Most people who open the door of a hairdresser’s can be divided into two groups: those with the "please, do something" approach, and those who know precisely, inch by inch, what they’re in there for.
Reading in between those lines takes years upon years of experience of trimming people’s hair, but even the best hair stylists and colorists sometimes have enough. So when someone posted a question on r/AskReddit “Hairdressers of Reddit, what are some helpful and unhelpful things that clients do when they come in for a haircut?” it immediately blew up with 21.5k upvotes.
The responses are truly eye-opening as they shed light on things from common sense to subtle nuances that most of us do without giving it a thought. After all, lifting your head in the shampoo bowl is often the sole cause of your wet shirt, which should not be confused with your hairdresser's incompetence.
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This is important, do not moan while we wash your hair. Just don’t.
While I agree with the "no moaning" part- getting your hair washed by someone DOES feel great.
Not when you have curly hair and the stylist is a newbie.
Load More Replies...I usually just make polite conversation or just relax and close my eyes. I occasionally sigh because the warm water they use feels nice, though.
Or when they do a scalp massage esp in the conditioning treatments :D id tell them it feels nice and thanks but thats about it usually just close my eyes and relax too till they say yup we are done follow me back to the chair
Load More Replies...I am going to post this here. Off topic, but this #1 ranked post. Can anyone tell me what is the proper tip for a hairstylist? I posted same question in Ask Panda section, but no one answered. I live in Los Angeles California and have had the same hairdresser for years. She does excellent work and is a terrific person so I want to give her a generous tip. She had charged $18 for men's cut for years until raising it to $23 last time I went in a few weeks ago. I have hair that is thinning on top and normal on sides. I get a very basic cut with no wash. So what is proper tip? I gave her $6 tip on new $23 cut. I had been giving her $5 on $18 cut, so from 28% of price of cut to 26% last go round. Is $6 too little for a $23 men's hair cut? Should tip be percentage of total price, or figure based on quality? I have asked many people this question and there is just no consensus. So please, what is good tip for hairstylist?
LOL omg why ? Ive had nice washes and conditioning treatments done and usually just close my eyes and relax .. or I might say that feels nice thanks (usually the scalp massage is amazing) but I wont moan as they doing it thats creepy
Unbelievable, that it offends anybody. I loved it when my clients are purring, I called it, a feel so good massage is always appreciated. A nice massage during your shampoo, takes away lots of tension and makes your clients appreciate you spending some time to relax you.
Ridiculous! I am a barber and it's out right obnoxious and rude to assume a tip in the first place! She. Enter be happy she got paid for the hair cut! And what's with that $23 Crack head amount anyway? That's stupid! That guy needs to find a barber that loves their craft and appreciates her customers!
I can't help it, it feels so nice! Especially when you get the stylist that gives you a mini massage, that's easily the best part of going to the salon
I had to hold in a scream once because the back of the sink was cutting into my neck. Even worse than that they cut an inch rather than the four inches my mom requested.
Honestly, you didn't need to put up with the pain. They can put a towel around your neck to make it more comfortable.
Load More Replies...All you need to do, get this, is communicate with the hairdresser. That's it.
Load More Replies...My wife is a stylist. Her main complaint is when clients, mostly men but some women, start spouting their political beliefs for all to hear. It's as if they think when they sit down in that chair, all conversational etiquitte gets thrown out the window and there are no consequences to what is said.
My doctor did a mammography and she spread all her hate about unemployed people over me when my only thought was "Do I have breast cancer or not?!" And when I didn't answer to her s**t, she asked me, if I was "one of them". Yep, feelin' with ya, hairdressers...
Please, for the love of god don’t wear a turtleneck to your color appointment.
Make-up artist here, so not a stylist but I've worked with scores of them and here's what I've heard: Try to find images of hair similar to yours. If you have super thick curls, a pic of someone with fine straight hair won't do you any good. Similarly, go in with your hair close to your natural texture if you're dealing with a new stylist. Also, if you like a cut on a model, cover his/her face with your finger and make sure you like the hair and not the face. Mention if something bothers you, "I hate blow-drying" "I need to be able to put it up" "My forehead looks weird" the best stylist I've ever worked with is also super honest with me "I can do something similar, but this exact length will give you fat face". Finally, ask questions. "How do I style this?" "What products should I use?" "What does the upkeep look like?"
Show up on time.
BE 100% HONEST WITH YOUR COLORIST OR COSMETOLOGIST. I cannot stress this enough. Your hair will melt off if chemicals don't sync. Virgin hair will react differently than chemically treated hair.
Not a hairdresser but someone who cuts my own and friends/family hair because I got tired of not being listened to by professionals :
Curly hair should not be cut wet. I used to not mind the way it looked right after being cut (when they blow dried / straightened the crap out of it) but then I'd go home, shower, and discover it was too short and badly shaped when curly again.
