balisi
New Member
A Stylist's Guide to Better Salon Experiences (I hope) -- Kinda Long
Hi Ladies!
I've been doing plenty of thinking about the negative salon/stylist experiences many of you have suffered. As a professional hair stylist, I believe I may be able to pinpoint the root causes of at least some of the problems. I'd like to use this thread as a guide to more positive salon/stylist experiences for all who seek to patronize them. Following are some of the issues I have seen mentioned on this forum.
Quality of salon/staff: There's a lot to be said for the type of salon some of you have patronized. Ladies, stop frequenting "trailer park," "ghetto" or "alley" salons. I define "ghetto/trailer park" more as a state of mind and behavior than an actual place. If wares are being sold by outside vendors, customers (and perhaps stylists) are eating a two-piece combo in the styling area, and/or stylists are holding long cell phone conversations while working, it's probably a "ghetto/tp" salon. The salon should be at least reasonably clean and orderly during the day and always clean first thing in the morning. If you do not receive courteous and professional service from the moment you make your appointment, proceed with caution. Keep in mind that it is possible that whomever booked your appointment is not indicative of the type of service you will receive at that establishment. But if you continue to get less than the standard of customer service you expect, be prepared to take your business elsewhere. This can be done at any step in the process, but by the time you get into the styling chair, you should have a good idea of how your visit will go.
Trims: The biggest problem with trims appears to be miscommunication. All too often, clients accuse stylists of cutting off too much hair. When asking for a trim, the first thing you should mention is your desire to grow your hair out. Be sure that the stylist understands exactly how much you want trimmed by asking him/her to show you on a styling comb the agreed upon amount to be cut. The styling comb is an all-purpose comb with one inch measurements that just about every stylist owns. They are sold in packs of twelve so your stylist should have at least one available. Also, if at all possible, measure off between your fingers the amount of hair you want cut. Or better yet, hold a section of hair between your fingers, indicating exactly how much hair should be cut. Stylists are very visual and that is often the best approach. After the first snip, ask your stylist to show you the amount of hair removed before he/she continues. A good stylist who wants to earn/retain your trust should be prepared to show you how much hair was removed. It's a good sign if, before getting started, the stylist repeats what she/he heard you say. Once you're comfortable that the stylist "gets it" you should be able to relax a bit, but still keep a watchful eye on the remainder of the trim. If a stylist suggests a trim, you have every right to decline and the stylist should respect your wishes.
Chemical Services: You should never seek out any chemical service the first couple of times you go to a new salon/stylist. It doesn"t matter how many recommendations you were given. I don't care if your sister gets her hair done there or you have an event to attend. Your first couple of visits should be a fact finding mission. Go only for a shampoo and set or some other simple service. While there, observe everything around you. Ask questions of the stylists, clients, receptionist, etc. If you see or hear anything "off" you"ll have a pretty good indicator of how they do business and if they care enough to really put their customers first. Pay attention to how they are servicing other clients, especially when it comes to chemical applications. Watch for signs of rough handling, overlapping, etc. Make sure that a thorough job is done rinsing and neutralizing the relaxer. If you see a relaxer customer return after less than 10-15 minutes at the shampoo bowl, you might want to leave and not return to that stylist. Neutralizing shampoo needs time to penetrate the hair's cuticle and that won't be accomplished in three minutes.
Stylists' Attitudes/Practices: Reputable stylists and salons will operate in such a way as to always put the customers first. They will do their best to honor your appointment on time or at least within a reasonable time frame, preferably not longer than 15 minutes. You should be greeted promptly and pleasantly. The stylists should be neat and clean with well-groomed hair. Their stations should be clean and orderly, tools sanitized and well-maintained, and no gossip should be taking place among them. When you visit a stylist for the first time, interview him/her. The main things you should ask:
Where did you attend school, or did you apprentice?
How long have you been licensed?
Do you attend hair shows and/or classes? How often?
How long have you been working here?
The answers to these questions will reveal plenty about that stylist's education, passion and dedication to his/her craft.
If you have a preference for something, such as no setting lotion for your roller set, let your stylist know. Your reasonable requests should be granted without any attitude, eye rolling, sighing or sermon about how long she/he has been a stylist and knows what's best for your hair. The business of doing hair is a two way street. Yes, the stylist has (or should have) the technical knowledge and experience, but you live with your hair everyday and can offer valuable insight about it to your stylist.
That's all I can think of for now. I hope this helps. Please feel free to add to this thread your own experiences and suggestions.
Hi Ladies!
