Buzz
Whether you stick with one hairstylist or switch it up every visit, your stylist likely has a mental list of habits they wish clients would avoid.
Cavan Images/Getty ImagesThese habits range from minor annoyances to serious issues that can affect your hair’s health and the final outcome of your style. We spoke with several hairstylists to uncover their top client grievances—here’s what they shared.
1. Being Unkind to Yourself in the Chair
Salon visits often involve sitting in front of a mirror for hours, which can feel awkward. Resist the urge to criticize yourself and avoid negative self-talk.
“Working with clients on their appearance is enjoyable, but hearing them point out their flaws as soon as they sit down is always tough,” says stylist Kallie Henskens. “Try focusing on positivity. We’re here to enhance your beauty, not judge or critique. Our goal is to help you feel confident and connected to what you see in the mirror.”
2. Crossing Your Legs or Looking Down During a Haircut
When your stylist starts cutting, sit up straight, put your phone away, look forward, and keep your legs uncrossed. Proper posture ensures safety, helps achieve a balanced haircut, and allows your stylist to work effectively with sharp tools.
3. Walking In With Really Long Roots
We all tend to delay color touch-ups, but this can lead to issues, especially if your natural hair color contrasts sharply with your dyed shade.
“The biggest mistake clients make is letting their roots grow out too long and expecting their color to look flawless in one session,” says Sharon Dorram, celebrity colorist and owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger NYC.
If you’ve waited too long between appointments, Dorram advises being realistic about the results. It might take multiple sessions to achieve your desired look.
4. Micromanaging Their Work
While feedback is appreciated, crossing into micromanaging can frustrate your stylist and limit their creative freedom and ability to showcase their expertise.
“Every professional has a unique creative process,” Henskens explains. “There are many ways to achieve the same outcome, and each stylist has their own training and preferred techniques to deliver the desired results.”
5. Not Speaking Up
Conversely, it’s important to communicate if something isn’t going as planned during your service. Addressing concerns midway allows for adjustments, ensuring you leave the salon with hair that meets your expectations.
If you’re unhappy with the final result, politely share your concerns. Giving your stylist the chance to fix issues immediately is far better than leaving a negative review later, which can harm their reputation.
6. Ignoring Their Recommended Hair Products
While budgets are important, if you’re investing in high-end services like highlights, balayage, or treatments, it’s wise to use the premium shampoos and conditioners your stylist suggests.
Julius Michael, celebrity hairstylist and Voloom brand ambassador, explains that cheaper products often contain inferior ingredients that can fade your color or ruin your hair’s health.
“To safeguard your investment, stick to salon-quality, paraben- and sulfate-free products,” Michael advises. “They might be pricier, but maintaining your stunning hair color is worth every penny.”
7. Forgetting to Bring Hair Inspiration
While describing your desired hairstyle can help, without a visual reference, your stylist might struggle to fully understand your vision, potentially leading to unsatisfactory results.
“Visuals are incredibly helpful—bring them along and let us do our best work,” Henskens advises. “Make sure the inspiration photos feature models with hair texture and color similar to yours.”
8. Arriving With Dirty Hair
In the past, it was common to visit the salon with unwashed hair, as people believed natural oils protected the scalp. However, Henskens notes that modern advancements have made this practice unnecessary.
“Today’s hair products are designed to be gentle and effective,” Henskens explains. “Excess oil, dirt, or buildup can interfere with the results. For the best outcome, arrive with clean, dry hair to give your stylist a fresh canvas.”
9. Leaning on Dry Shampoo Way Too Much
Dry shampoo is great for emergencies, but it’s not a substitute for regular washing. “Many believe dry shampoo cleans hair, allowing them to skip proper cleansing,” says celebrity stylist Chaz Dean. “Regular scalp cleansing is essential for healthy hair.”
You don’t need to wash your hair daily—every two to four days is fine. This removes product buildup, refreshes your hair, stimulates the scalp, and supports healthy hair growth.
10. Wearing a Turtleneck or Hoodie
Some clients arrive in turtlenecks or hoodies because they’re cold, says Siobhan Quinlan, a colorist at A|M Salon in West Hollywood, but resist removing them. “We want you to be comfortable, but bulky clothing can interfere with styling,” she explains. “Opt for something lightweight and not too precious. While robes and towels are provided, spills and accidents can still happen in a salon.”
11. Pushing Foils Out of Your Face
Hair coloring can be uncomfortable, but moving or bending foils can disrupt the process. “If a foil is bothering you, ask your colorist to adjust it instead of pushing it yourself,” Quinlan advises.
12. Bashing Other Stylists
“It’s frustrating when new clients start by saying no one has ever done their hair right,” says Tatiana Garcia, owner of D Beauty Loft in New Windsor, New York. “A positive attitude and openness to suggestions make the appointment smoother and more enjoyable.”
13. Looking Down at Your Phone Continuously
“As stylists, we often need clients to look down when trimming the perimeter of their hair,” explains Jill Reynolds, a hair extension specialist at The Parlor in Charlotte, North Carolina. “However, most of the time, we need you to look straight ahead.” Reynolds notes that many clients are so engrossed in their phones that they hunch forward, making it difficult to work on the front sections of their hair.
14. Respecting the Cancellation Policy
“We respect our clients’ time and expect the same in return,” says Sarah Oflaherty, owner of Angels On Earth in Hudson Valley, New York. “Our cancellation policy requires notice 48 hours in advance; late cancellations incur a 50 to 100 percent charge. This ensures fairness for both clients and stylists.” Always check your salon’s policy and plan accordingly.
