10 Things Your Stylist Wishes You Knew
When a client walks into my salon for the first time, I know they have questions, hopes, dreams, concerns, and expectations. All the feels. Salon-goers might not realize this, but I have the same. In almost 20 years behind the chair as a licensed hairstylist, American Board Certified Colorist, and salon owner, I’ve got the scoop on what your stylist wishes you knew before you came in for your first appointment. Step inside a pro’s mind and find out what you need to know before you walk in the door.
Have a Hair Goal in Mind It’s hard to start a relationship with a new client who says to me, “Just do whatever you want.” Naturally, you will be drawn to some things and have some “no-go” styles or colors as well. Your lifestyle will also determine the best style for you. So take the time to ask yourself what you really want before you sit down in the chair.
Have Realistic Expectations It’s great to have hopes for your hair cut or color, but we wish you were realistic with your expectations. Everyone’s hair texture is different, everybody’s head shape is different, and everyone’s hair takes in color differently. Be sure to think about this when you are looking for a particular cut or color, and know that moving toward your goal might take several steps.
Do Your Inspiration-Preparation Inspiration pictures are great visuals, so definitely bring them to your appointment. But remember those photos are just that — inspiration, opportunities to show your stylist your likes and dislikes. Your hair might end up looking similar to the picture, but not exactly the same. After all, photos on social media or in magazines are always edited and feature tricks of the trade like extensions and other hair pieces. Each person’s hair is different, just like every snowflake that falls from the sky is not exactly the same. We are all unique, and hair is no exception. Ask your stylist for their take on what was done to achieve your dream look.
Learn to Talk Texture A great haircut can’t change your hair texture, ever. Quality hair products or a hair treatment, such as a keratin treatment, can really help you get the texture you desire. So get specific about whether you want to celebrate or manipulate the texture you came in the door with. Do you dream of freedom from frizz? Reduced curl pattern? Easier time styling your hair? Talk to your stylist about your options.
Value Our Professionalism As stylists, we know our worth because we know how many hours, months, and years of training have gone into our professional development. So please don’t make us feel bad about our pricing or ask us for a deal. Also acknowledge this is our livelihood, and how we provide for our families. Would you like to take a cut in your paycheck? I didn’t think so. Let’s all play nice, and treat each other like the badass professionals we are.
Think “First Date” Don’t add pressure to a first-time appointment with a new stylist. Be open and willing to have a thorough consultation before I pick up my scissors. We will have questions for you, especially because there is no hair history there. I honestly believe there is a working relationship between stylists and their clients. Like any good relationship, there should be good communication.
Don’t Be Tardy Did you know that one of the top reasons for a client to change stylists is because they aren’t on time? We schedule our days just so, and obviously like any business we want to optimize our time. Please be on time so we can stay on time for the following clients in our day.
Be Real with Money Talk What is your color budget? Some of the colors we are performing now are no joke not a double process, more like a triple or quadruple process. Your stylist should be able to guide you in a way that fits your budget, and be able to offer a color service that fits within it. It may not be the same color service you originally wanted, but you can still get a kick-ass color that doesn’t break your budget. This can range from $75-$150 an hour (depending on your stylists experience, length of career, and knowledge).
Know We Do It For You Your happiness is what fuels our fire! It is so important to us to make you feel happy about your hair. We have so much passion for our industry, and for making our clients hair dreams come true. When you leave the salon happy, it fills our gratitude cup right up to the top. We love you, and without you we wouldn’t have a successful career in hairdressing.
Tell Somebody The biggest compliment you can give us is by referring a friend, or family member, and or by giving us a nice review online. Our success only happens if we are doing our jobs, and that is making our clients look and feel beautiful. If your stylist is doing that for you, tell somebody.
