The Ed.
Well-Known Member
Let's face it, for your regular consumer, visiting the hair salon can have many potential pitfalls. The anxiety at the top of consumer's list? Tipping. Even in the UK where tipping really is optional, most people don't even know where to start when it comes to tipping their stylist. And, if you tip the stylist, what about the lovely girl who washed your hair and took time to give you that much needed head massage? As salon professionals, we often get frustrated at the way that some consumers behave in a salon environment, but perhaps they just don't know?
Celeb US stylist, Danny Jalaca, offered his version of what counts as acceptable etiquette to Edge magazine when it comes to consumers and salons. Of course, he's American so while UK professionals would love to expect a 20% tip on all appointments, chances are it's not going to happen. Have a look through what Jalaca considers acceptable and let me know: what do you think?
1. Appropriate tips for your stylist or colourist is 20% of the cost of the service.
2. You shampoo assistant should recieve $3-5 tip and more if they assisted with your colour or product process.
3. For assistants who blow dry, 10%-15% tip of the cost of the service is appropriate but move towards 15% if you have long hair.
4. If you are not happy with your cut or colour, let the salon know immediately General policy among salons should be that they redo your hair until your happy with it.
5. A 'fix' must be done right away or at the latest within the first week. After a week, there will already be regrowth.
6. It is an insult to tell your stylist how to cut your hair. You would never dream of telling your dentist or your doctor what to do. It is okay, however, to express a preference if, for example, you prefer a scissor cut to a razor cut or vice versa.
7. Do not cancel 10 minutes before an appointment.
8. Most salons confirm appointments the day before. Common courtesy is a 24-hour cancellation. Stylists (like most people in the service industry) sell block of their time. Time lost is money lost.
9. Busy stylists and colourists have waiting lists. Don't call on a 'bad hair day' or just before your vacation and expect to get an appointment. Plan ahead.
10. Treat your stylist and colourist with resepct. After all, they are the ones making you look good.
11. Dress like your real self: it can be a little intimidating going to a fashion-forward stylist especially if you're not exactly on the cutting edge of fashion yourself but it is important to represent yourself honestly so that you stylist can give you a hairstyle that suits your personality. You don't want to end up with someone else's hair!
12. If you don't want to chat or gossip, just trust your stylist. Sit down in the chair and immediately tell them how you have had a long day and can't wait for some rest and relaxation time at the salon. You can even close your eyes to indicate you just want to zone out.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Celeb US stylist, Danny Jalaca, offered his version of what counts as acceptable etiquette to Edge magazine when it comes to consumers and salons. Of course, he's American so while UK professionals would love to expect a 20% tip on all appointments, chances are it's not going to happen. Have a look through what Jalaca considers acceptable and let me know: what do you think?
1. Appropriate tips for your stylist or colourist is 20% of the cost of the service.
2. You shampoo assistant should recieve $3-5 tip and more if they assisted with your colour or product process.
3. For assistants who blow dry, 10%-15% tip of the cost of the service is appropriate but move towards 15% if you have long hair.
4. If you are not happy with your cut or colour, let the salon know immediately General policy among salons should be that they redo your hair until your happy with it.
5. A 'fix' must be done right away or at the latest within the first week. After a week, there will already be regrowth.
6. It is an insult to tell your stylist how to cut your hair. You would never dream of telling your dentist or your doctor what to do. It is okay, however, to express a preference if, for example, you prefer a scissor cut to a razor cut or vice versa.
7. Do not cancel 10 minutes before an appointment.
8. Most salons confirm appointments the day before. Common courtesy is a 24-hour cancellation. Stylists (like most people in the service industry) sell block of their time. Time lost is money lost.
9. Busy stylists and colourists have waiting lists. Don't call on a 'bad hair day' or just before your vacation and expect to get an appointment. Plan ahead.
10. Treat your stylist and colourist with resepct. After all, they are the ones making you look good.
11. Dress like your real self: it can be a little intimidating going to a fashion-forward stylist especially if you're not exactly on the cutting edge of fashion yourself but it is important to represent yourself honestly so that you stylist can give you a hairstyle that suits your personality. You don't want to end up with someone else's hair!
12. If you don't want to chat or gossip, just trust your stylist. Sit down in the chair and immediately tell them how you have had a long day and can't wait for some rest and relaxation time at the salon. You can even close your eyes to indicate you just want to zone out.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
