionate about our jobs, and we want you to feel passionate about your beauty! Every stylist is different and we all have our own personal touch of doing things, but I think most of us can agree to these do and don’ts. If you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after your appointment, don’t hesitate to be open with your hairdresser. Contact them!
