Hairdressers have their fair share of pet peeves when it comes to client behavior. From arriving excessively early to making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences, these actions can frustrate and complicate the hairstyling process. They have spoken out and some of these just may catch you by surprise.
During Blow Drying
“99% of the time, I can’t hear you when blow-drying, and it’s bloody impossible to have a conversation when blow-drying now that we all have to wear masks.” – wakaflockaday
What do do instead: Instead of trying to have a conversation while blow-drying, consider using non-verbal cues or gestures to communicate. If you need to discuss something important, ask your stylist to briefly pause or lower the blow-dryer for effective communication.
Removing cut hair
“If we are done with a cut, please don’t ‘help’ with removing the hair. You’re not removing it; you are actually making it worse by patting it into your clothes, sticking it to your skin, and letting it fall into your shoes.” – sukiepoekie
What do do instead: Let the stylist handle hair removal after your cut instead of attempting it yourself. They have the proper tools and techniques to clean up effectively. If you’re concerned about hair on your clothes, kindly inform your stylist, and they will assist you. Avoid patting hair into your clothes, sticking it to your skin, or letting it fall into your shoes, as this can worsen the situation.
Don’t lie about using box color
“Don’t lie about the box color you’ve put in your hair (including henna) or products you use. The stylist WILL find out one way or another (like when your ‘virgin’ hair turns orange instead of yellow in foils) and it just makes it harder and more expensive to correct later on… We don’t care if you put box dye on your hair. We just need to know because the course of action will be different depending on your history.”- iliketostilst
What do do instead: Be truthful about the box color or hair products you’ve used. Lying only makes it harder and costlier to correct later on. Your stylist needs accurate information to determine the best course of action based on your hair history. Honesty ensures better results and avoids unnecessary complications.
Know what you want before arriving
“Be clear about what you want, and preferably already know what you want before you sit down in our chairs. Having the ‘Do I want pink or do I want blonde? Oh I just don’t know!’ conversation is really annoying because it takes time we could use in a better way. And honestly, I’m down for both; and it’s not my head so I’m not going to make that decision for you.” – sukiepoekie
What do do instead: Arrive with a clear idea of what you want before sitting in the stylist’s chair. Indecisive conversations like “pink or blonde?” are time-consuming and frustrating. Ultimately, the decision is yours, as it’s your hair. Being prepared saves time and helps the stylist deliver the desired outcome efficiently.
You really don’t have to talk
“You don’t have to talk. You don’t have to be silent. Just know that we are stylists first and not necessarily therapists. If you tell me you are suicidal, I’m not equipped to help you with that. We can have a good chat. I can tell you about my struggles and you can tell me yours, but really talk to someone who actually knows how to help and deal with that. It can be a very hard thing for us to hear, too.” – sukiepoekie
What do do instead: Stylists are not trained therapists, so it’s important to seek professional help for serious issues. While friendly conversations are welcome, your stylist may not be equipped to handle serious issues. Talk to someone who has the expertise to provide the appropriate support.
Remember, stylists have personal lives too
“Please remember we are human. We have lives and families too, so sometimes we are a little less happy. It’s not that we hate you; maybe we lost someone close to us or are going through a breakup. Working when you know that any moment now you’ll get a call saying someone died is making it hard to be super cheery. We don’t have to share those things.” – sukiepoekie
What do do instead: Remember that stylists are human too, with their own lives and challenges. They may not always be in a cheerful mood due to personal circumstances. Show understanding and respect, even if they don’t share their struggles.
About the upsells . . .
“Don’t blast off at the stylist who tried to ‘up-sell’ products. They hate it just as much as you do. Just be polite and say no if you don’t want it. They aren’t trying to spike up your bill. They have to follow selling guidelines; otherwise, they’ll get marks on their reports for not selling enough.” – TAJobReviewer
What do do instead: Be polite and say no if a stylist tries to upsell products. They have to follow selling guidelines, and it’s not their intention to increase your bill. By understanding and respectfully declining, you can maintain a positive interaction.
Respect sometimes they have to deny service
“If they notice anything off about your hair (mostly lice or something very hazard-like), they have to deny service due to protocols. DO NOT scream at them and demand them to do it. They have to be careful with certain things that could possibly be transmitted home to their loved ones or other customers.” – TAJobReviewer
What do do instead: Respect the stylist’s protocols if they notice an issue with your hair. Avoid screaming or demanding service. Understand their concerns about potential transmission and cooperate with their recommendations for the safety of all.
Don’t question their expertise
“I was a barber for seven years. Every haircut must be faded. Please do not sit down and just ask for a ‘fade.’ And for the love of Christ, don’t ask us, ‘Do you know how to fade?’ The answer is yes and we will judge you.” – arai1220
What do do instead: Refrain from questioning the stylist’s skills, as they have experience in this area. Be clear in your instructions to achieve the desired outcome and prevent any potential judgments. If you don’t trust them, then find someone you can.
Calm yourself before arriving
“Do NOT come to the stylist in a raging fit because your boyfriend hurt your feelings so now you’re going to cut your long hair into a pixie to show that you have control over your life. No matter how awesome it looks, you WILL hate it, you WILL cry, and you will HATE us for allowing you to do it. This is why stylists will always try to talk you down off that ledge, and many will offer a slower transition (‘Let’s try a shoulder-length bob!’) or refuse you completely. It’s not that we hate you. We want you to love us and come back; but if you hate your hair, you’ll hate us by extension.” – megferno
What do do instead: Instead of making impulsive decisions based on personal emotions, take a step back when considering a drastic hairstyle change. Stylists try to guide you away from regrettable choices and may suggest a slower transition or refuse the change altogether. They want you to be happy with your hair and avoid potential negative feelings towards them.
Is it really an inch?
“An inch is almost always less than what you think it is. We have a ruler on our comb. Ask to see it if you aren’t sure.” – arai1220
What do do instead: To avoid misconceptions about length, ask your stylist to show you the ruler on their comb if you’re unsure. Actually seeing it can make all the difference.
Please just clean your ears
“Always clean your ears before a haircut. You don’t want someone up that close to you with waxy, manky ears 👍🏻.” – bennydoubleseven
What do do instead: It can be hard to remember, but clean ears and fresh breath can go a long way to make it be a more pleasurable experience.
Weird noises
“Finally, and this is important, don’t make weird noises while we wash your hair. Just don’t.” – aria1220
What do do instead: Don’t make it awkward, just keep a calm demeanor and a comfortable atmosphere.
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