A good hairdresser will cut curly hair dry or slightly damp so they can see the shape and real length.
This is really good advice. In my experience with home haircuts, it's a good rule of thumb that hair should be cut the way it's going to be worn most. If you have naturally straight hair or straighten it, cut it wet/straight. If your hair is curly, cut it curly or damp at most. I have been doing my own (mid-back length, wavy) hair and my partner's (short, with multiple cowlicks) since my last, horrendously expensive, but equally awful professional cut (roughly two years ago), and it took some finessing, but this way works very well for both of us.
Have realistic expectations. Just because Sally was able to go from black to blonde in one appointment, doesn’t mean you can. Your hair isn’t Sally’s.
What do you mean, my hair is not Sally's? How dare you imply that Sally has got better hair than me? I'll get you fired over this. I want to speak to the manager!!!
Do NOT come to the stylist in a raging fit because your boyfriend hurt your feelings so now you’re going to cut your long hair into a pixie to show that you have control over your life.
No matter how awesome it looks, you WILL hate it, you WILL cry, and you will HATE us for allowing you to do it.
This is why stylists will always try to talk you down off that ledge, and many will offer a slower transition (“Let’s try a shoulder length bob!”) or refuse you completely. It’s not that we hate you. We want you to love us and come back, but if you hate your hair you’ll hate us by extension.
You don't have to talk, you don't have to be silent, just know that we are stylists first and not necessarily therapists, if you tell me you are suïcidal I'm not equipped with helping you with that. We can have a good chat, I can tell you about my struggles and you can tell me yours, but really talk to someone who actually knows how to help and deal with that. It can be a very hard thing to hear for us too.
Never EVER make your life a stranger's responsibility unless it is that stranger's job to ensure your wellbeing, like a medical or mental health professional. Or it's an actual emergency (ie you were hit by a car).
A big no-no: don’t cross your legs while I’m cutting! That can lead to a very uneven haircut. It’s sometimes hard to catch you with the cape on.
How the heck are we supposed to know that's bad unless someone tells us? I've never been told to keep my legs uncrossed when having a haircut, and women are taught to cross their legs when sitting, in general. Politely reminding every customer, every time, seems like a much better option than just complaining online.
Lifting your head in the shampoo bowl! Don't do that.. That's how we end up soaking the back of your shirt!
Most sinks are incredibly uncomfortable to have your hair washed at. It's difficult to sit completely still when the hard basin is digging in your neck. Also, difficult to sit still when the person washing my hair is also trying to wash my face, concentrate on what you are doing not stand chatting to the person next to you. Also, cut your nails
My friend is a hairdresser and her biggest complaint is unrealistic expectations. People want to go from dark brown to platinum in one session, bright pink hair that never fades, amazing rainbow hair from a heavily filtered photo on Instagram....
It's mostly about expectations e.g. if you want blue hair then expect bleach damage and split ends, be prepared to spend money on colour safe shampoo, conditioner, hair treatments, maintain it regularly, change your pillowcases, etc. Don't blame your hairdresser if you go swimming for hours and your hair turns green.
I won't. I dyed my hair pink once and purple once. Even FUSCHIA! But when i went swimming i didnt go for long
99% of the time, I can’t hear you when blow drying, and it’s bloody impossible to have a conversation when blow drying now we all have to wear masks.
(responding for my mother, who is one)
Helpful:
Have a picture of something like what you want done, descriptions don't do a justice
Be 100% honest about what you've done to your own hair
Unhelpful:
Don't bring filtered pics or ones that are wigs (just don't have unrealistic expectations) Don't move your head when you're in the chair, only move when your stylist says so Stop insisting babies and toddlers have hair cut- it's traumatic
I agree with babies, but what's supposed to happen with toddler hair? Just grow out of control? Isn't it also traumatizing when toys get caught up in long hair and have to be cut out?
Yay! I can finally answer one of these! Went through cosmo school, finished, assisted at a salon and decided I HATED it.
I got a couple that I tell all my friends. 1. Please know what 6 inches actually looks like on a ruler. Sometimes you think you want to cut that much but you're not aware of what it actually looks like. 2. If you want blonde hair and you've colored lately or its very dark, expect to start with just highlights, more and more until it's all blonde, or you can start slow but you will be rust/yellow for a little bit. TRUST THE PROCESS!! 3. We love to talk and hear about your life but make sure you can stay still while you talk.
And last but definitely the most important
Don't cross your legs or arms while getting a hair cut. You will end up with a lop sided haircut.
I keep seeing that about crossing the legs/arms. I've never heard it while in a chair however. That should be something told to customers when butt hits seat.
