How You Can Help Your Hairdresser

As much as I would like to admit otherwise, sometimes going to the salon can be intimidating. Your hairstylist could be your best friend, but sometimes the anxiety just gets to you. And that’s okay! It happens to the best of us. Here are some dos and don’ts for how to be a client your hairdresser loves!

Obviously, some standard rules of thumb are, you know, what you learn in elementary school. Treat your hairstylist how you want to be treated. If his/her job was so easy you could be doing your hair yourself. Be kind, be patient, be understanding- they aren’t magicians. If you have stark black hair and decide the morning of your appointment that you want to be platinum blonde, be realistic. That’s not something that can happen overnight, so when your stylist communicates that to you, consider the reality of the request. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Communication

I know sometimes it’s so much easier to tell your hairdresser “Do whatever you want” but unfortunately that’s just not what they want to hear. Asking for suggestions is one thing, but a good idea is to go in with pictures. You and your stylist can talk it out and figure out exactly what you want together, but try not to go in with nothing. Answering the “what would you like today” question with “I don’t care” is probably one of the worst things you can do.

Be realistic

Like I said, going from black hair to platinum blonde in one session is not realistic, and that expectation will put a strain on both you and your hairdresser. Similarly, if you want the signature Rachel haircut, circa Friends 1994, you have to acknowledge what it took to get that hair. Jennifer Aniston had people doing her hair for her. On top of that, they were doing it every day. If you want Rachel Green hair, you are going to have to commit to some Rachel Green level dedication. It’s important to be honest with your stylist about how much maintenance you are willing to do at home.

Be Considerate

Like I said, treat people how you want to be treated. Certain courtesies make a big difference. If you need to cancel an appointment, or are going to be late, let them know. It’s important to not only respect their schedule, but their business (and their feelings!). Hairdressers appreciate those who appreciate them.

Trust

When you go to the doctor, you generally listen to all their advice. Why? Because they’re experts. The same applies at your salon. Take your stylist’s advice, because he/she is an expert! They wouldn’t give you bad advice. Whatever they are suggesting you do is for the benefit of your hair. A certain product, style, and method of care, is all thanks to the hours of education your hairstylist has gone through. Especially when your stylist suggests salon quality products. Don’t just discount them because they’re more expensive or less accessible. If they suggest these products, they are meant to help your hair’s health and are obviously what’s best for it. Healthy hair means a happy client and a happy stylist!

Tips and then some

There’s nothing a stylist loves more than words of affirmation. Actually, maybe there is a thing or two. One-tips! Tips are extremely important when showing your gratitude and satisfaction with your hair. Even more so than tips, are referrals. Referring a friend, posting a shout out on your social media, anything that gets the word out about how great your stylist is will make a huge difference for them. Someone trying to grow their clientele essentially lives off of referrals, so if you are happy with your hair, shout it from the rooftops. Tell your best friend, your neighbor, your grandma, anyone and everyone. Skipping the tip entirely will probably leave a bad taste in both your mouth and your stylist's. If something didn’t turn out as you expected, talk about it, try to figure out why, but leave the door open for a better experience next time.

The relationship between you and your hairdresser can be a beautiful thing, if you let it. The most important thing to remember is that you’re both human beings. Miscommunication happens. Bad days happen. Misunderstandings happen, but everyone has a common goal. Your stylist wants your hair to look as good as you do.