When preparing for a hair appointment, avoiding certain actions can significantly improve your experience and the final result. Understanding proper salon etiquette and best practices ensures your stylist can perform their best work, leading to a satisfying hair transformation.
Here's a comprehensive guide on what to steer clear of during your next salon visit:
During the Haircut: Precision Matters
The haircut phase is crucial for the final shape and style. Your posture and attention can directly impact the accuracy of the cut.
- Crossing Your Legs: Once your hairstylist begins cutting, avoid crossing your legs. This can subtly alter your posture, shifting your weight and affecting how your hair naturally falls. An uneven posture can lead to an uneven cut, compromising the end result.
- Looking Down or at Your Phone: Keep your head in a neutral, forward-looking position. Constantly looking down at your phone, reading, or examining your hair can change your head's angle. This makes it difficult for your stylist to achieve precise lines and symmetry. Instead, put your phone down and look straight ahead, or engage in conversation with your stylist.
- Slouching or Poor Posture: Sit up straight and maintain good posture throughout the haircut. Any slouching or leaning can distort the natural fall of your hair, leading to an inaccurate cut. A stable and consistent posture allows your stylist to work with your hair as it naturally lies.
Before Your Appointment: Preparation is Key
A smooth salon experience often starts before you even arrive.
- Don't Arrive Late: Time is precious in a salon. Arriving late can throw off your stylist's entire schedule, potentially reducing the time dedicated to your service or even causing it to be rushed.
- Solution: Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in, relax, and discuss any last-minute details.
- Don't Come Unprepared: Walking in without a clear idea of what you want can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
- Don't Wash Your Hair Right Before a Color Appointment (Unless Advised): For many color services, especially highlights or balayage, a little natural oil can actually protect your scalp. Washing too close to your appointment can strip these protective oils.
- Solution: Ask your stylist beforehand. Generally, washing 24-48 hours before color is ideal.
- Don't Bring a Large Entourage: While it's fun to bring a friend, having too many people can be distracting for both you and your stylist.
- Solution: If you need a second opinion, bring one trusted friend, but ensure they don't overshadow your own preferences.
During Your Appointment: Communication & Respect
Effective communication and respectful behavior ensure a positive experience for everyone.
- Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up: If you're uncomfortable, don't like something, or have a question, communicate politely with your stylist. They want you to be happy with your hair.
- Solution: Clearly express your concerns. For example, "Could we trim a little less off the front?" or "This water temperature is a bit hot."
- Don't Constantly Touch Your Hair: Once your stylist starts working, avoid running your hands through your hair. This can disrupt their sectioning, cause static, or move product around.
- Solution: Trust your stylist and keep your hands away from your hair until they're finished.
- Don't Skip Meals or Hydration: Long hair appointments can take hours. Feeling hungry or thirsty can make the experience uncomfortable.
- Solution: Eat a light meal before your appointment and bring a water bottle.
- Don't Ignore Aftercare Advice: Your stylist provides aftercare instructions and product recommendations for a reason – to maintain the health and style of your hair.
- Solution: Pay attention to their advice, ask questions about product usage, and follow through at home.
- Don't Compare Your Hair to Others Unfairly: Every head of hair is unique in texture, thickness, and growth patterns. What looks good on a celebrity might not be achievable or suitable for your hair type.
- Solution: Focus on what will enhance your natural beauty and work with your hair's characteristics.
- Don't Forget to Tip: Tipping is customary in many parts of the world and shows appreciation for your stylist's hard work.
- Solution: Budget for a tip (typically 15-20% of the service cost, or more if you're extremely pleased) and consider tipping assistants if applicable.
Quick Reference: Salon Do's & Don'ts
| What Not To Do | Why It Matters | Instead, Do This |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing legs or looking down during a cut | Affects posture, compromises cut precision. | Sit up straight, keep feet flat, look forward. |
| Arrive late for your appointment | Disrupts stylist's schedule, rushes your service. | Arrive 5-10 minutes early. |
| Stay silent if you're uncomfortable or dissatisfied | Leads to an unhappy outcome. | Communicate clearly and politely with your stylist. |
| Constantly touch your hair during the service | Disrupts styling, sectioning, or product application. | Allow your stylist to work without interruption. |
| Ignore aftercare instructions | Compromises hair health and the longevity of your style. | Listen to your stylist's advice and invest in recommended products. |
| Forget to tip your stylist | Shows lack of appreciation for their service. | Budget for and provide a gratuity (typically 15-20%). |
By being mindful of these points, you can ensure a professional, efficient, and enjoyable experience every time you get your hair done.
