Salon Etiquette

Just like going to the doctor or any other important appointment, your salon visit should be treated with the same respect. Here are a few simple rules to follow to make sure you get the most out of your time.

Be on time

This one is pretty self explanatory. Stylists often run on a tight schedule and only have a certain allotted time available. So if you show up late it effect your stylists schedule for the rest of the day. Yes, life can get in the way, traffic may have be crazy but punctuality is always appreciated. And if for whatever reason you’re going to be late, a quick phone call to the salon will make everyone’s life easier.

Be Prepared

If you’re coming in for more than your usual trim or touch up, it’s always nice to be prepared and know exactly what you want out of your hair. Especially when your are new to a salon and haven’t seen the stylist before. Bring in pictures of what you like or have a clear idea in mind and be willing to listen to your stylists advice. They will always have what’s best in mind for your hair which in turn will make your life much easier.

Don’t Bargain

A salon is not a market place and bartering is not accepted. Service prices are always set for a reason, usually to cover the costs of running a business and to a stylist, if you’re trying to talk down the price, you’re basically saying “I don’t think you’re good enough to pay that much,”. For most stylists, especially here in Australia, an apprenticeship is equivalent to a university degree not including the extra training they do yearly to keep up with trends, so telling a stylist they’re not worth the service price after all that time is a major insult. 

Don't be a hair know-it-all

Yes, you know your own hair better than anyone else, and you’ve probably had it for more years than yo’d care to admit, but as detailed in the last point, your stylist will have a pretty good idea how to help you out. They only deal with hair day in day out. Having said that, don’t bring in a hair know-it-all with you either. There is nothing more insulting to a stylist than being told they don’t know what they’re doing.

Don’t bring an entourage

Bringing one friend is fine most days in the salon, but inviting more than one friend isn’t a great idea. Usually there’s not enough room, especially in a full and busy salon and your friends will most likely just find themselves in the way. It also can be very distracting for your stylist. While they’re very talented at multi-tasking, ducking, dodging and trying to explain things to you over top of a few loud conversations isn’t an ideal situation. 

Don’t bring the kids

If the kids are having their hair done, that’s more than fine, but if it’s mum’s turn, than children can not only be a distraction but get in the way. There’s a good reason people are needed to sit still during a service and if you want a great style cut or colour, it’s probably best if you’re not moving around to entertain the little ones. 

Don’t talk on your phone

Not only is this socially unacceptable, there’s a good chance your stylist may need your attention, whether it’s to ask an important question about your hair or to pass on some useful advice. Deal with your business issues, fight with your partner or catch up with your grandma after your visit. 


At the end of the day, the more you put into your salon visit, the more you’ll get out of it. And it always pays to be polite to your stylist.