To pre-book. Ideally you should book your next appointment while still in the salon. Not only does this insure that you get the best day and time for your schedule, but your stylist will appreciate this show of loyalty.

Be late. Not only does it show disrespect for the stylist's time, but also if you're late then you make her late for the rest of the day. If you want the best service, show up on time, especially if you're the last appointment of the day (our stylists say if you show up late for the last time slot of the day you can forget any special treatment).

Tip well. If you want the best service (and a chance at scoring the ideal time slot or last-minute appointment), you'll need to tip well (20 percent is ideal). Stylists remember the customers who treat them well, and they'll go out of their way to do the same. Also, tip with cash whenever possible, credit card companies charge a fee for card tips, meaning the stylist actually gets less money than you intended.

The stylist's assistant and/or the shampoo person. These people often are forgotten, but they're a huge part of your salon experience, so it's important to treat them well too. It doesn't have to be much, $2 to $5 is reasonable, but it makes a big difference. As Pelusi points out, "When you're getting your hair colored, that shampoo person has a lot of power over how your hair will turn out [as far as stripping color and rinsing it correctly and at the right time], so you want to treat them well."

If you don't tip the assistants, the stylists will, which means the stylist will get less tips overall (not the best way to get on their good side).

You should listen. Yes, in some salons the stylists get a commission on sales, but it's such a small amount that it's not what's motivating them. The truth is if a stylist recommends something it's because it'll be good for your hair, so if you trust your stylist, listen up. Especially when it comes to color-treated hair, the right shampoo and conditioner can help maintain the color and keep hair healthy.

Acosta explains, "You just spent all this money to get your hair colored or cut, it doesn't make sense not to spend a little more to get the right products to maintain the look." Plus, stylists admit that it makes their job easier when you come in with healthy hair, so that's their real motivation.