Expectations at the Beauty Shop

EXPECTATIONS AT THE BEAUTY SHOP

 In a magazine devoted to Southern recipes, vacations, gardening, clothing, etc., the movie Steel Magnolias came to my mind. Especially the character, Truvy, played by Dolly Pardon. It brought back so many memories of going to the beauty shop with my Grandmother and sometimes my Mom. My Grandmother went weekly. My Mom was more of a DIY and this meant even taking care of my hairstyles. I can't tell you how many stinky perms she gave me sitting in our kitchen. Or even bangs cut unevenly and way too short to be in fashion. I much preferred to go to the beauty shop with my Grandmother. I felt so grown up.

So much was going on there at the shampoo bowls or hair dryers. The ladies were all using this time to not only get their hair styled but to catch up with all of the latest gossip. It seems as if a hairdresser is along the lines of a bartender. We share everything with them. They hear it all. Probably more than they care to.

There are some things that have no regional barriers. Going to the hairdresser is one of them. Miss Manners even can tell us what is socially acceptable while at your  salon.

According to her etiquette, you can never be too prepared, or too polite. 

~  Hairdressers' time is valuable. Try not to cancel at the last minute unless there is an emergency. If you are truly sick then by all means do stay home with your germs. Just let them know as soon as possible.

~  No need to trash talk your former hairstylist. Make polite conversation. Make the conversation with your stylist, not someone on your cell phone. Your stylist may have to answer their phone to schedule appointments and take cancellations. As a good client, you can get your phone out when you are waiting for processing to be done.

~  It helps if you do bring a picture or two of what you would like your hair to look like. Be reasonable. If you have thick wavy hair, listen to your stylist about what your hair can realistically do. And to say, "Surprise me!" is definitely not what a stylist wants to hear. Give them some clue of what length, color, or style that you want.

~  Kids are better left at home. Unless you have a perfect little angel who will sit still, stay quiet and read or work on their tablet keep them at home. (I have rarely witnessed this.)

~  Let's not forget to tip. It is the right thing to do. Also, there is no room for negotiating the price of the service that you are having done. They have set prices based on what they must pay for the shampoo, colors, gloves, and so other many costs involved that it would just be tacky to come out and ask for a discount. Oh, and a nice little holiday gift is always appreciated.

~  When all is said and done, if you aren't happy then speak up. It is possible that something could be fixed immediately. If you get home and can't control your hair then make a call within the week to see if you can schedule a touch-up appointment to fix the problem. Sometimes after a fresh cut, you need a chance at home to try to fix it your way. If that does not work...it is best to call your stylist. One thing that is not a proper thing to do is to "ghost" your stylist. They have feelings too. Just let them know that you are trying someone new that may be able to try something new with your hair. End it with no hard feelings.

It can all work out.

The next time you visit your stylist remember Truvy's saying, "Smile! It increases your face value." Plus it makes for a happier experience.