The worst appointment times are … Saturday mornings. Stylists vary a bit on this, but the general consensus is to avoid Saturdays (their busiest day), especially Saturday mornings. Fridays are also less than ideal, since it's the end of the week and your hairdresser is most likely tired and looking forward to the weekend (think of how focused you are on a Friday afternoon, makes sense, right?).
Other bad times: The first appointment of the day, since the stylist hasn't settled in yet and could also be a little late. The last appointment is also not the best since the stylist will be tired and ready to go home. Lunchtime can also be difficult, since stylists, like the rest of us, can get cranky when they're hungry.
Haha whoever below is getting all indignant about tipping clearly doesn't understand how the service industry works, at least in this country. Different countries and cultures have different standards, as do different industries. Sure, you don't have to adhere to them, but if you don't, then you can't expect to get the best service. Treat your stylists well and they will treat you well! Also a good idea to treat the reception team well, and value a stylist who does the same!
you better not go a day before holiday also. it most crowd anyway. i once did and my simple trim turn it a full 3 hour session when the hairstylist keep stopping to attend to another client.
Good tips. I used my mom's stylist when I was home and I wasn't happy. I have where I live an next year I'll be back in FL for a time and will have to get my hair cut. I'm not sure who'll use. I'll keep my eye out for gal's who's hair is similar to mine.
This article is dead on-well some of it! I used to work at a salon (shampoo girl) and yes it is true that we would get ignored and it didn't really make sense since we doted on the customer more so than the actual stylist did. Also the 'tip' about a stylist telling you you like exactly so-and-so is completely right! I went to a stylist wanting to go really drastic and brought in pictures of Victoria Beckham's edgy long pixie cut and was sent to the moon and back during my consultation. When the end result came around, I wasn't too impressed and she was said 'well hunny what do you expect? You have thicker hair than she does..." I was kind of perturbed because I asked her if she thought it would look bad with my hair, face shape, etc. Ugh....
I read this article just for the sake of it. I actually been cutting my own hair since I'm 17 years old, and I must say, I've been doing pretty great on my own.
Of course, the stylist works for the client and we should get the best service any time of the week (or day). But, as stacy3040 said, stylists are not robots. And if your hair ends up badly because your hairstilist was tired, it will be his/her fault, no doubt. But it won't change your hair back! Si in general, the scheduling tips are helpful. Except that if you work full-time, you don't really have much choice for appointments :/
Article is not entirely accurate..... "best way to get the appointment time you want"?? As a hairstylist, I, along with my co-stylists would always recommend "PRE-booking" . That is no "secret"!
Newsflash to those who expect stylists to be always alert, super cheery & give you exactly what you want 100% of the time: We aren't super-human nor are we computerized robots. Many do really try their hardest but even stylists have their days. Ask yourself.... are you on top of it 100% of the time? No, you wouldn't be human. Nobody's perfect. Cut them some slack if they are at least trying.
I couldn't imagine scheduling around the stylist like that. I go on Friday evenings because I work full time and that is my stylist's late day. I always end up with a great cut, because she likes her job and does it well. One question I do have- she has an apprentice who is still in school, but does all of her shampooing and such. Do I tip her? From my experience with other things, those in training do not get tipped, but should I be tipping her?
They do give out amazing advice when it comes to salon products. I had dry frizzy, damaged hair of a long time and tried everything. I went to a new stylist and she recommended joico kpak, I couldn't believe what a difference it made to my hair! I've been loyal to her ever since!
I agree with SunBunny. It's ridiculous to think that we'd plan our salon visits to accommodate the hairstylists' schedules, for example when the hairstylists' are not tired, hungry, etc. Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Seriously? Don't come in the morning lunchtime or evening. Don't come on Saturday or Friday. Let me just say the stylist works for the client not the other way around. And if every visit costs me over $100 she better be nice and accommodating no matter if she is tired or hungry.
Referrals are definitely a good idea. What's worked for me the best when moving to a new city is asking someone whose hair you like who their stylist is.
So what do you do if (like me) the best hair stylist you've ever met that usually cuts both your hair AND your significant other's hair has decided to "take a break" from doing hair for awhile due to a family crisis (a fire) and they were the only stylist who knew both of your hair textures inside and out and was the only stylist who ever got both of your haircuts "right?" (as in, she told me that going to these cheap "salons" was ruining my hair because those stylists didn't take as much care and caution in trimming my slightly damaged, thick long curly girl hair and she gave me a cut that actually helped my hair get better and kept it this way for months before I needed a new trim) What should I do? Lol. I'm at a loss - I really don't want to go to one of those Holiday Hair or Master Cut places if I don't have to and there are no other good stylists in my area! Sad face!
If you are having trouble finding a stylist look at people's hair everywhere you go and when u see someone who's hair type is similar to your and you like the way it is cut ask that person where they got their hair cut. They will tell you even if you are asking a stranger. If you are asking someone where they get their hair cut that are going to take or as a compliment and be willing to give you info bout their stylist
Friday doesn't count as the beginning of the weekend for a stylist, we work all weekend therefore our weekend starts just before our first day off and many stylists don't even get the option to have 2 days off in a row since most salons are now open 7 days a week. Most stylist will recommend that people come in earlier in the week because the earlier part of the week are slow days and no one wants to sit around and do nothing when they are at work.
This may be true for some stylists but not for me. I enjoy cutting, coloring, styling, etc. I like Fridays, mornings, etc. If I am hungry, I grab a quick granola bar to hold me over through my next appointment. There are too many good stylists out there to settle. Keep looking!!!!
This was SUPER helpful for me, considering I am getting my haircut tomorrow!!!! I have really thick hair, naturally curly hair that I straighten and it never dawns on me to tell them ahead of time so they aren't shocked when they wash my hair. I always end up at the salon for at least 3 hours because of my hair length and texture. By the time they get the cut done and then blow dry and straighten it we're both pooped!!! I will also remember to tip the shampoo person, if there is one. My old hairdresser did it all herself, as did everyone at that salon. Thanks for these tips TB!! Now hopefully my haircut comes out fabulous tomorrow!!!!!
Ok there were a few things about this article that were offputting. No appointments first thing in the morning, weekends, lunchtime or nightime? If anyone were this touchy or easily irritated, I wouldn't want them cutting my hair either way. Also, not everyone has a flexible enough schedule to book 4-8 weeks in advance.
Are you telling me that the shampoo person cannot manage to rinse my hair "correctly and at the right time" if I don't tip him/her well? It's their job!
ok.. so I have been a stylist for 10 years now... this article makes us sound like we are cranky people who only care about ourselves... now, I'll admit, there are MANY out there like that, but there are also some who genuinely care about their customers and are nice.... and I dont know what the reporter was talking about lunch times.... stylists rarely ever get a lunch break... we eat when we can, so we REALLY appreciate that Starbucks or cupcakes that some of you are so nice to bring us (hint hint)