9 Etiquette Tips To Help You Leave The Salon Happy, From Stylists

If you find yourself with a less-than-desirable haircut, let me first extend my sympathies. There's nothing quite as disheartening as forcing a smile and uttering, "I love it!!" while internally grappling with the impending DIY repair dilemma that awaits you at home.

While I've come to regard a subpar haircut (or an unfortunate coloring mishap, which falls into the same category) as a sort of rite of passage, it's a trial that can often be avoided with some foresight. Occasionally, a stylist might misinterpret your wishes and miss the mark, but there are proactive steps you can take to increase your chances of leaving the salon genuinely satisfied.

“I always encourage my clients to come in with hair that has been washed 24-48 hours prior to their appointment,” says Adrienne Dara Stephenson, hair educator and design specialist.

“Why not wash the same day? Because we want to have the barrier of our natural oils to support our scalp during the color service,” she explains. 

However, you don’t want your hair to be excessively dirty or laden with dry shampoo, as this can hinder the color penetration. It's all about finding the right balance.

“Whenever I have a client seeking gray blending, it is crucial that they have the right products at home to upkeep and elongate the color,” Stephenson says. She notes that clients with gray hair (or those transitioning to a gray hue) often aim to restore vibrancy to their strands.

To achieve this, opt for sulfate-free products that prioritize smoothing and hydration. Stephenson frequently recommends the Redken Acidic Color Gloss line which helps to reinstate luster and boost shine. Alternatively, you can explore the L’Oreal Ever Pure Silver Care line. If delaying the onset of gray is your goal, consider the Arey Shower Duo.

“As a stylist, I don't believe it's the responsibility of my clients to have the perfect words or know exactly what to say,” says Rob Peetoom Stylist and Artistic Director, Adriana Papaleo. 

“Rather, it's in the openness of the consultation that we come together to create their look,” she adds. There's no need to feel apprehensive if you're not well-versed in hair terminology, whether it's about color or cuts. The key is to engage in a conversation with your stylist without feeling rushed.

We all know bringing a photo inspiration to your appointment is a good idea, but not just any photo will do. “Try to find images of hair that is similar to yours—or to how you plan to style it if it's vastly different from your natural texture,” Papaleo says. Otherwise, you may end up disappointed when your style looks different from the photo for causes nobody can control—thickness, hair type, volume, etc. 

“We understand that life happens, but always do your best to respect your stylist's time and be on time for your appointment,” Papaelo says. 

“Clients don't always realize we are booked back to back all day, often without breaks,” so if you show up half an hour late, they may be rushed to finish your style so they don’t take off time from the next client. 

“We know that hair appointments can last for hours and people will get hungry if they are at the salon for over four hours and might want to order lunch or a snack,” says stylist and founder of The Second Floor Salon Rogerio Cavalcante. 

“However, don't order food without asking your stylists if it's okay first and be mindful of what you are ordering… Some foods have a really strong smell, and it can impact the atmosphere at the salon, making it not so pleasant for other clients,” he explains. 

“Don’t speak loud on the phone inside the salon,[and] keep your inside voice,” Cavalcante says. If you must take a call, consider stepping out for a moment (but not for too long!) or just wait until your appointment is over if it’s not an urgent matter. 

Cavalcante says cutting the hair is a delicate task (coming from a dry-cut expert), and it’s immensely helpful if you can sit still. This won’t only help them, but also give you a better cut in the end, especially if they’re working on balancing layers or perfecting the bangs. 

This should go without saying, but as a reminder, “Nothing is worse than someone who mistreats the assistants,” Cavalcante says.