this is a blog by a hairstylist, for everyone

I've been meaning to make this blog for a long time, and today is the day.  I feel this will serve 2 purposes: 1. to give a voice to all hairstylists out there and 2. to give everyone else a glimpse into the life of a stylist.

There are hundreds of topics I'd like to address, but first things first: Salon Etiquette.



First, for stylists:

1. Dress like you deserve a $20 tip, not like you need one. You are part of the fashion/beauty industry, so look like it.  Whether you work at Great Clips or a high end salon, be proud of yourself. Show some self worth. People come to you for advice about what makes them beautiful. How do you expect them to take you seriously if you look like you don't care about your appearance?

That means YOU Miss I-Can't-Tell-If-Your-A-Hooker-Or-Hairstylist. As much as you think you look sexy, your T&A show is an embarrassment to our profession. That also means YOU Miss Smock-N-Crocs. Yeah, I know its comfy, but wearing a smock & Crocs/Dance-Gos makes you look like you don't give a shit. That also means YOU Mr. Jeans-And-T Shirt-Cos-I'm-Rock-And-Roll. You don't look cool, you look like a douche. Step it up.

That also means STYLE YOUR HAIR. You'd think that'd be obvious, but from my experience, its not.

Guess which girl is dressed for success?

2. Take your job seriously. That means act professionally. Beyond dressing appropriately, you need to act appropriately. There are a few simple guidelines that will keep you out of trouble: Don't ask guests on dates. Don't be overly flirtatious with guests. Don't eat food out on the salon floor (it looks tacky & no one wants to watch you stuff your face). Don't chew gum (no one wants to hear you smack in their ear). If you smoke, wear perfume or cologne (Axe body spray doesn't count), wash your hands after smoking and eat a breath mint. Don't check your cell phone on the salon floor (it's incredibly rude).

3. Stay current. Part of your job is to keep guests up to date on current trends. How do you expect to update your guests' looks if you never update your own? Here's a few pictures. If your hairstyle/color resembles ANY of these, its time to update your look:

See your hair in one of those photos? Then it's time to update. Staying current also means continuing your education. Has it been 10 years since your last hair class? Then you're 10 years overdue. Trends change very quickly and every stylist needs to polish up their classic foundation techniques, so get to a class. Redken, Sassoon, and TIGI are some of my personal favorites. Yes they cost money. Yes they take up your Monday. But they are completely worth it and necessary. Its your damn job. Go get updated.

4. The guest is the star, not you! Give them your undivided attention. They pay your bills, remember? Make sure you're really listening to them. Make sure you understand exactly what they want & be honest about what would look good on them. Not what YOU like, but what would look best on THEM. Don't stare at yourself in the mirror during the appointment. You're not that cute anyway. Make them feel like a star & they'll be yours forever. Don't take them for granted.

Now for the guests. Yes there is a list of rules for you, too.

1. Do not ask "So are you going to go to college?"  It's incredibly rude & insulting. I went to school already. It's called cosmetology school. This is not something I do for fun while I get my degree, its my CAREER. Yes, many stylists also get degrees in business or art, but don't be presumptuous. I am very well educated...I can talk to you about politics, philosophy, computers, anatomy, chemistry...So don't treat me like I'm uneducated.

2. I'm the professional. So treat me like it. Don't tell me how to do your hair - tell me what you want your hair to look like & I'll get you there. There are many things you DON'T understand about hair color & design: design principles, color theory, hair chemistry, etc. I'm trained in these things & if I tell you your fat face won't look good in a red neck stacked bob, then it won't. Trust me. You came to the salon because you can't cut & color your own hair, so let me do my job.

3. Trust my judgement. I want your business. I really do. Why? Because I like to pay my bills. I have a mortgage & car payment just like you! So it is in my best interest to make you as beautiful as possible. And sometimes that means doing something maybe you hadn't thought of. I will explain to you why something is the best option for you, and if you still hate the idea, fine. But don't be scared of change. It's a good thing.

If I tell you your burnt, fine, brittle, bleached out hair can't be any blonder, TRUST ME. Platinum stripper blonde hair on the floor is not as pretty as beige blonde hair on your head. If I tell you that your hair can't take a certain chemical process, its not because I don't want to do it, it's because your hair will break off & I prefer to keep you as a guest rather than you be mad I broke your hair off.

4. Treat me like a human being. I may be in the service industry, but that does not give you the right to act like a spoiled brat. You are a grown woman, so do not act like a 5 year old. The golden rule does not cease to exist when you walk into the salon. Treat me with respect & dignity. Talk to me like a grown up. These simple things will ensure that I will bend over backwards to make sure you feel beautiful. Remember, I have scissors, chemicals & very hot tools oh your hair. I can cut, melt & burn your hair off. So don't treat me like shit.


Weelllllll I think that about does it for tonight. I have lots of other things on my mind, but my fingers are tired from typing. Other things you can look forward to reading about: tipping, the perils of at home hair color, the reason drug store hair products suck, the importance of good taste & the next big hair trends.

With Love
Your Hairstylist