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What Your Stylist Wishes You Knew
Salon etiquette is the set of unwritten rules that transforms a good salon visit into a great one. While your stylist’s primary job is to make you look and feel fantastic, a little consideration and know-how from your side can significantly enhance the experience for everyone involved. It fosters a respectful, positive relationship with your service provider, ensuring a smooth, relaxing, and ultimately more successful appointment every single time. This guide will walk you through the essential do’s and don’ts, from arriving for your consultation to the final tip.
A trip to the salon should be a rejuvenating escape, a moment dedicated to self-care. But as with any professional service, there’s a shared responsibility between the client and the stylist to create a positive environment. Understanding the nuances of proper etiquette helps manage expectations, improve communication, and shows your stylist that you value their time, skill, and expertise. By mastering these simple guidelines, you not only become a favorite client but also guarantee you get the best possible results from your service.
The Consultation: Communication is Key
The foundation of any great hairstyle is a thorough consultation. This is your opportunity to articulate your vision and your stylist’s chance to provide their expert feedback. To make this process as effective as possible, follow these best practices:
- Bring Visual Aids: A picture truly is worth a thousand words. Arrive with a few photos of hairstyles you love. This gives your stylist a clear visual reference point and helps eliminate misunderstandings about length, color, or style. Pinterest boards are excellent for this!
- Be Honest and Realistic: Be upfront about your hair’s history (previous color, chemical treatments), your daily styling routine, and your budget for maintenance. If you only have ten minutes to style your hair in the morning, a high-maintenance cut might not be for you. A great stylist will help you find a look that fits both your aesthetic and your lifestyle.
- Listen to Their Expertise: While you know what you want, your stylist knows what is achievable and what will best suit your hair type, face shape, and skin tone. Be open to their professional suggestions. They may have an idea that improves upon your original vision.
Punctuality and Handling Lateness
Time is a valuable commodity in a busy salon. A stylist’s day is often scheduled back-to-back in precise intervals, and a delay can create a domino effect that impacts every client after you.
Arriving 5-10 minutes early for your appointment is ideal. This gives you time to check in, use the restroom, and settle in without feeling rushed. If you find yourself running late—which happens to everyone—the most important thing you can do is call the salon as soon as possible. Let them know your estimated arrival time. This allows the salon to adjust the schedule or inform you if you’ll need to reschedule. Understand that if you are more than 15 minutes late, your service may need to be shortened or rescheduled entirely to respect the time of the next client.
Likewise, be mindful of cancellation policies. Most salons require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. A “no-show” means your stylist loses income for that time slot, so always call ahead if you can’t make it.
Navigating the Tipping Maze: Perfecting Your Salon Etiquette
Tipping can be one of the most confusing aspects of a salon visit, but it doesn’t have to be. Tipping is a direct way to show your appreciation for your stylist’s skill and service. Here’s a simple guide:
- The Standard Range: The industry standard for a tip is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost. For exceptional service, tipping above 20% is a wonderful gesture.
- Tip on the Original Price: If you’re using a gift card, a coupon, or taking advantage of a special promotion, you should calculate your tip based on the original, non-discounted price of the service.
- Don’t Forget the Support Staff: Did someone else wash your hair or assist with the blow-dry? It’s customary to tip the shampoo assistant or apprentice separately, typically between $3 and $5, as a thank-you for their part in your service.
- Cash is King (But Cards Work Too): While many salons now allow you to add a tip via credit card, cash is often preferred by stylists as it goes directly into their pocket that day. It’s always a good idea to have some small bills on hand for assistants.
Mindful Manners in the Chair
Once you’re settled in the chair, a few simple courtesies can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your stylist.
- Phone Usage: Try to limit phone calls during your appointment. If you must take an important call, keep it brief and quiet. For texting or browsing, be mindful not to move your head. It’s impossible for a stylist to cut a straight line on a moving target! Using headphones for videos or music is always appreciated.
- The Product Conversation: Your stylist will likely recommend products designed to maintain your new look. This is part of their job, as they want you to be able to replicate the style at home. It is perfectly acceptable to politely decline. A simple, “That sounds great, I’ll keep it in mind for next time,” is a respectful way to say no without creating an awkward moment.
- Stay Still: Try to keep your head still unless directed otherwise by your stylist. Avoid crossing your legs, as it can cause you to sit unevenly in the chair, which can subtly affect the symmetry of your haircut.
Conclusion
Ultimately, great salon etiquette boils down to respect—respect for your stylist’s time, skill, and professional environment. By being punctual, communicating clearly during your consultation, tipping appropriately, and being mindful of your actions in the chair, you position yourself as a valued client. This not only makes the experience more pleasant but also helps build a strong, trusting relationship with your stylist, leading to years of fantastic hair days to come.