You'd be shocked at how just washing your hair can make a huge difference between a good haircut and a great one.
is this for barber shops that don't wash your hair first? Cuz mine washes my hair before
Not a hairdresser, a client.
I came to a guy with a particular image saved on my phone.
He furrowed his brow as if digging for an old memory.
"Wait... is that f**king STALIN?!"
"Well... yes... but young Stalin looked damn good!"
"I... can't argue with that..."
And so, he made me kinda look like young Stalin.
Don’t switch how you’re sitting halfway through the cut! Even crossing/uncrossing your legs can make a difference in how the cut turns out!
Coming in with clean hair, NO HAT, and no product. You will cut the work in half if we aren't spending time trying to blend out a line created by a hat. Pictures? Totally great! But have them saved already- I don't want to watch you with phone face during the consultation. STOP getting your hair done after the gym! It is disgusting.
Story time: when I was eleven, I had to go get a haircut to fix an undercut I gave myself (I cut my hair with scissors because I didn't want to brush out a knot) and my appointment was while I was in school, COINCIDENTALLY after I had gym. Now if you know how 6th grade gym is, they make you work out enough to make you sweat. After gym class I was called to the office to be picked up for my appointment. While we walking towards the car, my mom looks at me and says, "girl, what fight did you get into?" I told her that I JUST had gym so I was a little rough looking. She then called the stylist and then asked them if we could delay the appointment for another 45 minutes. Why? Because she didn't want me to go to my appointment looking like an animal. ->-
People who are willing to spend 6 hours and $400+ on a fantasy color such as pink, blue, purple etc. Only to not buy professional salon products. I only recommend to my guests what they absolutely need! The shampoo and conditioner that we have at the salon is made for specific types of hair with special ingredients. If you use herbal essences, Pantene, or tresemme (basically 90% of any shampoo you can find at the grocery store) on a color like that, it will completely wash out the first time you shampoo your hair. They have a higher pH and will strip your hair. Also they have waxes and silicones that will deposit onto your hair strand to make it feel soft, but really it’s preventing any type of moisture into your hair strand.
I once had a colorist tell me she recommends replacing shampoo with decent-quality conditioner after coloring hair because it still gets the job done with the scrubbing action & sudsiness but you end up not spending as much on super expensive specialty shampoo. I've tried it & it seems to work perfectly fine. Also, for research purposes I fed my home-dyed hair (Adore brand) a steady stream of Pantene shampoo & the color still lasted a very long time, 6-8 months if I remember correctly. But again that's just my personal experience so talk to your colorist about what will work best for your dye brand & hair type.
Please remember we are human, we have lives and families too, so sometimes we are a little less happy, it's not that we hate you, maybe we lost someone close to us or are going through a break up. Working when you know that any moment now you'll get a call saying someone died is making it hard to be super cheery. We don't have to share those things.
But also remember that we have no idea what's going on in your life so while we non-Karen customers will do our best to be sympathetic we also expect a level of professionalism. I've had stylists who were downright nasty, & maybe they had things going on in their lives that were stressing them out, but they still had a job to do & I didn't appreciate having rudeness directed towards me simply for wanting a haircut.
Stylist here.
Helpful:
-Pictures! Keep in mind, not every picture can be done with YOUR hair. For example, many bridal/special occasion styles have hair pieces added or the girl already has thick, luscious hair. If you have short and or soft/fine/thin hair, you probably can’t get the same effect. Same thing with certain cuts. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get something somewhat similar, but not all pictures can be done exactly.
-Honesty. Don’t lie about the box color you’ve put on your hair (including henna) or products you use. The stylist WILL find out one way or another (like when your “virgin” hair turns orange instead of yellow in foils) and it just makes it harder and more expensive to correct it later on. It doesn’t matter if you tell the truth, the truth will come out. But it will save everyone a lot of heartache if you’re just upfront about it. We don’t care if you put box dye on your hair— we just need to know because the course of action will be different depending on your history.
-Referrals. If you like your stylist, take some business cards and pass them out, tag them on social media, and refer your friends. Chances are, you might get some $ off for the referral, and it will help out your stylist more than you know— especially if they are newer and don’t have full books yet.
Unhelpful:
-Moving around a lot at the shampoo bowl (do NOT lift your head— limp neck is best) or while getting your hair cut/styled. Unless you want water down your back, an uneven haircut, or a burn, stay as still as possible and don’t talk with your hands or try to look around at the stylist.
