Have you ever wondered what your hairdresser really thinks about your hair, your styling choices, or even your chit-chat during a trim? The salon chair is a sacred space—where secrets are shared, transformations happen, and yes, where stylists occasionally whisper things you might not hear. In this revealing post, we’ll pull back the curtain on the unspoken truths of the salon world.
The Truth About Your Hair Habits
Your hairdresser notices everything—from how often you wash your hair to whether you actually follow their styling advice. Here are some of the most common things they whisper about when you’re not paying attention:
1. “They never use the products I recommend.” Stylists spend time curating the perfect aftercare routine for you, only to see you return months later with the same split ends. If you’re investing in a great cut, trust their product suggestions too!
2. “They say they don’t use heat, but their hair tells a different story.” Heat damage is easy to spot, and your stylist can tell if you’ve been lying about that “occasional” flat iron use.
3. “They cut their own bangs—badly.” DIY trims are a dead giveaway, and while stylists appreciate the bravery, they’d much rather you leave it to the pros.
The Salon Chair Confessions
Beyond hair habits, stylists often exchange whispers about the other things that happen in the salon. Here’s what they’re really saying:
“They talk more than they listen.” While stylists love a good chat, they also need to focus on precision cutting. If you’re dominating the conversation, they might be silently willing you to pause so they can concentrate.
“They bring in impossible inspo pics.” That Pinterest photo of a celebrity’s flawless balayage? It might be photoshopped, or require hours of work your stylist didn’t schedule for. Be realistic about expectations.
“They cancel last minute—again.” Salon schedules are tight, and no-shows or late cancellations hurt their business. If you do it often, you might just become the topic of the breakroom gossip.
The Unspoken Rules of Salon Etiquette
Want to stay on your stylist’s good side? Here’s what they wish you knew:
1. Arrive on time (or early). Stylists often have back-to-back clients, and even a 5-minute delay can throw off their whole day.
2. Put your phone away. Constant texting or moving your head to take selfies makes their job harder. Plus, it’s just polite to engage.
3. Be honest about your hair history. That “tiny” at-home dye job? It matters. Lying about previous treatments can lead to disastrous results.
What They Really Think About Your Hair Choices
Stylists won’t always tell you if a certain cut or color will look bad—they’ll try to guide you subtly instead. Here’s what they’re thinking:
“That shade will wash you out.” If they’re suggesting a slightly different tone, trust them. They know undertones and skin compatibility better than anyone.
“This cut doesn’t suit their face shape.” They might gently steer you toward a more flattering style, but if you insist, they’ll do it—while quietly dreading the outcome.
“They’re stuck in the past.” If you’ve had the same hairstyle since 2005, your stylist is probably itching to modernize it. Let them!
The Biggest Complaints Stylists Have
Every profession has its pet peeves, and hairdressers are no exception. Here’s what grinds their gears the most:
1. “They don’t tip properly.” Tipping is standard in the beauty industry, and skipping it (or undertipping) is a major faux pas.
2. “They bring their kids—and don’t control them.” Salons aren’t playgrounds, and unsupervised children can be a safety hazard around sharp tools.
3. “They argue about pricing.” Salon prices reflect skill, product quality, and overhead costs. Haggling is a surefire way to annoy your stylist.
How to Be a Dream Client
Want to become the client your stylist loves to see? Follow these tips:
1. Book in advance. Last-minute requests are stressful—plan ahead.
2. Show appreciation. A simple thank-you, a positive review, or even a coffee goes a long way.
3. Be open to suggestions. Stylists are artists—let them work their magic!
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re in the salon chair, remember—your stylist wants you to look and feel your best. By understanding their unspoken thoughts and following good salon etiquette, you’ll not only get better results but also build a great relationship with the person who holds the scissors (and the secrets).
