Why the Hair Industry is Viewed At Times As Unprofessional

The Hair Industry is at times looked upon, unfortunately, as a very unprofessional industry. Reason being that so many stylists come into the business not believing that they are or acting as a business owner. You do not have to be the Salon Owner to feel like you own a business. The minute you started doing hair and charging people for your services, whether in your kitchen or in a salon, you went into business for yourself.

When pondering over relaunching this blog, I came up with topics that I wanted to discuss for the remainder of the year. One of the topics was the Stylists and Clients Do's and Don'ts. I can discuss this topic for days. Coincidentally, one day while browsing Instagram, I came across a discussion on a stylists page. The caption was, "under no circumstances should a stylist........? Post funny things in the comments". Now although it was meant to be funny and she was interacting with her followers, some of the comments posted were quite funny as well as sad. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with a few of the actions of these stylists. I've put together a few things her followers, Stylist Dionna Owens (@sewnatural1 on Instagram), have felt were very unprofessional about their stylists along with my experiences while working with stylists. Let me make this absolutely clear, they WERE NOT talking about her.

Under no circumstances should a stylist.......  (from her followers perspective):
1. @beautyinspikes Eat while doing a clients hair. No one wants crumbs in their hair.
(In my opinion, that is very unprofessional. When booking appointments, schedule yourself a lunch break.)

2. @undeniableladya Stop to pick up your kids, take them to eat, come back and pour yourself some wine, watch t v, and then ask if you're ready or do you want to come back tomorrow to finish.
(In my opinion, this stylist was doing too much and taking her clients for granted. Remember, clients are paying your bills. Treat them with respect. Just because you work for yourself doesn't mean you get to do as you please. You are in the service business. If you know that your kids get out of school at a certain time, arrange your schedule around that. Don't waste people's valuable time.)

3. @_tooshay Ask you to hold their kids on your lap while you get your hair done.
(In my opinion, it doesn't matter how well you know that client or how cool you may think that client is, the salon is a place they come to be pampered, not to babysit.)

Some of these are quite extreme but they really aren't that far fetched. I've experienced one or two while sitting in the chair myself. A few of mine as a client or even working with stylists would be:
4. Ask me to blow dry my own hair.
(In my opinion, it doesn't matter how long I've been coming to you. I am paying you for a service. Are you going to give me a discount since I did part of your job?)

5. Wash my hair, put me under the dryer and not touch my head again for another 3-4 hours.
(Is this some form of tactic so that I won't walk out of the salon when you take too long to get to me or you've overbooked? Don't be surprised if someone walks outside wet or with your rollers in their head. Remember, you made them do it.)

6. Say I need a trim but give me a cut.
(I'm sure there are times when this is necessary. Just try to let the client know that's what needs to happen instead of keeping the mirror away from them and surprising them at the end. Don't keep the mirror away from the client the entire time unless it's like a surprise makeover. If it's not a makeover, that client deserves the right to voice an opinion before it's too late.)

7. Allowing clients to text you other than just to confirm their appointment or to say they're going to be late.
(I know how convenient it is to receive text. However, in my opinion it's not the greatest form of communication for business. Text messages eventually get erased, get overlooked and there is no way to keep a paper trail. It is suggested to receive appointment requests via email, phone or whatever salon software you may be using.)

Now let's move on to some Client No No's. Under no circumstances should a client..........(Again, from her followers perspective)
1. @kizzielove Show up at their friend's appointment asking to get their hair done.
(This will not work for most by-appointment only stylists. However, In my opinion I will not say this is a complete no no. You won't know unless you ask. Just don't be disappointed when the answer is no.)

2. @tbuttas2679 Want blonde hair but don't want to bleach it.
(Before you book an appointment, ask a few questions to see if in fact that's what you want. That way, you will not waste your time, the stylist time or take a slot from someone else. You will also be able to make an informed decision. In my opinion, when a client calls with that type of request, stylists should try to educate them a lil and see if that's really what they want to do.)

3. @mzhairtsylez_614 Want a relaxer, brow wax, deep condition and hair cut and doesn't want to pay for all of that.
(Have an idea of what you want and ask how much when booking the appointment. That way, the stylist can give a proper quote and set aside the correct amount of time for the appointment. DO NOT book an appointment if you can't afford it.)

4. Keep a sew-in in your head for more than the recommended time frame.
(In my opinion, you should always follow your stylists recommendations and/or hair care tips. That way, you will prevent any bad things like thinning, balding and/or mild dew build up happening to your hair unnecessarily.)

5. Bash a stylist on social media without giving all sides and being truthful.
(In my humble opinion, if you are unhappy with a service provided by a stylist, the 1st place to vent would be to that stylist. Give them a chance to correct it or to make it right. Even if you cannot come to some form of compromise, social media still isn't the place to vent. BEWARE, their fans may just turn on you if you do.)

6. Book an appointment without checking the policies.
(All stylists do not operate their businesses the same way. Before you assume that they do, check the policies before you make any payments/deposits. You may find out that some stylists policies are more strict than others. 9 times out of 10, all this says is that they've been burned one too many times.)

7. NO CALL/NO SHOW
(In my opinion, I think this is the biggest pet peeve for all stylists on earth. If you want someone to respect your time, do the same for them. If you know you will not make your appointment, call and let your stylist know. You could be the last client of the night. Had you told them you weren't going to make it, they could have gone home early, gone to hang out, ran errands, had dinner cooked early, etc. BE CONSIDERATE.)

Keep in mind that these are actual experiences. I can't believe so many stylists have exhibited such unprofessional behavior. And, most importantly, who is supposed to correct it. I pray that the stylists will correct their behavior and get it together because you are going to misbehave your business right into the ground. Your name is everything. There is nothing worst than a current client telling potential clients not to go to you for x, y, and z. I'm talking legitimate reviews, not hater reviews. And for all the clients out there. It's a 2-way street. The same way you want stylists to respect you and your time, do the same for them.

So next time you think to do something or behave in a certain way, ask yourself would you want that done to you. If the answer is no, don't do it. If the answer is yes, proceed. Let's move towards more yes'.

I know that we discussed some ways in order to correct the bad behavior but I'd still like for you to join me next time when we discuss a few of the client and stylist Do's.

If you're looking forward to more blog posts, comment below and share it on Twitter and Facebook. Oh, and for God sake, please don't forget to subscribe to this blog. Until next time;)

Oneka pronounced O-knee-ka
(Not only THEE Glam Administrator but also your favorite Delta and Virgo.



Lord, I pray that my words and info will touch all those in need to hear what I have to say and share. I pray that all info shared will make changes in lives as well as businesses. Those that are supposed to be here, will hear about it and be changed as a result. Now do it Lord.









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