-Arguing about what you think can be done in the allotted time and within your desired price range. The stylist is the professional, not you. We go to school for a long time to learn about all different hair types, the chemistry of hair color, and how long things will take and how expensive they will be. Maybe your mom’s friend who went to cos school 70 years ago says that a full head highlight can be done in 20 minutes on your black box dyed hair for $60, but that doesn’t mean it’s true and it doesn’t mean I will do it for that price. So save yourself the argument and go to homegirl and let me know how it turns out for you! It’s a lot more expensive to fix fucked up hair than it is to do it right the first time around. Also, if you have super thick/long hair, it will be more expensive. More hair = more product/time = more money. Remember, you get what you pay for. This is especially true for hair services.
I appreciate this, but it still baffles me that y'all haven't come up with a more comfortable set up for hair washing. Sometimes I move bc it's SO painful I don't have a choice. Even something as small as putting a towel under my neck helps. I understand that it adds to the laundry, but holy hell, those sinks are *awful.*
Don’t come in with nasty hair. Sure, it gets washed, but no one wants to run their hands through your day 5 hair.
Be realistic about how bleach and color work.
If you are going through a rough patch, try not to do something too drastic to your hair.
Some people have 0 experience with bleach or dye, don't get angry at people for simply not knowing. Remember, you were trained to do this because it's your job. Most people's only experience is seeing someone else with dyed hair.
If your child either hates having his hair cut or moves a lot. dont expect a fantastic hair cut. if you really wish your child who does hate having his haircut get it done by a stranger, have something in mind that isnt a lot of work. tell the hairdresser / barber that they dislike having it done. and ask for advice on what haircut can be done that is quick and easy. and then listen to them and take the advice.
Most stylists aren't making bank, in fact it's a very low paying job, we are on our feet all day dealing with chemicals and work in positions that aren't always good for our backs/hands/wrists/shoulders. Its not unusual if we don't have time for the bathroom or to eat. Many times I have been busy from the moment the door opens until it closes, and still won't have eating anything. It's very very hard work, and after we're done, every single person in my team is done talking for the day and need some winding down time. we are perfectionists and passionate in our jobs. We do it because we love it and the people, but a lot of us are struggling. Especially now, so be kind to us.
Please don't keep your eyes open when washing, it's kinda akward if you know someone is staring right up your nostrils.
I do keep my eyes open when my hair is being washed at the hairdressers', but I don't stare into the nostrils of whoever is washing my hair, because a) I don't think I could because they stand too far behind me and b) I look straight up at the ceiling .
DON’T WEAR A HOODIE or a turtleneck, if you can take it off, fine but they both Get in the way a lot if I’m trying to cut/color your hair. Also your hair doesn’t need to be dirty for me to style it. In fact I would REALLY prefer if it was clean. And it also doesn’t need to be dirty/clean/covered in coconut oil for me to color it. Just come in with normal dry hair.
Former hairstylist, don’t ask to have an inch off all over and then “we can go from there if I want more.”
That’s asking me to do two haircuts, come on.
maybe they just aren't sure and want to make sure that they look good?
Please for the love of god, come with clean hair. Idc what you’re having done. If you haven’t washed your hair in a week or more and come to the salon, you’re an asshole. Also, I shouldn’t have to say this but: DON’T COME TO THE SALON WITH LICE. We cannot service you or treat you. No we won’t shave your head. I’ve mostly had this happen with parents where their child has lice and they fully know it and want us to thin their hair so it’s easier to remove. Lice is highly contagious and it is not ok to come to the salon if you have an infestation.
Just seeing the word lice makes my hair itch. Everyone thinks if you have lice it us because you are dirty, but lice like clean hair. I have gotten lice a few times through my kids who got it at school. Awful. Costs so much money to get rid of. Had to boil our sheets. Regular hit water cycle on washing machine is not hot enough. literally boiled water and put it in a bug Rubbermaid container and stirred the sheet s with a broom handle like it was witches brew.
16 years in the industry and over 10 have been teaching for cosmetology schools...
I always teach guests and students to have pictures of what they’re either thinking of doing or going toward. Cover up the face. People don’t realize they instinctively will choose a style because they think the person is attractive, and not the hair. Strange, I know... but very true.
Less is more when you’re wanting to transition to something new. If you jump in on a new look you’ll likely be in shock and hate it before you can get used to it. Sometimes baby steps are best. Especially with drastic cuts or colors. When committing to a retexturizing service (relaxer/perm) that’s an even bigger decision because you’re chemically restructuring the hair bonds and you can’t go back to your natural hair until it grows out and gets cut off. Also, be honest about your hair history. Every single chemical and non chemical you’ve applied to your hair. It all matters. Same with shampoos, conditioners, and other products. We need to know it all.
Ask the stylist how to recreate the look at home that they’ve given you. But don’t be shocked when it takes tools and products to achieve the look.
Last, understand that it’s an investment to look certain ways. If it’s high maintenance the annual budget can be up in the thousands. How often would you need it done, etc.
