1) TIME is the most valuable of assets in the beauty industry. We sell time. Time with an experienced stylist is valuable in the sense that your time, and hair goals will be respected. In turn we appreciate you respecting our time by being on time, every time. If you are running late, please text that information, to see if a rebooking is necessary. Usually after 15 minutes late, you will need to rebook. Find out the salons policy on no-shows, late shows, and last minute cancellations, to keep from being charged for your appointment missed.
2) SHAMPOO? You don’t need to shampoo your hair before coming to the salon. Sure, if it’s been more than a couple of days, go ahead and wash. By not shampooing your hair, actually gives the hairstylist a chance to see how your hair normally lays before shampooing. Also, if your appointment is for hair color, the scalp won’t be extra sensitive and create a reaction to the color, IF your stylist uses harsh chemicals. My personal brand has the normal PH of virgin hair, and never causes a reaction.
3) CUTS? You can actually go up to 12 weeks between hair cuts, depending on how long your hair is. I mostly recommend 6-8 weeks between cuts. Still, it depends on the condition of your hair and what your hair goals are, concerning length.
4) TIPPING is always appreciated, but not expected. Some believe if a stylist is the owner, then no tip is needed. Not sure where that thinking comes from, because owners have all the expense of running the salon and keeping supplies on hand. Please understand we love all our clients! The ones who tip, and the ones who don’t. Without them, we wouldn’t have the good fortune of opening a salon to keep you looking your best. For those who do tip, we thank you all, and are so very grateful for you! Money charged for the actual service, goes to keeping the salon doors open (upkeep, rent or mortgage, professional products, tools of the trade, etc), to make sure any experience with us is nothing less than a great one. Also, continued education is a must, and that is (most of the time) very costly, whether we travel, or not. The tools we work with are not what you would find at any department store. They are created with the stylist in mind and are never cheaply made (most popular is made in Japan). We feel like doctors, where your hair is concerned, so we need professional tools. And, just like any business, we must have insurance, as well. The list is really quite lengthy. So, yes. we really appreciate the generosity of our clients, yet truly understand when it’s just not possible to add more to the ticket. Those who charge their worth, are not inexpensive.
5) TALKING while getting your hair cut is not a requirement. I love talking as much as the next guy, but it’s such a nicer experience if one is able to just relax and enjoy the time spent in the chair. I can only speak for my salon, because I’m a one woman show. It’s just me, and you, during your appointment. It’s a very relaxing space in which to create for you. Soft music plays in the background and a wall water fountain provides a sense of well being. Both are very soothing. If we are visiting while I’m cutting your hair, it’s next to impossible to get the lines needed because when the mouth opens and closes, it causes the head to bob, tilt, fall forward, and sometimes backwards. One rarely realizes that is happening. Your head needs to remain centered, unless I request otherwise. Leaning into the direction your hair is being pulled creates a shorter, and slightly tapered effect on that part of the hair. Therefore, the head should remain steadily centered, with little to no movement.
P.S.
You should always be able to have an honest and open conversation with your stylist. If you need extra time when you arrive for your appointment to ask questions, a quick note to the hair stylist, via text message, would be the way to go. Then we will be sure to address those concerns before getting into the actual designing of your hair style. Most seasoned stylists will ask every client, before hair design begins, how their hair has been since last visit and if any changes are needed. Every time, regardless of how many times a client has sat in their chair.