Salon Mishaps: Why They Happen
And How to Prevent Them

Ask anyone exploring and experimenting in the land of beauty, the pursuit of #hairgoals can be a wild ride. Remember that time you wanted bangs? Or that time you were convinced a body wave would make your hair look fabulous right out of the shower? 
​Sadly, most of us have a story about the time we walked into a hair salon thinking we’d try something new and walked out unhappy, upset, confused, angry, or even in tears.  Sometimes with much less hair - or blue hair instead of blonde.  True story.   
​These experiences can haunt us and make us resistant to change or nervous about trusting salon professionals. Why do these mishaps happen and how
​do we avoid them in the future?
Most hair salon mishaps result from one or more of the following:
  • lack of effective communication between a stylist and client
  • improperly scheduled appointments and poorly used time
  • inexperienced stylists lacking in-salon mentors or resources
So, how do we identify and address these factors before we are in the salon chair?
Lack of effective communication between a stylist and client
​This is often the number one reason things go south unexpectedly in the hair salon.  It’s important to understand or ask about the terms used to describe a hair style so you and your stylist are on the same page, especially when using words like stacked, tapered, textured, thinning, balayage, ombre, babylights, etc.  You don’t want to be disappointed with your finished look because you didn't actually know what you were asking for in the beginning.
Also beware of stylists promising dramatic results in one appointment.  An educated and experienced stylist knows that BIG changes happen in phases and is able to clearly explain what to expect during your visits, help you understand what your at-home care routines should look like, and equip you with helpful styling tips.   
How to protect your hair: Schedule a separate consultation appointment prior to scheduling any services. A consultation appointment is usually complimentary and lasts about 10-15 minutes.  During this time the stylist will look at your hair and discuss your desired results with you. Bring photos!  Show your stylist the haircut, style, and/or color you are hoping for.  This is a great time to assess the salon environment and consider how you well you and this particular stylist communicate.  
​And equally important, be honest!  When your stylist asks about your hair history, be truthful about everything you have used and use regularly.  Clear communication is imperative to a successful hair salon visit and stylists make crucial decisions (especially pertaining to color) based on what you tell them. 
Improperly scheduled appointments and poorly used time
​Scheduling the correct services, especially when using an online booking site, is vital.  If you are unsure whether you need a Single Process Touch-Up, Highlights, or both, call and ask for assistance with booking the appropriate appointment.  If you have extra-long or extremely thick hair, happen to know your highlights take a bit longer to lift, or your gray hairs are super resistant to color, give the salon a heads-up so they can find the best timeslot for you. If you need to be somewhere after your appointment, communicate this to your stylist before they get started. Nobody likes to be rushed, clients or stylists, and squeezing services into shortened time frames often result in negative outcomes.
What is poorly used time?
  • Not beginning your appointment on time.  If you’re tired of showing up on time only to wait for your stylist, It Might Be Time To See A New Hair Stylist.  But if your stylist is waiting for you to arrive, finish your phone call, run to the bathroom, or all of the above, this is poorly used appointment time and does not support the optimal circumstances for a positive outcome.
  • Not being prepared for your appointment. Come with an idea of what you’d like to do or be receptive to suggestions. Your pre-appointment consultation should not take more that 5-10 minutes. If you need more time than that to feel confident moving forward, schedule a separate consultation appointment.
  • Launching into personal conversations before discussing a plan for the appointment. Both stylists and clients can be guilty of this! It is important you both understand why you are there and what the goals of the appointment are before getting to know each other or catching up.
  • Talking on your phone, using your laptop, or eating while getting your haircut. Most hairstylists LOVE multitasking and efficiency! There are certainly appropriate times to use your devices or eat your lunch during your visit. When your stylist has super sharp tools next to your head and face…. definitely not one of those times.  
How to protect your hair: Confirm you’ve scheduled the proper services.  Arrive a few minutes early, ready to go, and with photos of what you’d like to do.  Begin any conversation with your stylist by discussing your hair and if you have a call you’d like to make, work you’d like to finish, or a snack you’d like to eat, ask your stylist when the appropriate time to do these things would be.
Inexperienced stylists lacking in-salon mentors or resources
​Every state in the United States requires hairstylists, barbers and cosmetologists to be licensed to legally provide services and periodic license renewal is required.  But sadly, salon policies emphasizing quantity over quality, and suite rental salons, are rampant in the beauty industry. And many stylists end up in these environments right out of Cosmetology school.  
​These business models encourage high client volume, high service tickets, and maximum retail sales over client satisfaction. In quantity focused salons, the more money a stylist brings into the salon, the more they are rewarded. In suite rental salons, a stylist is running their independent business out of a landlord’s space, often with minimal, if any, resources provided by the building owner. It’s no surprise that these settings result in very competitive atmospheres. In well managed facilities, the competition can support skill growth and knowledge sharing. But more commonly, it fosters tension, causes stylists to rush through services, and leaves inexperienced stylists lacking in-salon mentors and resources. Guess how they learn…yep, by making mistakes…on your hair.  
Most likely, you’ve had one of these salon experiences - your stylist was running behind schedule and
squeezed in another client or two during your color appointment.  You waited for periods of time, probably at the processing station or sink, and there was a fairly aggressive product pitch involved.  Sound familiar?
How to protect your hair: Ask around! Do any of your friends or family LOVE their stylist? A referral from someone you know is a great way to start. Schedule your consultation and arrive a little early - spend a few minutes observing your surroundings.  Are you greeted in a friendly way when you walk in? Are the stylists friendly with each other and to all the guests in the salon? 
Make the decision to spend your time and money in a salon where you
feel welcome and you and your hairstylist feel confident in the hair process.
Sometimes even the most experienced stylists and the most wonderful clients run behind schedule or miscommunicate. Humans have bad days and make mistakes. But by considering these simple tips before your next hair salon appointment, you will be doing your part to protect yourself and your hair. The rest is up to your trusted professional!