I could legit discuss this for hours and sometimes do with students.
I remember watching an interview with Norman Reedus where he talked about people wanting Daryl Dixon haircuts. Yes, from The Walking Dead, the show where people live rough & rarely wash themselves. How many of them wanted to look like a sexy hunk but turned out looking like a greasy, unshowered, unkempt sewer rat? Hint: all of them.
Dos: be as specific as you want to be trust me I won’t get annoyed. Show me pictures preferably with a lot of angles. Come with your natural hair texture so I know exactly what I’m working with. Please be honest with what’s been done to your hair I won’t judge if you dyed your hair or put a relaxer but I need to know because I can end up really damaging your hair. Don’t: Move around I know you want to see what I’m doing but trust me you’re not going to like how your hair looks in the middle of everything. Force babies or children to get a haircut. I’m a mother and I love children but sometimes those poor babies end up traumatized and never want to get a haircut again. Rush me. If you’re getting a new color and you have long thick hair don’t expect me to finish in half an hour. No matter how fast I am hair still has to finish processing. Change your mind. So many times people change their minds because they see how their hair is looking and they think they won’t like how it’ll turn out. LET ME FINISH PLEASE. Trust the process.
Please be realistic when it comes to hair. Good hair isn't cheap and cheap hair isn't good. We need to work with what you have, and if you want the impossible, it's impossible. Its not about not being able to. It's being realistic. "But she can go from red to blond in a week" no babe, that's a wig, and your hair won't make it. Pick something else, either lay down Some serious money and follow the exact care and time instructions, or stop arguing.
Cheap hair can be good. I cut my own hair and I've had hairdressers compliment it before. People also dye their hair at home and it comes out good many times. It's just a matter of doing your research and not getting too upset about small mistakes.
Always clean your ears before a haircut you don’t want someone up that close to you with waxy manky ears.
Don’t keep moving around your head in the shampoo bowl. We can move the water spray head around we don’t need your help hha also please tip the shampoo girls/assistants! A lot of them are usually licensed cosmetologists that are in the assisting program post school bc everyone has to start at the bottom. So they are busting their asses all day everyday for minimum wage when they actually could be doing your hair but salons make people start at the bottom as shampoo girls
If we are done with a cut, please don't "help" with removing the hair, your not removing it you are actually making it worse by patting it into your clothes, sticking to your skin and letting it fall into your shoes. We know how itchy it can get when you do that.
dont move your head with us, we move for a reason dont move your head unless we tell you to. angles are very important, if you move while we are doing something that angle is now wrong.
Previous hairdresser here: I had a client named Frieda. She was 90. Every week she came in with a picture of Jessica Biel and said “make me look like her”. And goddammit I tried, but she always looked mildly disappointed.
When I had my stint as a hairdresser, several customers would tell me they need a change and I had total artistic freedom to modernize their style. 99% of the time they cried and yelled at me. 85% of the girls came back and apologized, it took them a month to get use to change; I thought I lost a regular, she came back after 6 months and said she loved it. That was my first year as a stylist, I wised up and advised them to give me examples of what they like.
My helpful tip, wait a month after break ups, before you take the plunge to change your look. Girls always, want to chop off their hair after a break up.
I dont get why girls want to change themselves after a breakup. I mean, some girls might do it as a way to take out their anger/sadness on something, but if their doing it because the guy like thair hair or something, cutting it off just to change it away from what he likes is basically changing yourself FOR him, which is even worse...
It’s always helpful when you bring in pictures of styles you like, and just as helpful when you have an idea of styles you hate.
Mum's a hairdresser and her #1 is making sure people know that hairdressers prioritize healthy hair over hair length/style. So they're literally taught to cut dead ends, etc.
So that's why you often hear people complain that a hairdresser has cut off too much hair. Her #1 tip is always "If you're adamant on keeping the length the way it is, you have to let them know! Otherwise they'll just cut what they think is dead!"
I stopped going to my mum once I moved cities years ago, and now all my new hairdressers I say "Hey so I'm looking for X but keep as much length as possible, please!" And have never had an issue.
Please come on time! I usually book my whole day down to minutes, and one late client makes my whole day run late.
Realize that when you show me a picture of Rosie Huntington Whiteley's beautiful blonde hair, I can't make you look like Rosie Huntington Whiteley. All I do is hair.
I'd say the most important thing is to COMMUNICATE with me! I'm a professional, and I won't take it personally if you don't like how something is working. You're the one living with your look every day, not me! If something is wrong (or just not quite right), tell me! I can make adjustments SO easily. Even if you don't notice until after you've lived it in for a while, let me know when you come back. I love to make my guests happy, and I want you to feel comfortable giving me feedback!
