7 Frequently Asked Questions on Hair Salon Etiquette ...

Although being on time for your hair appointment is considered not only best, but a part of flawless hair salon etiquette you should really work on, there are times when being a little late is okay. First appointment with a new stylist still qualifies as a must-show-up-on-time, of course, although you are allowed to be a bit late at times once you become a regular. Most salons will take the “academic quart” (15 extra minutes) into account when scheduling your appointment but will expect you not to abuse that to a point when your constantly being late disrupts their entire scheme.

Your stylist and the other customers are allowed their academic quarts as well which means you shouldn't go ballistic in case the client scheduled before you is still sitting on the chair upon your arrival. Be patient and flip through a magazine –good hair salon manners come with a super sized portion of lady-like attitude, minus the diva garnish! Speak up in case you find yourself warming the bench longer than it is socially acceptable or take your business elsewhere in case this becomes a standard practice. In case you’re fond of the salon and don’t feel like giving it up so easily, you can stress the fact that you’re short on time while scheduling your appointment.

And the most important issue of them all – tipping etiquette for a hair salon! Isn’t this super confusing? Well, let’s clear things up right now so you’ll never have to face the same problem again! In case we’re talking about a small salon in which the stylist happens to be a salon owner as well you should tip to show your appreciation for the excellence of provided services. Tipping a salon owner or manager in big salons, in the other hand, isn’t necessary or expected but you can choose to do so in case they’ve managed to squeeze you in or are constantly trying to accommodate your needs as best as possible. Independent contractors pocket the full amount of the service costs but would appreciate tips as well while the commissioned employees receive only a percentage of the full service costs and are the ones you should never forget to reward for their good work. Shampoo girl is usually a trainee working for tips and a very small compensation only so tipping her wouldn’t be out of question either.

This hair salon etiquette 101 manual just wouldn’t be complete without a complete and detailed tip breakdown to help you leave the salon absolutely happy and positive nobody in there will remember you as a poor tipper. When tipping a stylist or colorist make sure the tip isn’t lower than 15 to 20 percent of the total cost. Usual tip for a shampoo person can be anywhere from a dollar to five, all depending on a salon and the same rule applies in case you’re receiving a free manicure or a facial while you’re waiting for your turn.

Absolutely and there are even some cases in which you should tip more or suppress your urge to tip completely! Tip extra in case you were super-late, in case you had to do last minute re-scheduling, in case the stylist has agreed to squeeze you in or in case you need to take your children with you and “forget” to tip in case you had to wait for a long time only to receive a half-ass, rushed job you’re not entirely happy with. In case you’re rocking a hairstyle or hair color that requires you to visit a hair salon at least two times a month, skimping on the tips is acceptable although not something you should do every time.

Still wondering how to act in a hair salon? You’ve made it on time, remembered all tipping rules to the letter but there’s still one big issue to cover – what on earth are you supposed to talk about for such a long time? Relax – there’s no need to memorize the weather forecast for the entire month! Sharing a few personal details is, in fact, advised although you should draw a straight line between personal and way too personal. Don’t gossip, never reveal details that are too intimate for the listener to feel comfortable and steer clear of salary-related topics but do share a few personal facts that could help your stylist come up with a perfect hairstyle for you (such as your age, profession, at home hair care and styling routine etc.)

Last but not the least – the why’s and how’s of canceling your appointment! You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of folks out there still haven’t mastered this part of hair salon etiquette and even think that calling to cancel the appointment is a waste of time! That’s a big no-no right there, my ladies, as being a no-show for your appointment is actually worse than standing somebody up for a date – we’re talking about financial losses in addition to the wasted time here and they both spell out disrespect. And if you don’t show respect for your stylist, how can you hope to get excellent service in return? Pick up your phone, ring the salon and let them know you’re not coming so they could regroup, reschedule and earn the money they would have lost waiting on you to show up!

Do you pay a lot of attention to your hair salon etiquette, ladies, and are there any other good salon manners you’d like to point out as necessary? Let me hear back from all of you stylist as well as I’m super interested to know what are the best and the worst experiences you’ve had with your clients!

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