Ask Karen - January 2000

January 12, 2000
Building A Great Relationship With Your Stylist?

Question

Dear Karen

My best friend always gets the very best haircuts from the stylist that we both go to.  However, I do not have the same experience as her.  My hair looks OK but never fabulous like my friend's hair.

How do I work with my stylist to get great results?  Any ideas?

Megan

Answer

Dear Megan,

Whether the two of you are just starting out working together or have been working together for years, you can build a better relationship with your stylist.

Follow these helpful hints and I think you will notice a possible change in your relationship:

1. Treat your stylist with respect, friendship and trust.  When I say friendship, I don't mean that you have to become their best buddy, I mean that you need to treat them with a friendly and trusting attitude.  Just as you would a friend.
   Show respect by being prompt for your appointment, calling with plenty of notice to cancel or reschedule and respect your stylist's time.
   Trust your stylist to know their job.  Many people question the stylist needlessly about how they are going to do their job.  Remember that a stylist is a professional.
2. Schedule your appointment on a day and at a time when there is plenty of time for you to get the style that you want.  Keep in mind that like everyone else, stylists get tired.  So try and schedule an appointment for their least busy day and try to see them as one of their first appointments.  If you are not sure when their least busy days and times are, ask in advance.  Most stylists love to book appointments in their slow periods.
3. Be sure you book plenty of time for your appointment.  Many people make the mistake of scheduling a cut or trim, when in reality they want to spend time discussing their hair with the stylist. 
   Most good stylists try to stick to a schedule and will only allocate a limited amount of time for a cut or trim.  If you want a 30 minutes consultation about your hair, book that special. 
   Tell the stylist upfront exactly how much time you think you will need.  Then neither you nor the stylist will be rushed and you can take your time and talk about your hair questions or needs.
   
4. Don't let the stylist start working on your hair until you and the stylist have agreed on exactly what the cut, trim or style will look like.  Never agree to a style or procedure unless you are 100% sure.  When in doubt, don't do it.
   If you want a new style but are not sure.  Leave the salon and make a different appointment for later in the week.  This will give you time to think about whether you want to proceed or not.
5. Don't just sit in the chair and let your mind wander.  Pay close attention to what is going on around you.  Ask questions as your stylist works and make sure if you have concerns about what they are doing you speak up immediately.   Give them feedback.
6. Don't hesitate to ask the stylist for advice on taking care of your hair at home.  Ask for product recommendations and treatment ideas.
7. It is not your job to entertain the stylist.  Sometimes too much chatter will distract the stylist.  Let the stylist set the tone for how much talk is appropriate.
8. It's possible that your stylist may become blasé about your hair if you have been going to them for a long time.  Discuss this with your stylist in a diplomatic way by asking them to help you find a more exciting or new look.
   Some stylists get in a rut like everyone else.  Help them break the rut.  If they seem unwilling, go to another stylist for a change.
9. Always say thank you and tip appropriately.  For a good job, a good tip would equal 15-20% of the bill.  If the stylist did something special, you may want to tip a little more.  Be sure and leave a dollar or two for the shampoo person.
10. Make appointments in advance.  Try not to wait until the last minute to call for an emergency appointment.  A stylist will appreciate it if you plan for your next appointment.
    Try some of these techniques and see if you and your stylist don't develop a better relationship.  If things still don't seem to be working, look for a new stylist.

Best wishes,

Karen

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