Being vocal is important. I’m usually trying to be polite, but it’s my hair so I should feel more comfortable to kindly point things out. Assertive, not passive or aggressive.
I have no problem talking about some more ‘controversial’ topics with clients who can discuss politely. But I do have to remember that there are other clients within earshot and I have to be appropriate for them, too. So just because my client and I are comfortable, I can’t get too into these topics because I could still get a complaint from my neighbor's client.
I'm not a hairdresser but I was told by one that if you have thicker hair (like I do), if you shower prior to getting your hair cut, hygiene aside, it makes it easier and cleaner to do.
Just CHILL. Relax, don’t try to pick up everything that may fall, let me do it. It always seems to end in an awkward up n down from both ends.
When your head is in the shampoo bowl, lay it down completely and let our hands move you where you need to be & let US do the work.
Also, conditioner is absolutely NEEDED for healthy hair. I know it’s weighing sometimes, but there ARE products that help with lift. Always condition your hair, always water your plants.
I always love a good splash of well placed random!! (The plant comment.)😊
From my wife:
1: Don’t cross your legs in the chair. Makes your hair un even.
When she is washing you hair, don’t move your head, let her do it.
Tip
When I have a haircut I like, I usually take a picture of myself and bring it in. I've been told that's helpful. One time I brought in a 3D model of myself with a haircut I liked. That was a real winner.
My other haircut tip is to get a haircut right before getting your driver's license or passport photo taken and to tell them that's what you're doing. Pretty easy way to get a good photo.
show a picture of david beckham and are disappointed that you don’t look like david beckham even when you now have his exact haircut
Keep your freaking head still! Learn to speak without bobbing your head around. Warn me (if you can) if you’re about to sneeze or something. Some people move their heads to much while I’m working on them I swear I get motion sickness.
Don’t blast off at the stylist who tried to 'up-sell' products. They hate it just as much as you do. Just be polite and say no if you don’t want it. They aren’t trying to spike up your bill. They have to follow selling guidelines; otherwise, they’ll get marks on their reports for not selling enough.
So they *are* spiking your bill, but they don't want to. That's fine, I get they have higher-ups glaring down on them, but don't say they are & then say they aren't.
If they notice anything off about your hair (mostly lice or something very hazard-like), they have to deny service due to protocols. DO NOT scream at them and demand them to do it. They have to be careful with certain things that could possibly be transmitted home to their loved ones or other customers.
Also, lice do not mean you are dirty or unhygienic. So don't be ashamed, but fix the problem. And read up on how to act if you or anyone in your family has lice.
Be clear in what you want, preferably already know what you want before you sit down in our chairs, having the "do I want pink or do I want blond oh I just don't know" conversation is really annoying because it takes time we could use in a better way and honestly I'm down for both and it's not my head so I'm not going to make that decision for you.
Mine loves when I research a hairstyle so long I have an idea of what it is ie “medium shag” “long bob” etc
Then I collect a ton of pics of basically the same haircut on different people
This way I have a reference of “This is what I want, but like this and not like that” ie wispy but not chunky etc
I hate it when people answer who aren’t qualified to answer. You HAVE a hairstylist, you are not one.
Stop putting your head down. Like chin to chest. Just stop it, unless I ask, don’t do it. It’s literally like I’m chasing your head to do your hair. Stop.
Washing hair is important. if you cant its not the end of the world. especially if its apart of the service you are about to get. a washed head of hair puts all hair in its natural state makes it so much easier to cut and get a better end result (this also applied with hats if you wear a hat and take it off your hair has been pushed into an unnatural position and a clipper and our combes wont be able to make it go normal)
- “Do whatever you think will look good”
- Keeping your eyes open while I shampoo your hair
- Letting your head go all wobbly during the blow dry
- Moaning while getting a head massage
I was a barber for 7 years- every haircut must be faded. Please do not sit down and ask for a “fade” and for the love of Christ, don’t ask us “do you know how to fade”. The answer is yes and we will judge you.
Know what number you get on the sides, #2, 4, etc. Its a lot easier for you to remember your number than it is for us to remember everyone’s. Please don’t say “like last time” unless you know us well and come in very often. We do not remember. Know if you like your hairline squared off, rounded, or tapered (tapered usually looks best). Pictures do help, but not if it’s a photo of you and 10 other people, bad quality and all we can see is the front of your head. Google haircut styles and find one you like, it will be easier for both of us. An inch is almost always less than what you think it is, we have a ruler on our comb, ask to see it if you aren’t sure. Close your eyes when we’re lining up your beard/ eyebrows, less awkward for everyone.
dont come in when you have a product in your hair that isnt suppose to be in your hair.
i had a client once who came in wanting a 0 fade and he said i dont want anything done to the top (when he said i had a sigh of relief). why? he seem to have styled his hair with some kind of glue. there was no way the stuff he had in his hair was for hair. even so i finished the fade didint do anything on top, i asked him all is good, he said yes all is good, but can you take some off the top just a bit? i said no there is no way thats possible with whats in your hair. he insisted that i tried, so i wet down his hair knowing it wasnt going to work (but to prove a point) and it rolled odd his hair. i did this a fair amount, and said i cant even attempt to try. and ended up telling him if i was to try it would be a lot more expensive to cover the cost of new scissors.
