Time and again, the topic of hair salon etiquette comes up in conversations between women who frequent salons. Whether it is a cut, color, straightening process or even just a bang trim, the tipping process can be quite tricky. You don’t want to look like a cheapskate, yet you also don’t want to empty your wallet on excessive tipping on top of an expensive haircut. Even the appropriate cancellation procedure, as well as the timing in which you return for a “fix” can remain elusive. Answers are finally upon us! Celebrity hair stylist Amoy Pitters of Amoy Couture Salon in Manhattan, tips us off with some valuable etiquette information so we are no longer stuck in “hairy” situations.
1. The appropriate tip for a stylist/colorist is 20% of the cost of the service.
2. The shampoo assistant should receive a $3 to $5 tip and a little more if he/she assisted in your color process.
3. For assistants who do the blow-dries, 10 to 15 percent of the color/cut price is appropriate, and more towards 15% if your hair is long.
4. If you are not happy with your cut/color let the salon know ASAP. Generally it is the salon’s policy to redo your hair until you are happy with it.
5. A “fix” must be done right away. Ideally the next day is the appropriate time to come in and a week later at the most. After a week there will already be some re-growth.
6. It is an insult to tell your stylist how to cut your hair, you would never dream of telling your doctor/dentist what to do. Yet, it is okay to express a preference, as in if you prefer scissors to a razor cut or vice versa.
7. DO NOT cancel 10 minutes before an appointment.
8. Most salons confirm appointments the day before. Yet, common courtesy is a 24-hour cancellation. Stylists like most people in the service business sell blocks of their time. Time lost is money lost.
9. Busy stylists/colorists have waiting lists. Don’t call on a “bad-hair day” or right before a vacation and expect an immediate appointment. Plan Ahead.
10. Treat your stylist/colorist with the respect that you command. After all, they are the ones that make YOU look good.
11. Dress like your real self: It can be a little intimidating going to a fashion-forward hairstylist, especially if you’re not exactly on the cutting edge of fashion yourself. But it’s important to represent yourself honestly so that your stylist can give you a hairstyle that fits your personality. You don’t want to end up with someone else’s hair.
12. What should I do when the only thing my stylist wants to do is talk and gossip and I just want to chill out?”
Reading a magazine or chatting on the cell phone to avoid your stylist can sometimes be a little distracting for them, so if you want to relax and trust your stylist, sit down in the chair and immediately tell them how you had such a long day and can’t wait for some R&R time at the salon. You can even close your eyes to indicate you just want to zone out.
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About Amoy Pitters: Setting herself apart from others in the industry is Amoy’s hands-on method to developing her techniques— unlike many stylists, Amoy practices her styling techniques on herself before applying them on clients. Following such an approach allows Amoy to develop and discover new cuts, shapes and colors, ensuring that her style and vision are always evolving. One of Amoy’s most sought-after signature styles is extensions. Today, her impressive clientele includes Iman, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Joy Bryant, Selita Ebanks and Maggie Rizer.
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