Maintaining a good relationship with your hairstylist ensures you get the best possible results at the salon. To do this, avoid certain ‘polite’ habits that hairdressers secretly dislike and replace them with proper salon etiquette (you’ll become their favorite client!)
Using Pet Names for Your Stylist
Calling your stylist sweetie, hun, or babe might seem friendly, but it can come across as unprofessional. These terms of endearment can make your stylist feel undervalued or disrespected.
While you might use such names with friends, family, or your dog, it’s best to maintain a professional tone in the salon.
What to Do Instead
Use your stylist’s given name. If you’re unsure whether they prefer a nickname, ask them directly. This shows respect for their professional role and helps build a positive client-stylist relationship.
Entertaining Your Stylist
Feeling obligated to keep the conversation going with your stylist can be exhausting, especially if you’re looking forward to some quiet time. Professional stylists are adept at reading your cues and will follow your lead when it comes to chatting. If you’re in the mood to talk, feel free to engage in conversation.
However, if you’d prefer a more relaxed, silent appointment, that’s perfectly okay too—there’s no need to feel responsible for entertaining your stylist!
What to Do Instead
At the beginning of your appointment, politely mention if you’re in the mood for a quiet session. A simple explanation about needing some relaxation time will suffice, and your stylist will understand and respect your preference.
Arriving Early
While it might seem courteous to arrive early for your hair appointment, it can actually disrupt your stylist’s schedule and create unnecessary stress. You might think you’ll get in a bit sooner or receive some extra pampering, but the reality is your hairdresser likely has a tight schedule.
Arriving too early can make them feel rushed with their current client, knowing you’re waiting. Even if you’re happy to wait, your presence can inadvertently add pressure.
What to Do Instead
A good rule of thumb is to call the salon on the day of your appointment to check if they can see you earlier. If not, aim to arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
Feeling Shy to Comment on the End Result
If you’re unhappy with your haircut, staying silent isn’t the answer.
Your stylist needs to know if something isn’t right so they can make the necessary adjustments. It can be uncomfortable to express dissatisfaction, but it’s the only way to ensure you leave happy.
What to Do Instead
Politely point out what you don’t like and suggest changes that would make you feel better about the style. Whether it’s adding more layers or trimming a bit more length, clear communication helps your stylist correct the issue and keeps you satisfied.
Offering to Blow-Dry Your Own Hair (at a Salon, Seriously?
While it might seem helpful to offer to blow-dry your own hair, it can actually interfere with your stylist’s process. Professional stylists have a specific protocol for washing, cutting, and styling to achieve the best results.
Even if you have a preferred method at home, trying to take over these tasks at the salon can disrupt their workflow and potentially affect the final look.
What to Do Instead
Trust your stylist to handle all aspects of your hair appointment.
Allowing them to wash, cut, and blow-dry your hair ensures that you’ll get the best possible result from their expertise.
Bringing Your Own Products
Bringing your own hair products to the salon might seem like a good idea, especially if you have favorites that you trust, but this can disrupt your stylist’s workflow and undermine their expertise.
Professional salons use specific products that they know work well with their techniques and equipment. Using unfamiliar products can lead to unpredictable results and may interfere with the desired outcome.
What to Do Instead
Trust your stylist to use their recommended products. They are trained in using high-quality, professional-grade products designed to give you the best results.
If you have concerns or special requirements, discuss them with your stylist beforehand to find a suitable solution that works for both of you.
Being Vague About Your Preferences
When your stylist asks what you’d like to do with your hair, seize the opportunity to be very specific. Vague instructions can lead to disappointing results because your hairdresser can’t read your mind—they need clear guidance to deliver the look you envision.
It’s your hair and you’ll be the one who regrets a bad haircut or color, so don’t hesitate to detail your preferences. Miscommunication often results in a cut or color that doesn’t meet your expectations.
What to Do Instead
Bring photos of hairstyles you admire to give your stylist a visual reference.