(also bear in mind this was during covid lockdown and at the time we werent allowed to wash peoples hair either so that was out of the question)
Please don’t talk with your head, it’s frustrating trying to keep the tension on the hair, on a client that moves their head just as much as their mouth lol.
15 year Hairstylist here 1. A trim and a haircut are in fact the same. 2. Quit moving your head!! 3. Be realistic, dont expect miracles. 4. Buy salon quality products. Not Amazon/Walmart. 5. If you’re late, we may have to reschedule.
I could go on. Just be kind and respectful. We love what our jobs and our clients.
Meh, I've used Amazon/Walmart products & had stylists ask where I had my hair done because it looked great. When I told them it was cheap s**t done at home they were in awe that my hair was thriving. It depends on your hair type & exactly what kind of Amazon/Walmart s**t you buy.
I’m a hairstylist. Please hold still but be loose enough to allow me to move you into position as needed. When telling me how much to take off, realize that “medium” is not a length. If I tell you before we start that we’re going to go wash your hair it’s because you’re gross, so just let it happen. Be honest about your products and routine. Be honest when I ask how the cut looks, this is your opportunity to have me make adjustments. Recognize that certain haircuts require more maintenance than others and it’s up to you to keep up with it. And if you get had a cut you really love, takes pictures of it from multiple angles and bring those in next time so I can easily recreate the cut.
"If I tell you before we start that we’re going to go wash your hair it’s because you’re gross" made me laugh. I don't doubt that people come in for a haircut with greasy filthy hair. But I do doubt that a hairdresser would ever tell that person that they are gross.
i dislike the hair dressers solely as i have to stare at my face for the appointment in the massive mirror the whole time and i'm trying to look any where else, i don't want to see my face its old and pale i just want a hair cut
A lot of us can't see anything because you can't wear your glasses during a haircut.
Wow all the comments on this post are being downvoted just because they gave a different opinion? And some aren't even being negative, they're just talking about the haircuts they choose and how long it takes before going back to the hairdresser...
It's either a glitch or bots. This has been happening on multiple other articles, where I did my own tests & got up to 5 downvotes within 3 minutes just for asking what was with the downvotes. I don't think real people are downvoting since it's so fast & seems to only affect comments the bottom of the article itself rather than the threads per image. Plus there are vulgar spam comments in this thread. I hope BP sorts it out soon.
Load More Replies...i just learned that i'm a fine customer for hair salon. No color, short or mid cuts because i have very thin hair, i don't talk a lot, i know that my hair is thin. I go to the same hairdresser 3 times a year^^ BUT sometimes i was mistreated because i can't have water in my ears, i mean i CAN'T have a drop of water in my ears, and no device work on me. So if i say i CAN'T have water in my ears, don't assume it's because i dislike it, i will go to the hospital for it. That's why i have the same hairdresser for years, she take it very seriously.
I am really surprised by the „do not cross your legs“. I‘m 37 and never once in my life got told by a hairdresser not to cross my legs. Or got a lopsided haircut for that matter.
I’m guessing it varies and depends on the hairdresser. I’ve always been told to uncross my legs as well. I have a habit of crossing them. I have long straight hair as well so I’m not sure if that matters or not but I just do what the hairdresser tells me. I would sit knee over knee. Maybe if u cross at the ankles that’s ok. I remember one hairdresser told me that it makes you sit lopsided and one side of your hair is higher than the other when u sit that specific way.
Load More Replies...I don’t care for this thread. It’s not a profession that is one size fits all from either professional or customer point of view. Plus there is a big difference between what I expect for a $10 cut versus a $100+ cut. Don’t preach that hair styling is an art and then complain if it’s subjective. Or if I KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
I turn up on time, wait at least 15 minutes for them to be ready, strain my neck over their uncomfortable bowl while they pull my hair and scratch my scalp and leave soap round the nape of my neck, sit where I’m told, try to make inane conversation to avoid answering all the intrusive personal questions, put up with a blow dry which I know I’m going to have to wash out as soon as I get home, pretend to look at the back of my head, make encouraging sounds, sit through their product sales pitch silently willing them to give up, pay them the same as a medical professional and avoid showing anyone my hair for a few weeks until it’s grown back enough to look normal.
