APPROPRIATE VS INAPPROPRIATE CLIENT BEHAVIOURS IN THE SALON

Hairdressers are why we go into salons with our hair not exactly like we want and come out of the salon with great-looking hair. This way, hairdressers do a lot for our mental health and emotional wellbeing. A hairdresser, I say, is a girl’s best friend.

This is why it is important to know proper salon etiquette and stay on good terms with your hairdresser. From a hairstylist to a client, here are some of the things I believe your hairdresser wants you to know about appropriate and inappropriate client behaviours.

Appropriate client behaviours

It’s better to come with detangled hair: While your hairdresser will not hesitate to detangle your tangled tresses before proceeding to give you that new hairstyle, it is usually better to come into the salon with your hair detangled. If your hair is anything like mine, it simply takes a lot of time to detangle. Going to the salon with detangled natural hair helps your hairdresser, and also gets you out of the hairdressing chair faster. It is also best to come in with hair that is dry, clean and free of products because your hairdresser wants to see how your hair behaves naturally.

Ask all your questions before starting: While your hairdresser will appreciate your input and will gladly answer any questions as they make your hair, it is better to ask all major questions before they begin. This includes questions about tools, colour, extensions and co.

Provide your stylist with a full history: If this is a new hairdresser, it is always a great idea to provide them with a full history of your hair, so that they know exactly how to treat it. When was the last time you coloured your hair? Is your scalp prone to bumps if your hair is pulled too tight? No matter how irrelevant or embarrassing it may seem, being open is the best way to get great results at the salon.

Bring a picture: If you have a picture of the hairstyle you want, then, by all means, bring that picture with you to your appointment. Most hairstylists love it when clients know exactly what they want and give them something to work with. This kind of client allows the hairstylist to prepare and install the right style from the beginning.

Showers are good: It is not advisable to go for a hair appointment right after leaving the gym or any other activity that leaves you sweaty. The same way you would expect your hairstylist to be clean is the same way you should be.

Punctuality: Always be on time. This is because a late client can make the hairstylist run behind on subsequent clients.

Sit still: No hairstylist likes a fidgety client, especially when doing precision work. So, if you are having something delicate done, do your best to avoid reaching for your phone, shifting, or sneezing without fair warning to your hairdresser.

Niceness has not gone out of fashion: Be nice. Don’t forget that your stylist is every bit as human as you are, and they need some show of love. Also consider the fact that they are on their feet for several hours a day, and are dealing with different types of personalities. Cut them a slack. They should always be treated with respect.

Inappropriate client behaviours

Being rude: The rude salon client is about the most difficult type of customer a hairstylist can get. Don’t be that kind of client. Don’t instruct your hairstylist on how to do their job. Don’t be aggressive. Don’t be a smart Alec. Be kind. If there is something about the service you don’t like, explain but don’t be belligerent about it.

Complaining all the time: Don’t be the client who is never happy with anything and does nothing but complain from the time you sit in the chair until you get out.

Being late: Don’t be the kind of client who gives all sorts of excuses because they are consistently late. Don’t forget that your lateness to your appointment will cause your hairstylist to be late attending to other clients.

You just know everything: You don’t want to be the “I know everything” client. Don’t go into the salon questioning your stylist’s ability and awareness about fashion. Voice your opinions, but understand that they know what they are doing.

You take your children or pets to the salon: It is not fun for your hairstylist when you take your young children or pets to the salon and then let them run amok or expect someone to look after them. Your children and pet don’t belong in a salon, no matter how well behaved they are. Don’t forget that the presence of animals in a salon is a health code violation that can result in a hefty fine in many states, except that animal is a service animal.

You are always taking calls or needing smoke breaks: Don’t constantly interrupt your stylist to take phone calls or take a smoke break. You are only cutting your stylist’s productivity.

Always going on about your personal problems: While most of us treat our hairstylists as our pseudo therapists, it is important that you don’t go to your hairstylist to dump all your personal troubles on. When in your stylist's chair, don’t be melodramatic, overly emotional, or obnoxious. It is not salon-appropriate behaviour.

Being indecisive: Don’t be the kind who cannot decide on the colour they want, if the ends of the hair should be blunt or tapered, if they want the hair to be full or sparse. It is important to know what you like and not leave it all up to the professionals. Since your stylist wants you to leave satisfied, it is important that they know what you like, so they can fulfil your desires.

Being cheap: Don’t be the client who is always negotiating the prices. You want your hairstylist to make a living, right? Don’t have expensive tastes on a cheap budget. Don’t know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

In conclusion

The appropriate and inappropriate client behaviours examined in this article is by no means the exhaustive list. Be careful to be a model salon client by starting off with these. Beyond rules, be kind. Kindness makes the world a better place, and it could start with you.