Discuss what you like about each style and ask for their professional opinion on what might suit your face shape and hair type. This approach ensures you’re both on the same page and reduces the risk of a style mishap.
Anticipating Movements
While it might seem helpful to preemptively adjust your position during a haircut, doing so can lead to miscommunication and potential accidents. Salons are filled with sharp tools and hot equipment, so sudden movements can be dangerous.
What to Do Instead
Trust your stylist to guide you. Instead of trying to guess when your stylist needs you to move, it’s best to wait for their directions.
They know exactly when and how they need you to adjust to achieve the perfect cut. For example, if you’re getting layers, they’ll direct you to look down at the right moment, ensuring precision and safety.
Dressing Up
Dressing up for your hair appointment might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause more problems than you’d expect.
Fancy clothes, like turtlenecks, collars, or hoods, can get in the way and make it difficult for your stylist to work without getting color or water on your clothes. Instead of looking your best, you might end up with stains or discomfort.
What to Do Instead
Opt for a simple, collarless shirt that stays put under the protective cape. T-shirts are a great choice. Also, consider wearing closed-toed shoes to avoid getting hair stuck on your feet.
Keeping it casual makes things easier for your stylist and also ensures you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Putting on Makeup
Wearing makeup to look presentable at your hair appointment might seem like a good idea, but it can interfere with your stylist’s work. Imagine having your freshly blow-dried hair sticking to your lipstick or your eye makeup getting smudged while getting your bangs cut.
These issues can make the experience less comfortable for both you and your stylist.
What to Do Instead
Try to come with a clean face or opt for minimal, non-glossy makeup that won’t cause problems during your appointment. This way, you’ll be comfortable, and your stylist can work without any disruptions.
Bringing an Entourage
While it might seem fun to bring friends or family along to your hair appointment, it can actually be quite distracting for your stylist. An entourage can make the salon space feel crowded and chaotic, disrupting the focused environment your stylist needs to work effectively.
Additionally, having extra people around can make it harder for your stylist to communicate with you and understand your needs.
What to Do Instead
Come to your appointment solo. This allows your stylist to concentrate fully on your hair without any distractions. If you really need moral support, bring one person and ensure they understand the importance of keeping the environment calm and distraction-free.
Grabbing What You Need
Reaching for hairspray or a comb without asking might seem efficient, but it can actually overstep boundaries. Your stylist has a specific way of organizing their tools, and rummaging through their supplies can disrupt this order.
Imagine if your stylist started digging through your personal belongings without permission—it wouldn’t feel right! Plus, it’s safer not to grab what you need, as salons can have sharp tools and chemicals that you might not be familiar with.
What to Do Instead
Simply ask your stylist for anything you need. They’ll gladly hand over a comb or any other item, or even perform the task themselves.
This shows respect for their workspace and ensures your safety.
Talking about Personal Topics
While lighthearted chatting is a staple of the salon experience, diving into deeply personal or heavy topics can be uncomfortable for both you and your stylist (they’re not your therapist!)
What to Do Instead
Stick to general, light topics during your appointment.
If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, take cues from your stylist. This helps create a comfortable environment for both of you.
Apologizing for Your Hair
Feeling the need to apologize for the state of your hair when you arrive at the salon is unnecessary. Your stylist is there to help, not judge. Whether it’s been a while since your last cut or you’re struggling with long curly hair, there’s no need for apologies.
What to Do Instead
Be open about any concerns or insecurities you have about your hair.
Your stylist has likely seen it all and is there to offer solutions and support. By skipping the apologies, you can focus on getting helpful advice and making the most of your appointment.
Asking Too Many Questions
While showing interest in your hairdresser’s work is polite, bombarding them with too many questions (especially ones that feel accusatory or overly critical) can create tension.
Questions like, “How long have you been doing hair?” or “Can you show me how to style my bangs?” are perfectly fine. However, asking, “Are you going to cut all my hair off?” or “Have you ever done this before?” can come across as demoralizing and set a negative tone.
