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It’s time for a haircut.  Maybe you’ve already found your favorite salon or maybe you’re in search of a new one.  Regardless, you might still have questions about proper salon etiquette.  If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what to wear, why they leave you under that damn dryer for so long, and what your stylist wished you knew.  I got in touch with Co-Owner, Eli Thomas, of Thomas Chase Hairdressing in Santa Monica, CA, a stunning salon set-up serving celebrities, socialites, and everyday people alike, to ask a few of those looming questions.

What do you suggest women wear to have their hair cut?  Especially if they are a new client?  What about color?

Stylists need to see a woman’s hairline and the shape of her body in order to give her a great haircut and color. There is a balance that needs to be maintained between a woman’s body and her hair. With that in mind, I suggest a woman wear something with a low neckline. That’s important especially for color, so that her clothes don’t get dirty. I also suggest that a woman wear something she feels good in. Stylists can better understand the way a woman would like her hair to look based on the outfit she’s most comfortable in.

When a customer receives a robe, do you prefer that they take their shirt off underneath the robe?

I prefer that they remove their shirt underneath the robe so that I can better see their neckline, but if they don’t feel comfortable, that’s fine too, and I can work around it.

Do you prefer if a client comes in knowing what they want, or do you love when they trust you to “do your own thing?”

I like both! It’s great to have a client who is open and will work with you to achieve an amazing hairstyle, but it’s also nice when someone comes in knowing exactly what they want.

How do you prefer to handle an unsatisfied customer in the event that they are displeased with their cut or color?  Would you rather them speak up that moment?  Reschedule?  Or just apologize and offer a complimentary service?

Fortunately this does not happen often, but I feel that honesty is key in a relationship between a hairdresser and their client. Just as I will let the client know if I don’t think the style they want will work well, the client should speak up if they feel something does not look right. At Thomas Chase, we focus on stylist/client consultations, so this situation has been very much avoided.

What do you consider an appropriate tip for good service?  Do you work on salary in addition to tips?

No one at Thomas Chase is working for a specific tip. We typically see over 20% for excellent work.

When a stylist leaves someone with their color to set, is that strictly to let the color set, or does that buy the stylist a little time as well?

A stylist will leave their client while they have color in their hair strictly to let it set.  Sometimes, in order to maximize our time we will work on other things, but there truly is a required amount of processing time for color.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I find it extremely disrespectful when a client doesn’t show up for their appointment and they don’t call to cancel.

What’s the one piece of knowledge you wish every client possessed?  OR What’s the best tip you could give to the general public about their salon experience?

My best piece of advice is to enter a salon armed with information about BOTH what you DO want and what you DON’T want. Either bring pictures to show what you do want so your stylist can decipher the exact length or color you’re aiming for, or give them specifics about what you don’t want (i.e. I don’t want to be too blonde, I don’t want my hair above my shoulders, etc). This will make your stylist aware of their parameters. Also, trust your instincts and make sure you’re comfortable working with your stylist.

So there you have it!  I felt a little more informed, especially if I were to step into Thomas Chase Hairdressing, myself, where they boast a full service concierge, lay down shampoo beds, and a diffused natural light hair-coloring deck, which is the only tent of its kind in the world!  Wow- having your hair colored outside on a natural light diffusing deck overlooking Santa Monica.  That does not sound like a bad idea.

Another great source for all things beauty, including salon etiquette is from the book, Beauty Confidential:  The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You’ll-Actually-Use Guide To Looking Your Best.  My good friend, author, and well-known beauty blogger, Nadine Haobsh, compiled this book from her many years of experience as a beauty editor for various magazines and blogger at www.jolienadine.com.  And if your beauty queries still are not answered, then This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to keep you informed!
 

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