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For ages I thought I was weird for not looking forward to visiting hair salons. I genuinely felt it was an unpleasant chore and am so glad there are others that agree.
Years ago I started going to a very trendy salon (read hideously overpriced with incredibly rude staff). They actually feature on Hello Peter quite regularly with their bad service and attitude being a hot topic.
When chatting to others, I’ve realised that there should be certain things we are allowed to communicate to our hairdressers.
So I’ve compiled a list of 10 things we often want to say:
1.) Lots of people use ordinary hair products. It isn’t a massive crime and nobody needs “You shouldn’t use a shampoo from a supermarket” shouted across the floor so every other stylist and customer can hear. I use shampoo that isn’t expensive. Get over it. I know I have.
2.) It would be great if the price I’m told my highlights will be (on arrival) are relatively the same as the price I pay when I leave. For some reason this is yet to happen.
3.) Nobody likes having their hair cut and then walking around with half their hair on and under their clothes. Please take the time to secure the towel and cape around customer’s shoulders properly.
4.) If I wanted to buy your styling products I would say so. Pushing me so you can achieve your sales target is irritating.
5.) Regarding the above. When I clearly say no to a product range you have spent the last hour trying to force on me and you STILL get the receptionist to ring it up, I’m not going to buy it. I refuse to feel embarrassed telling this to the rather sour lady who now has to deduct products from my bill.
6.) Saying nasty things about the customer sitting next to me is unprofessional. Her make up and clothes are her business. Why feel you have the right to insult those who are probably getting enough barbed comments from their own hairdresser?
7.) If I wanted an over-priced treatment I would tell you so. So there isn’t any need to announce “we are now going to do a conditioning treatment” and sulking when I say “no we are not”. What I book before arrival is what I’m prepared to pay for.
8.) If you offer a complimentary service of trimming fringes, you might want to actually just trim the fringe instead of insulting the customer by asking if they cut their own fringe. Interesting fact: this conversation came to an end after I pointed out one of her colleagues had done it a few weeks before.
9.) If I book highlights, you don’t have to tell me how badly my hair needs to be cut. Equally important if I book a haircut you don’t have to stare at my roots with disdain. You don’t need to try talk me into having a Brazilian Blowout whilst gawping at my natural waves. Do you think you get a bigger tip for the most insults? Is there some sort of hairdressing regulation that insists a minimum of two snarky comments are delivered every 30 minutes?
10.) You may be able to work wonders with a scissors and give beautiful hair days, but rudeness is never acceptable. Hence I’ve found a new salon where the hairdressers have this amazing thing called manners.
I wish we could all say this out loud, but I am yet to find anyone who has stood up to their bully of a hairdresser. It seems we are all just happier to go somewhere else.
Love and hairdryers
Tea addict
