You and your hairstylist has a symbiotic relationship that both parties should uphold, especially in terms of effective communication. But herein lies many of the issues that can arise between the parties – you and your hairstylist may have crossed signals resulting in miscommunication and, unfortunately, unsightly hairstyles and unfriendly relationships.
You, as the client, has the right and responsibility to ensure effective communication with your salon professional – and it starts as soon as you make the appointment and ends when you exit the salon with a satisfied feeling. You should also expect your hairstylist to put in the effort in this matter since every relationship is always a two-way street to make it succeed.
Be Friendly
Start being friendly when you make the call to set your appointment since the receptionist will likely take note of your phone manners. You will likely be provided with friendly service if and when you are friendly in the first place, too, although a professional approach from the staff is always a must.
When setting your appointment, be sure to take note of the time and date agreed as well as tell the receptionist your desired service, whether it’s Brazilian blowout or a straightening service. You may also ask about the price and the tipping policy just so you can be ready with the money.
Arrive on Time
Even when the salon does not appear packed when you passed by it before your appointment, you should still come on time since the place may, in fact, have a full schedule. If you will be running late, you should call the salon about it so that your schedule can be adjusted.
Bring Photos
While you can choose from the booklet of hairstyles and discuss your preferred hairstyle, you are better off bringing a few photos of the haircuts or hairstyles you want for the appointment. You and your hairstylist will be on the same page and you are likely to get what you envisioned for your next cut, color, or curl.
But your hairstylist may also decline your request for your preferred hairstyle, not because of bitchiness but because the hairstyle may be unsuitable for your face shape, hair type, or present lifestyle. You have to keep an open mind since your favorite hairstylist will have your beauty in mind before making any recommendations.
In this case, you should have a clear explanation why your desired cut or color isn’t realistic, suitable, or possible. You can then discuss your options and ensure that you are both on the same page. Your hairdresser, after all, only have shears instead of magic wands.
You will also be asked about the number of minutes that you will spend on styling your hair on a daily basis. If you spend 10 minutes or less, for example, you should not ask for a complicated hairstyle requiring 30 minutes of blow-drying, combing, and ironing.
Speak Up
As a valued client even when it’s your first appointment with the salon, you have the right to speak up about your needs and wants, hairstyling-wise. Just be sure to speak up in a courteous and gracious manner (i.e., avoid being imperious) since a two-way professional relationship demands it. You should obviously expect courteous customer service but you have to be gracious in return.
When speaking up, keep these tips in mind:
- Be clear about your concerns.
- Use a friendly tone of voice.
- Approach the issue with an attitude geared toward resolution instead of conflict.
In case your hairstyle does not turn out the way you planned it to be, you have to keep your composure instead of going berserk. You should clearly state what you dislike about the results – too short, too little or too many layers, or too little of the color tones, for example. Be as specific as possible so that the hairstylist can formulate an effective fix to the problem.
You may withhold payment for the service until you are satisfied with the results. You can either have the problem fixed on the same day or at a future date agreed by both parties. You may be asked to pay for the service, which you can but be sure to ask for a written confirmation that the cost to fix the issue with be free.
Give a Tip
In many, if not most, salons, tipping the staff is allowed, even subtly encouraged. You are, however, under no obligation to give a tip to your hairstylist since his payment is already included in the service fee.
You may want to give your stylist a tip, if and when you are happy with his service. In the United States, a 10 to 20 percent gratuity is the norm. You may want to skip on the tip, too, even when you are satisfied with the service but remember that stylists will remember clients who tip well. You may need them to return the favor, such as when you make a last-minute (i.e., walk-in) appointment for an unexpected event (e.g., interview).
But always remember not to become BFFs with your stylist during the session because it will interfere with the work.