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Salon and spa etiquette: some dos and don'ts
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Straight from the stylist.
Everyday clients race into salons or spas to get beautiful. They want to get in, get out, and look fabulous in a snap. It's not everyday that clients stop to ask themselves if what their actions in the salon are leaving the wrong impression with their stylists. Here are a few insider tips for salon and spa visitors.
First some dos:
Do make an appointment. Even though many salons take walk-In appointments, it is always nice to call ahead. It puts the front desk at ease and ensures that the stylist is rested and prepared for their client. This makes for a better flowing appointment with plenty of time for a thorough consultation. No exhausted stylist or rushed blowout.
Do arrive early. Granted, this isn't always possible. Meetings run over, traffic backs up, but when a client can arrive at least five minutes early to just sit and breathe, it allows them to relax. This is especially important for massage or facial services. Racing ninety miles and hour and screeching to a halt is not the best way to prepare for a relaxing hour.
Do bring pictures. Most stylists are creative and love to shape beautiful coiffures from their own imaginations. However, some clients have their own vision too. If this is the case, it is wise to bring in a few pictures of what you like and some of what you don't. Bring as many as is necessary; the bangs from one picture but the length of another is perfectly fine.
Now for the don'ts.
Don't text or read. Really this should read, "Don't look down." There's nothing that wrecks a hairstylist's back more than a client who won't keep her head up. Reading a magazine or playing with your iPhone is fine if you're on the bus, but in the salon there are plenty of things to see and hear. A client who takes her nose out of her book and has a conversation may be surprised to have a great time. Plus, their stylist will be saved the expensive trip to the chiropractor.
Don't bring your kids. Unless their child is getting a hair cut, clients should refrain from bringing their kids into a busy salon. Not only are there chemicals and sharp objects, there are lots of fast-moving people. Salons and spas are not equipped to handle children, with a few exceptions. More importantly, salon and spa workers typically need the client to remain still and seated, which is likely to be impossible with a screaming toddler. Some clients budget the cost of a sitter with their salon service, so they're prepared. Others trade babysitting duties with one another on spa days. If you need a last minute babysitter on your way to the salon, visit Mom's Best Friend to find a temporary sitter in your area.
Don't forget to say thank you. Probably one of the most important things a client can do for their stylist is to thank them for their work. It's easy to forget and breeze out the salon door, but a few words of genuine appreciation can make a stylist's day. Little gifts, extra padded tips, or heartfelt hugs will also do the trick.
