Entering my go-to salon is like taking a mini-vacation a moment to reboot and look and feel amazing. Yet after a stylist friend revealed some insider disappointments, I understood how much our actions affect their day. From wishy-washy requests to tardy arrivals, there are some client actions that can make a good hair day turn bad. Based on stylists’ advice and my own salon disasters, here are 14 pet peeves to avoid so that you and your stylist have a smoother, happier experience.
The Salon Experience: A Two-Way Street
A salon experience is more than a haircut it’s a partnership between you and an artistic professional. Stylists invest years of training and imagination into their work, but tiny errors can put an end to the magic. These tips, grounded in actual stylists’ experiences, will ensure you’re a star client while giving deference to their talents.
14 Salon Pet Peeves and How to Avoid Them
Here’s how to avoid typical traps and be the client every stylist loves.
1. The Vague Instruction Vortex
“Just a trim” is easy-sounding, but once resulted in a bob shorter than I had desired. Stylist Kallie Henskens refers to this as a “nightmare” because what is considered a trim by one person is a dramatic chop by another. Come with photos similar to your hair texture, advises Hens kens, and be precise half an inch off, for example. Unrealistic expectations, such as having thick hair achieve the look of a thin-haired model’s look, annoy stylists like Angela Fernandes. Clear pictures and realistic expectations guarantee that you’ll leave satisfied.
2. Late Arrivals and No-Shows
I once rushed into a salon 10 minutes late, flustered, and threw off my stylist’s schedule. Raven DeGarmo explains, “Every minute is scheduled,” and tardiness cuts consultation time. Worse is ghosting no-shows hurt stylists’ income, as DeGarmo notes, with waitlists hard to fill last-minute. Cancellation policies, like Angels on Earth’s 48-hour rule, exist for fairness. Call ahead if you’re running late or need to cancel24–48 hours’ notice keeps things smooth.
3. The Micromanaging Marathon
Floating over every snip, as I did for a nervous first color, can suppress a stylist’s inspiration. Kallie Henskens indicates experts have their own methods, and micromanaging annoys them. Mid-service criticism, as luanam2 points out, is premature because “it always looks weird” half way through. Tatiana Garcia does not like when clients begin by complaining about previous stylists. Present your vision at the start, provide courteous criticism if necessary, and let them do their thing for the optimum outcome.
4. The Head Bobble Dance
Sitting still is not my strong point, but I discovered moving on a cut danger uneven line. Jill Reynolds requires clients to look down for perimeter cuts, but phone-scrolling hunches ruin it. Tessw4599dd733 advises that moving when foiling will result in bleed marks or wet shirts when shampooing. If you must move, inform your stylist they’ll stop to prevent accidents. Sitting still guarantees precision and safety.
5. Showing Up Unprepared
Dirty hair was okay for a trim in my book, but Kallie Henskens dispels this “old wisdom.” New products perform optimally on clean, dry hair for precise cuts and color uptake. Wet hair is a time-waster, throwing off schedules. Siobhan Quinlan also points out that baggy clothes such as turtlenecks get in the way of clean lines. Keep it simple and show up with clean, dry hair to make your stylist’s job easier.
6. DIY Disasters and Dishonesty
A box dye catastrophe in my teenage years taught me to come clean about hair transgressions. Stylist katiebollwinkels has a nightmare client who lied about a perm, leading to spongy ends when lightening. Sharon Dorram cautions that growing roots make color repairs a challenge. Reveal history of previous treatments and be realistic about multi-session treatments, as hannahd43bc2d754 stresses, to prevent damage and get your dream look.
7. Ignoring Product Recommendations
After spending big bucks on highlights, I bypassed my stylist’s recommendation to shampoo, and the color lasted only a short time. Julius Michael cautions that cheaper products with tough ingredients strip color. Ashleyr69 comments, “Your $8.99 two-in-one won’t keep your expensive color.” Spend money on paraben- and sulfate-free, salon-quality products to save your hair and prolong your style’s lifeit’s worth it.
8. Invading Personal Space
I used to clutter my stylist’s workspace with my phone and coffee; not even aware it was an interruption to her workflow. Charmingzebra81 reminds clients to ask first when putting things on workstations, which contain tools and products. An open space allows stylists to be able to concentrate, being safe and accurate. Put your things in your bag or ask where to put them for a smooth session.
9. Misunderstanding Salon Pricing
I balked at a salon bill once, not grasping the expertise behind it. Stylists emphasize that prices reflect years of training, quality products, and salon overheads like rent and education costs. Angela Fernandes notes the expense of ongoing learning. You’re paying for skill and a luxurious experience scalp massage, comfy chairs, and all. Respect pricing as an investment in their craft.
10. Emotional Hair Chops
Following a breakup, I almost hacked off my long hair in a pixie cut, but my stylist told me to reconsider. Violetbaudelairegt says that spontaneous changes tend to be regretful. Plan significant changes ahead of time so that they fit into your way of life and hair type. A careful consultation avoids emotional choices you may not adore later.
11. Taking Unsupervised Children
I’ve witnessed children acting wild in salons, stressing all the patrons out. Gretchene4cf0cc0e4 cautions that fidgety children distract stylists with sharp instruments, compromising quality and safety. They may also ruin other clients’ tranquil atmosphere. Make arrangements for childcare for your appointment so you and your stylist have a concentrated, relaxing session.
12. Forgetting Home Maintenance
I used to assume my salon waves would hold without work, but a stylist enlightened me on the importance of styling tools. Chaz Dean dispels the dry shampoo myth-it won’t clean, and frequent washing is essential to scalp health. Adhere to your stylist’s product and styling advice to keep that fresh look in between visits, as Raven DeGarmo suggests.
13. Negative Self-Talk
Staring in the salon mirror, I’ve caught myself nitpicking flaws, but Kallie Henskens urges positive language: “We’re here to bring out your inner beauty.” Negative talk about past stylists, as Tatiana Garcia notes, sets a tough tone. Approach your visit with optimism, embracing the chance to celebrate your unique beauty.
14. Forgetting Gratitude
A sincere “thank you” following my last haircut lit up my stylist’s face. A show of appreciation, as “The Ungrateful Client” point reminds us, is everything. Tips (15–20% is customary, according to Angela Fernandes) and word-of-mouth reviews are also acts of appreciation. Expressing thanks creates a connection, which gets your stylist looking forward to your next appointment.
Your Path to Salon Stardom
Being a dream client is respect and communication. My salon experience was better once I began showing up ready, trusting my stylist, and being appreciative. These 14 tips from sound instructions to respecting their art guarantee harmony. Show up for your next appointment ready to work together, and you’ll depart with great hair and a content stylist.
