You mean well—you really do. You want to be the dream client, the one who’s nice, polite, easygoing, and considerate. However, some habits that seem like good salon etiquette can make things harder for the stylist. Here’s what hairstylists secretly wish you’d stop doing and what they’ll prefer.
Apologizing Excessively
“I’m so sorry, my hair is a disaster!” Stop right there. Your stylist has seen it all, from knots to DIY dye jobs and even weirder stuff, and they don’t care. Apologizing repeatedly only makes things awkward. Instead of giving disclaimers, just describe what you want and let them work.
Coming In With Dirty Hair
It’s a common myth that dirty hair holds color better or makes styling easier. In reality, oily roots and product buildup can prevent dye from processing evenly. Plus, unwashed strands make precision cuts tricky. Unless your stylist tells you otherwise, wash your hair beforehand to give them a fresh canvas.
Being Too Vague About What You Want
Sitting down, saying, “Do whatever you think is best,” and then expecting magic sounds like the easy way to go. But a stylist needs more than that. Give clear directions, please. Even a little guidance like “I like layers” or “Keep the length” helps them create something you’ll actually love.
Bringing A Million Different-Looking Reference Photos
You wouldn’t bring five cake recipes to a baker and ask for one dessert. Yet, stylists get bombarded with conflicting reference photos all the time. Not all beautiful styles can work with each other. Instead, choose one or two clear examples that align with your hair type and face shape.
Not Speaking Up When You’re Unhappy
Your stylist wants you to love your hair. If something feels off—length, layers, color, anything—mention it during the appointment. It’s much easier to adjust while in the chair than to fix it days later. A quick, polite comment saves stress for both of you. Don’t wait until you get home.
Trying To Help By Tilting Your Head Or Lifting Your Hair
Sit still, relax, and let them do their job. Every angle matters, and small movements mess with precision. You think you’re helping, but you’re throwing off their technique. Let go and trust the stylist and the process. They know how to position your head for the perfect cut.
Asking For A Lot On A Tight Schedule
How can you book a 30-minute slot but ask for a wash, a full balayage, a layered cut, and a blowout? That’s like expecting a gourmet five-course meal in a drive-thru lane. Be honest about your time constraints. A rushed job won’t give you the flawless results you hope for.
Over-Thanking With Gifts Instead Of Tipping
A scented candle is sweet, and a heartfelt thank you is nice. But if you want to appreciate your stylist so much, tip them well. A strong, consistent tip shows you value what they do. Monetary appreciation is standard in the industry, and it means more than a random trinket.
Chatting Without Considering The Stylist’s Preference
Silence or nonstop talking? The right answer is something in between. Every client has a preference, but so do stylists. If they seem engaged, chat away! If they’re focused, take the cue. Salon interactions work best when both parties adjust. Pay attention to their vibe and act based on that.
Showing Up Late Without A Heads-Up
A few minutes might not seem like a big deal, but in a tightly booked salon, it throws everything off. When running late, just call. A quick heads-up allows your stylist to adjust instead of scrambling. Respect their time, and they’ll respect yours when you need flexibility.
