15 secrets your hair stylist won’t tell you
The clients I dread the most are those who say things like “Do whatever you want”
Or: “I’m pretty easy to work with.” Nine times out of ten, hair stylists say, it’s not true.
We know you hate the word bleach
So we hairdressers use words like lightener and decolouriser. But no matter how we prettify the language, if we’re lifting a dark colour out of your hair, we’re using bleach. If you’re not sure exactly how much lighter your hair should be, here’s how to find the best hair colour for your skin tone.
Yes, I keep notes about you on your client card, and they can get pretty personal
I may note that you don’t tip well or that you talked loudly about how drunk you were last night. I may also write down that you’re going through a divorce or that you’re into tennis so I can remember to ask you about those things next time.
If there's one rule to live by, it's this
Don’t make your first appointment with me on a Saturday. That’s our busiest day, and I won’t be able to give you the time and attention you want and deserve.
Thin hair doesn't have to be worn short
I had a client who wore her super-thin hair short for years because she thought she had to. I finally talked her into growing it out into a stacked bob, and everyone now says she looks incredible.
I know you’ve heard you shouldn’t wash your hair before getting an updo, because a little grit can help maintain the style
But please don’t show up with hair that’s greasy, tangled, or smelly. Wash it the night before, and don’t put any styling products in it. That way, we hairdressers can start fresh and create our own texture.
Every year after school starts, at least one mom brings in her daughter with hair down to her waist and tells us to give her a pixie cut
We know what’s going on: a lice infestation. But when we point out the nits and tell the mum we can’t do the cut, she always acts surprised and says, “I didn’t know.” We’re thinking, Yeah, right. To save the embarrassment for all involved, get the situation under control before your appointment.
We don’t “wash” your hair – we “shampoo” it
When we’re trying to make you feel pampered, we can’t use the same word you use for doing dishes. One of the secrets to great hair according to pros is a cold rinse after shampooing.
Come at least five minutes early
If you’re running late, please call ahead. Show me some basic respect. This is a business, not fun and games.
Don't ask me to squeeze you in
My work takes time. When a client says she’s in a rush, I tell her she needs to schedule her time better. If I’m already booked, I’d be taking time and effort away from other clients. You wouldn’t like being treated that way. A rush job never looks good.
I'm not a psychologist
Hairdresser school does not teach about counter transference, projection, negative reinforcement, or personality disorders. If you’re looking for a therapist, all I have is a tail comb and an opinion.
Layers are the magic remedy
Some women think that if they keep their hair all one length the way it was in high school, everyone will think they’re still in high school. Guess what? You’re not. As you get older, you need to soften the lines around your face.
Bodies and hair change as hormones change
If your hair is dry, listless, or brittle, or if it’s not holding your colour or style the way it used to, see a doctor. If your hair isn’t overprocessed, you could be pregnant (surprise!) or menopausal (yes, I can tell).
Take a picture
Some clients will say, “Cut my hair just like you did last time.” That always baffles me. The average time between appointments is six to eight weeks. I have hundreds of clients. I already know which are the best haircuts for every face shape, but how am I supposed to remember exactly how I did your hair the last time? If you want a carbon copy of a cut and style you loved, take a picture and show me.
We see women at their worse
Their hair is wet, they have foils on their hair, they have no makeup on. There’s nothing for them to hide behind. So they tell us everything. The truth is, I really don’t care about their personal lives. I’m only interested in their hair. Hairdressers and manicurists have seen plenty of crazy things.
Image credits: Getty Images
This article originally appeared on Reader's Digest.