Depending your industry and profession, you probably have a few phrases that get under your skin. Your hairstylist is no different.
As an avid the LAYER reader and Hairstyles Weekly subscriber, I’m sure you’re a great client. But, do you know what phrases to stop telling your stylist?
I had the chance to chat with some stylists – who shall remain nameless for this post – about four phrases that drive them crazy. Here is what they had to say:
1. “I don’t care what you do.”
Without giving your stylist a clear direction for the cut, color and style of your hair – your stylist is faced with the pressure of doing their job blind! Not to mention, most everyone has at least a slight idea of what they want.
One stylist had this to say, “It really bothers me when someone says ‘just cut it’ or ‘do whatever you think’. I welcome people to bring me five different pictures to say I like this part of this photo and this part of that one. However, I hate it when someone sits down after waiting for 30 minutes (having had the option to browse books), and still has no idea what they want.”
Pro client tip: Bring in pictures or pin some of your favorite looks on your Pinterest page to show your stylist at your next appointment. Our Pinterest page is FULL of inspiration for you to use!
2. “I don’t want you to cut my hair because I’m trying to grow it out.”
Oops! I’m definitely guilty of using this one a time or two. But that was before I realized that you need regular trims for your hair to grow! But don’t just take my word for it.
Here is what a stylist had to say, “You have to get regular trims or your hair will get split ends and cut itself. If you’ve been growing your hair out for over a year and it’s only grown a few inches – then you aren’t getting it trimmed enough. Your hair will and does grow a half an inch each month, but if it’s cutting itself you will feel like your hair isn’t growing at all.”
Pro client tip: Schedule regular trims with your stylist to keep your hair growing and healthy. Women with healthy hair generally get trims once every six to eight weeks.
3. “So, when I was in beauty school…”
It’s always great to bond with your stylist by sharing things you have in common, but don’t boss her around. No one likes being told how to do their job (especially if they are fully capable of doing a great job).
One stylist shared this, “Some clients start off saying, ‘So I went to beauty school, but didn’t finish…but I still know what I want and what I want you to mix. Let me see your color chart so I can tell you how I want it mixed.”
Pro client tip: Bond over your education and interests, but don’t boss around your stylist.
4. “I want this haircut, but don’t want to style my hair or use any products.”
Well, I’d also like to lose 30 lbs. by eating bacon cheeseburgers and French fries dipped in ranch dressing. But that’s not going to happen!
Committing to a new hair color and style means you’ll need to use the best products and styling tools to re-create the look you fell in love with at the salon.
One stylist said, “The phrase I hate the most is when a client sits down in my chair and says, ‘I don’t do anything with my hair. I don’t like to blow dry it and I don’t use a lot of products. I just have no idea why I can never get my hair to look like it does when I leave the salon.”
Pro client tip: Chat with your stylist about the best products and styling tools for your hair. Be open minded to trying new products too!
Has your stylist opened up about any phrases that drive him or her crazy? Let us know by tweeting us, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.
In the meantime, check out these four tips on how to better communicate with your stylist.