I usually have my barber cut my hair short... and it's "cheap as chips". I've even allowed him to experiment on me- walked in and said "Go for it, cut it like you think suits me best." Risky, but hey, he knows me and hair grows back. :D [Right now I resemble one of the Gallagher brothers in their shaggy hairdo phase... not my best look. Can't wait till the barbers' opens again.]
Quick shoutout to a super cool hairdresser I know (I'm gonna call her S). S is a super cool woman who has been doing my hair for about two years now! I am always very happy with the cut and her salon is super cool. She works from her garage, but what she does is way better than what I've gotten from more professional places in the past. Plus, she's friends with my mom.
I really don't get the crossed legs thing, never heard of that before, at least in my country. I guess we can talk to each other so a better caption could be "don't move or switch positions without letting me know FIRST". Downvotes in 3, 2, 1...
I'm not going back to my hair stylist until we don't have to wear masks. I tried, once...getting my hair cut with a mask on. My mouth was covered in hair and I swallowed some of it. I was so turned off I bought clippers and taught myself using youtube videos. Not the hair dresser's fault, but yeah, no...never again.
I feel like this whole purse was really negative these people got this dog soon deal with people
Wow all the comments on this post are being downvoted just because they gave a different opinion? And some aren't even being negative, they're just talking about the haircuts they choose and how long it takes before going back to the hairdresser...
It's either a glitch or bots. This has been happening on multiple other articles, where I did my own tests & got up to 5 downvotes within 3 minutes just for asking what was with the downvotes. I don't think real people are downvoting since it's so fast & seems to only affect comments the bottom of the article itself rather than the threads per image. Plus there are vulgar spam comments in this thread. I hope BP sorts it out soon.
Load More Replies...i just learned that i'm a fine customer for hair salon. No color, short or mid cuts because i have very thin hair, i don't talk a lot, i know that my hair is thin. I go to the same hairdresser 3 times a year^^ BUT sometimes i was mistreated because i can't have water in my ears, i mean i CAN'T have a drop of water in my ears, and no device work on me. So if i say i CAN'T have water in my ears, don't assume it's because i dislike it, i will go to the hospital for it. That's why i have the same hairdresser for years, she take it very seriously.
I am really surprised by the „do not cross your legs“. I‘m 37 and never once in my life got told by a hairdresser not to cross my legs. Or got a lopsided haircut for that matter.
I’m guessing it varies and depends on the hairdresser. I’ve always been told to uncross my legs as well. I have a habit of crossing them. I have long straight hair as well so I’m not sure if that matters or not but I just do what the hairdresser tells me. I would sit knee over knee. Maybe if u cross at the ankles that’s ok. I remember one hairdresser told me that it makes you sit lopsided and one side of your hair is higher than the other when u sit that specific way.
Load More Replies...I don’t care for this thread. It’s not a profession that is one size fits all from either professional or customer point of view. Plus there is a big difference between what I expect for a $10 cut versus a $100+ cut. Don’t preach that hair styling is an art and then complain if it’s subjective. Or if I KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
I turn up on time, wait at least 15 minutes for them to be ready, strain my neck over their uncomfortable bowl while they pull my hair and scratch my scalp and leave soap round the nape of my neck, sit where I’m told, try to make inane conversation to avoid answering all the intrusive personal questions, put up with a blow dry which I know I’m going to have to wash out as soon as I get home, pretend to look at the back of my head, make encouraging sounds, sit through their product sales pitch silently willing them to give up, pay them the same as a medical professional and avoid showing anyone my hair for a few weeks until it’s grown back enough to look normal.
I usually have my barber cut my hair short... and it's "cheap as chips". I've even allowed him to experiment on me- walked in and said "Go for it, cut it like you think suits me best." Risky, but hey, he knows me and hair grows back. :D [Right now I resemble one of the Gallagher brothers in their shaggy hairdo phase... not my best look. Can't wait till the barbers' opens again.]
Quick shoutout to a super cool hairdresser I know (I'm gonna call her S). S is a super cool woman who has been doing my hair for about two years now! I am always very happy with the cut and her salon is super cool. She works from her garage, but what she does is way better than what I've gotten from more professional places in the past. Plus, she's friends with my mom.
I really don't get the crossed legs thing, never heard of that before, at least in my country. I guess we can talk to each other so a better caption could be "don't move or switch positions without letting me know FIRST". Downvotes in 3, 2, 1...
I'm not going back to my hair stylist until we don't have to wear masks. I tried, once...getting my hair cut with a mask on. My mouth was covered in hair and I swallowed some of it. I was so turned off I bought clippers and taught myself using youtube videos. Not the hair dresser's fault, but yeah, no...never again.
I feel like this whole purse was really negative these people got this dog soon deal with people