What to Do Instead
Keep your questions positive and to a minimum. Focus on having an optimistic conversation, which helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
If your hairdresser seems unresponsive, take the hint and ease up on the questions. This ensures a comfortable experience for both of you.
Not Using Your Phone
Unlike a dinner with friends, checking your phone at the salon isn’t necessarily rude—unless it interferes with your haircut.
Using your phone is fine as long as it doesn’t distract you from the consultation or cause you to move your head too much. However, talking on the phone throughout your appointment can be disruptive to others who are trying to relax.
What to Do Instead
Stay off your phone during the initial consultation to ensure you’re fully engaged.
After that, feel free to check emails or browse social media, just make sure your phone use doesn’t interfere with the stylist’s work or disturb other clients.
Taking Selfies
While capturing your new hairstyle with a selfie is totally acceptable, doing so during the cutting or coloring process can be disruptive.
Moving your arms and adjusting your position for photos can interfere with your stylist’s work. Additionally, if you want your stylist in the photo, always ask for their permission first.
What to Do Instead
Wait until the service is complete before taking any photos.
This allows your stylist to focus on their work without interruptions. If you’d like a photo with your stylist, politely ask them once the appointment is finished.
Showing Up with Unclean Hair
Arriving at the salon with dirty hair might seem logical, especially if you’re expecting a shampoo, but this can make it harder for your stylist to assess your hair’s natural condition and how it holds style.
And just so you know, the myth that dirty hair takes color better isn’t true—in fact, clean hair often provides a better base for coloring and cutting. When your stylist can see your hair in its usual state, they can better tailor their techniques to suit your style.
What to Do Instead
Before your appointment, call the salon to check whether you should come with clean hair. If you’re getting a cut, style your hair as you normally would so your stylist can see its natural shape and texture.
Not Being Discreet about Tips
While tipping is a wonderful way to show appreciation for a great haircut or color, making a big show out of it can be uncomfortable for your stylist. Flashing money or making a grand gesture can make them feel cheap (even if it’s not your intention).
What to Do Instead
Leave a generous tip discreetly. You can place it in an envelope with their name on it at the front desk or hand it to them quietly with a sincere thank you. This approach shows your gratitude without drawing unnecessary attention.
Brushing Off Hair Mid-Appointment
It’s natural to want to brush off the hair that collects on the protective cape during your haircut. However, fidgeting with the fallen hair can disrupt your stylist’s work.
Each time you move, they have to pause and readjust, which can throw off their rhythm and precision. Hair inevitably falls, and while it may be uncomfortable, your stylist prefers you to stay still.
What to Do Instead
If the hair on the cape or your neck is bothering you, ask your stylist to remove it. They can take a moment to brush it off without interrupting the flow of the haircut.
Trying to Talk During a Blow-Dry
Trying to have a conversation while your hair is being blow-dried can be awkward.
The noise from the hairdryer makes it hard for your stylist to hear you, and you’ll likely struggle to hear them too. Shouting over the sound isn’t ideal and can create an uncomfortable atmosphere in the salon.
What to Do Instead
Save any conversation for when the hairdryer is off.
If you don’t feel like chatting at all, that’s okay too. Just let your stylist know you’re in the mood for some quiet time. They’ll appreciate the clarity and you’ll enjoy a more relaxing experience.
Offering to Help with the Cleanup
Trying to help clean up the hair around you during or after your appointment can actually create more work for your stylist.
Salons have specific protocols for cleanup, and moving hair around can make it harder to reach and tidy up. Additionally, it can distract your hairdresser and potentially ruin their work.
What to Do Instead
Sit still and let the professionals handle the cleanup.
If hair on your neck or shoulders is bothering you, inform your stylist and let them take care of it. This ensures you’re comfortable and allows your stylist to focus on giving you the best service possible.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.