I've been doing plenty of thinking about the negative salon/stylist experiences many of you have suffered. As a professional hair stylist, I believe I may be able to pinpoint the root causes of at least some of the problems. I'd like to use this thread as a guide to more positive salon/stylist experiences for all who seek to patronize them. Following are some of the issues I have seen mentioned on this forum.
Quality of salon/staff: There's a lot to be said for the type of salon some of you have patronized. Ladies, stop frequenting "trailer park," "ghetto" or "alley" salons. I define "ghetto/trailer park" more as a state of mind and behavior than an actual place. If wares are being sold by outside vendors, customers (and perhaps stylists) are eating a two-piece combo in the styling area, and/or stylists are holding long cell phone conversations while working, it's probably a "ghetto/tp" salon. The salon should be at least reasonably clean and orderly during the day and always clean first thing in the morning. If you do not receive courteous and professional service from the moment you make your appointment, proceed with caution. Keep in mind that it is possible that whomever booked your appointment is not indicative of the type of service you will receive at that establishment. But if you continue to get less than the standard of customer service you expect, be prepared to take your business elsewhere. This can be done at any step in the process, but by the time you get into the styling chair, you should have a good idea of how your visit will go.
Trims: The biggest problem with trims appears to be miscommunication. All too often, clients accuse stylists of cutting off too much hair. When asking for a trim, the first thing you should mention is your desire to grow your hair out. Be sure that the stylist understands exactly how much you want trimmed by asking him/her to show you on a styling comb the agreed upon amount to be cut. The styling comb is an all-purpose comb with one inch measurements that just about every stylist owns. They are sold in packs of twelve so your stylist should have at least one available. Also, if at all possible, measure off between your fingers the amount of hair you want cut. Or better yet, hold a section of hair between your fingers, indicating exactly how much hair should be cut. Stylists are very visual and that is often the best approach. After the first snip, ask your stylist to show you the amount of hair removed before he/she continues. A good stylist who wants to earn/retain your trust should be prepared to show you how much hair was removed. It's a good sign if, before getting started, the stylist repeats what she/he heard you say. Once you're comfortable that the stylist "gets it" you should be able to relax a bit, but still keep a watchful eye on the remainder of the trim. If a stylist suggests a trim, you have every right to decline and the stylist should respect your wishes.
Chemical Services: You should never seek out any chemical service the first couple of times you go to a new salon/stylist. It doesn"t matter how many recommendations you were given. I don't care if your sister gets her hair done there or you have an event to attend. Your first couple of visits should be a fact finding mission. Go only for a shampoo and set or some other simple service. While there, observe everything around you. Ask questions of the stylists, clients, receptionist, etc. If you see or hear anything "off" you"ll have a pretty good indicator of how they do business and if they care enough to really put their customers first. Pay attention to how they are servicing other clients, especially when it comes to chemical applications. Watch for signs of rough handling, overlapping, etc. Make sure that a thorough job is done rinsing and neutralizing the relaxer. If you see a relaxer customer return after less than 10-15 minutes at the shampoo bowl, you might want to leave and not return to that stylist. Neutralizing shampoo needs time to penetrate the hair's cuticle and that won't be accomplished in three minutes.
Stylists' Attitudes/Practices: Reputable stylists and salons will operate in such a way as to always put the customers first. They will do their best to honor your appointment on time or at least within a reasonable time frame, preferably not longer than 15 minutes. You should be greeted promptly and pleasantly. The stylists should be neat and clean with well-groomed hair. Their stations should be clean and orderly, tools sanitized and well-maintained, and no gossip should be taking place among them. When you visit a stylist for the first time, interview him/her. The main things you should ask:
Where did you attend school, or did you apprentice?
How long have you been licensed?
Do you attend hair shows and/or classes? How often?
How long have you been working here?
The answers to these questions will reveal plenty about that stylist's education, passion and dedication to his/her craft.
If you have a preference for something, such as no setting lotion for your roller set, let your stylist know. Your reasonable requests should be granted without any attitude, eye rolling, sighing or sermon about how long she/he has been a stylist and knows what's best for your hair. The business of doing hair is a two way street. Yes, the stylist has (or should have) the technical knowledge and experience, but you live with your hair everyday and can offer valuable insight about it to your stylist.
That's all I can think of for now. I hope this helps. Please feel free to add to this thread your own experiences and suggestions.
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It seems somewhat funny to feel so relaxed and at ease, because many stylists don't take suggestions well from clients. BTW Balisi, my hair is still straight from your flat iron. Tomorrow will make 2 weeks. 
Knowing what to look for helps tremendously. 
