Salon Etiquette

If you're new to the salon scene, or even if you're a veteran, you should know that a salon, like any other establishment, has it's own etiquette. 

Please, be on time.

And on time means early. Your appointment starts at the time that you are given, so it is always polite to arrive a couple of minutes early. Things happen though, of course. If you know you're going to be running late, call the salon to let the stylist know. If you're going to be more than 15 minutes late, ask if you need to reschedule. Some stylists only book half an hour appointments. If you're 15 minutes late, you've already missed half of it. 

Talk about prices before your stylists begins.

I once had a nightmare that I got my hair done and went to pay and the price was almost $1,000. Luckily that has never happened to me in real life, but I always ask my stylist how much something is going to be before they do it. Getting to the counter and hearing a price twice as much as you thought it was going to be is not very fun.

Patience is a virtue.

Sometimes, things happen during an appointment that unforeseen to cause the stylist to run behind. Try to be patient if this happens. That is, of course, if it is a reasonable time. If your appointment is almost already over and you haven't even sat in the chair yet, please talk to a manager and see what is going on. 

Tipping.

Ah, tipping. That thing that no one likes to talk about. Typically, like the food industry, at least 15% is normal. Also, don't forget to ask how your salon tips the shampoo techs. Sometimes, you have to tell the front desk to split your tip so that those lovely people behind the bowls get some love too.

Redos

Most salons have a redo policy. No one wants you to go around hating your hair. If this has happened to you, call and find out what can be done. The stylist won't be upset, promise!

Stylist Etiquette

It isn't just the client that needs to be nice. The stylist has some rules to follow too.

• The stylist should guide you to your perfect color and cut. Since it isn't the stylist who will be wearing the style, they shouldn't push anything on you that you're not comfortable with.
• The stylist should give you their full attention. Not play on their cell phone, or walk away to go chat with some friends unrelated to work.

Photo 1