Visiting Lovisa Salon in Cincinnati is always magical. It’s a place where people come to refresh their look, unwind and relax, and leave feeling their best. If you haven’t had much salon experience, it may be daunting trying to navigate the proper etiquette of the salon environment. We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll discuss some spoken and unspoken golden rules of salon etiquette that will lead to a smooth experience for both you and your stylist.
1. Arrive on Time
One of the most important aspects of salon etiquette is punctuality. Arriving for an appointment late can leave your stylist with less time to devote to you, or may even inconvenience punctual guests arriving after your appointment. Depending on how late you arrive, you may be putting yourself at risk of paying additional fees. At Lovisa Salon, we understand that life can throw situations at you at the last minute. Should something come up, be sure to cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid paying fees for a service you didn’t attend. Time at the salon is precious, and familiarizing yourself with the late/cancellation policies for any salon shows your respect for the salon schedule and an appreciation for the stylists.
2. Come Prepared
If you have a specific idea in mind for your hair style, no matter how big or small, come prepared with reference photos and ideas to convey to your stylist. Doing this will help your stylist get a clearer picture of your hair goals and help you achieve the hair of your dreams! Having several points of reference will give you and your stylist more opportunity to discuss the steps they need to take to get you feeling and looking your absolute best.
3. Be Realistic
Sometimes, we encounter a style online that just speaks to us – and we want it now. We totally get it! However, it’s important to take into account your starting point when deciding where you want to be after your appointment. No reputable salon can bring you from a dark, box-dyed black to a platinum blonde in a day without seriously compromising the integrity of your hair. If you do want a serious transformation, discuss it with your stylist so they can help you make a plan for achieving the hair of your dreams. It may take several appointments to get your hair to where you want it to be, especially if you’re going from dark to bright. Be patient and hear your stylist out if they recommend multiple appointments – your hair will thank you!
4. Be Honest About Hair History
It’s always important to be completely honest with your stylist about any products and dyes that have been used in your hair. Some products your stylist may need to use on your hair may interact negatively with certain bleaches or dyes, and can even lead to “gummy hair,” which refers to hair that is excessively damaged and over processed, resulting in mushy, limp, and easily broken texture. Aside from helping protect your hair, honesty can allow for your stylist to give you a better timeline for reaching your hair goals. Bleached and at-home black box-dyed hair may take several more treatments to lift than virgin hair, and may require special attention to keep it healthy.
5. Arrive With Clean Hair
Many people believe that coming to the salon with dirty hair may help protect from bleaches and dyes, but it won’t do you any favors. Dirty hair can make treatments like dyeing and cutting difficult, as it becomes more difficult to part and can create buildup. Buildup can cause dyes to disperse unevenly and leave you with results that look unpolished. You don’t need to shampoo right before your appointment, but try to wash 2-3 days prior to your appointment, or less if you use products in your locks.
6. Speak Up
We understand it can be daunting to speak up when you aren’t happy with your results at the salon, but being direct with your stylist will lead to better results for you in the long run. We always want to make sure our clients leave satisfied and eager to come back. We pride ourselves on top-notch and well-trained stylists, but the art of hair can come with unexpected results and outcomes. If something seems amiss or you aren’t in love with your new look, please inform the stylist on what is bothering you. This way, you can make a plan together to get you back to feeling your very best.
Booking your appointment in advance is a win-win scenario for everyone involved. It ensures that you get the date and time that works best for you, avoids last-minute stress, and gives your stylist time to plan accordingly and allocate the needed time for your service. Salons book quickly, and the last thing we want to tell you is that your only free day this month has been booked. The earlier a stylist’s day is booked, the more time they have to prepare so that each client leaves satisfied and refreshed. Try to book at least 2 weeks in advance if possible.
8. Show Gratitude
One of the best ways to show a stylist your appreciation for their talent is by leaving them a review. This puts a positive word out there and may even draw new customers! Always be sure to tell your stylist “thank you” if they’ve completed a job well done. Tips are also appreciated – it is customary in the business to tip 15-20% if you’re happy with your service, or more if they really knocked it out of the park!
9. Put the Phone Down
Using your phone at the salon can be distracting for your stylist and may make it more difficult for them to do their job. It’s easy to subconsciously move your head while looking at your phone, which can seriously complicate a service, especially a cut. Feel free to use your phone in between steps, but try your best to avoid it while in the chair. If you do need to use it for a quick call or text, inform your stylist.
10. Dress in Proper Salon Attire
Dressing in salon-appropriate attire is a must to ensure the comfort and ease of your service for both you and your stylist. Try to avoid tops with bulky necklines, like hoodies, or large necklaces or earrings. These may get in the way of the stylist’s job. If you are getting a color service, you might want to skip out on any holy grail pieces of your closet, in case of the rare chance for any dye spilling onto clothing. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, as some services can take hours.
