Salon Etiquette: What are You Really Saying To Your Stylist?
Have you ever wondered if there are topics your hairstylist is not sharing with you? It’s true we do at times talk about you when you leave our chair. If you are gasping at this statement and your eyes have grown wider then you may have been sharing more with your hairstylist than you should have.
I have worked as a hairstylist for many years in some of the hottest salons around the globe. As you can imagine I have been privy to some interesting conversations and situations. In any successful salon there is always a buzz, something happening, someone sharing details of a personal nature, he said she said, etc, etc, etc. The topics are endless as they breathe life in to every crevice of the place we call work. In a way it’s a social club where all are invited. With a combination of background music and a crescendo of voices people at times share more about their lives and the lives of who they know in this setting than in any other. I have witnessed people’s happiest days and days that they wished they could erase from memory. Therefore, it’s no surprise that you might overhear something that you don’t appreciate. You build a close relationship with your stylist, after all we are working as closely with you as your doctor, naturally you let your guard down and let your real self show. Sometimes you make us feel uncomfortable, and although we may not tell you then, or at any other time, but once you let those secret topics out it’s all part of the “buzz”.
Here is a list of conversations not to bring in to a hair salon or to your stylist. Keep on a path with respect for yourself and for those around you, then you will radiate who you really are, a beautiful conscientous person.
Don’t Get To Personal
You have a very close relationship with your stylist. You may share with them your sexual exploits in detail but unknowingly you are sharing those details with not only your “go to guy” but with everyone in the vicinity, and who knows who they are?
I once had an an experience with a client married to a mover and shaker in the financial world. Whenever she talked of him she became more animated and it was obvious how proud she was of him. One day while visiting me for routine maintenance on her color and enjoying her “me time”, the conversation in the chair next to us was taking on a tone that could have been rated XXX. The twenty something blond was having a steamy relationship with her boss and she was relaying in detail a blow by blow account of their last tryst. I felt my client stiffen as I worked on her and red blotches appeared on her neck. In a sudden movement she leapt out of the chair and pointed an accusing finger at Miss Twenty Something. Yes, you guessed it: the man in question was my clients husband and you can imagine how that story ended.
Please keep conversation positive, it’s o.k to talk about relationships, however, when talking about personal relationships, don’t get to personal. Keep in mind that others may be listening and that you may be making them uncomfortable, or as Miss Twenty something must surely now feel heartfelt regret for being exposed and saying to much in the wrong setting.
Gossip
Some may say that a hair salon is fueled by gossip. It’s entertaining for some and may for a moment make you feel better about your own situation. Gossip to me is a negative waist of time, it creates an energy around us that is not conducive to our surrounding. If we view that surrounding we may remind ourselves that you are there for “relaxation”, and more importantly you are there to feel good about you. Creating negative energy takes you and I away from an experience that should be all about you. Remember: what’s said in a hair salon does not always stay in a hair salon.
First Impressions Count
I am always happy to see a new client, we see it as a huge compliment when you seek us out. Your first visit is very important- it sets a president for our future relationship with you.
You may be angry with your previous stylist for any number of reasons. They may have given you the wrong color, cut your hair to short, or moved to a new salon with out sending you a “Dear John” letter. Set the tone and make a positive impression, because your disappointment and anger may have an adverse effect on your new stylist and their creative energy.
A hair salon is a place for fun and relaxation. Keep conversation light and positive, for we are artists who feed off your energy so we can reflect an image that will portray you and your personality.
What Would Grandma Say?
You have become familiar and relaxed with your stylist and the salon and have probably visited many, many times. We welcome you with open arms, for it’s an extention of your home and naturally it’s easy to forget yourself and act inappropriate. Our goal as a hairstylist is to make you feel comfortable, but you are in a public place and have to be careful of your language. Feeling comfortable enough to use expletives only disrupts other clients in the shop and ruins the atmosphere for everyone.
Keep Controversy For The News Media
Since a hair salon is a particular place of relaxation and fun , it’s even more important to keep conversation light. Like any social situation its best to keep conversation positive and free of controversy. Arriving home after your appointment and remembering that you shared a little to much about yourself, most likely with an unintended audience , might be more regrettable than at first thought. Therefore, don’t get to carried away- we want a lasting relationship with you and are there genuinely to help you feel confident, positive and above all help you like who stares back at you in the mirror every day.
