How To Properly Deal With A Bad Salon Experience, By Barbie's Beauty Bits
It's happened to many of us: you book a salon appointment for an updated style, color correction, highlights, or even keratin hair straightening, and the results are less than desirable or worse, severely damaged hair or even painful. So what do you do?
Do you speak up immediately or wait to deal with the situation from home?
I was inspired to write this article as I've seen many social media posts on people leaving a salon with an obviously bad salon experience. But, they did not say anything at the salon, left as if they were happy, and then what appeared to come from left field bashing the stylist. And getting undesirable support from the salon, and wondering why?
I get it, and no one wants to come across as rude. But you need to speak your ground politely. More importantly, you must be prepared for your hair appointment to minimize these mishaps, as this is usually what it is-a misunderstanding between you and the stylist.
You and the stylist need to be on the same page before starting. End of story!This includes effectively communicating your expectations, letting the stylist know what you like and do not, and being comfortable asking many questions.
Professional Tips For Dealing With a Bad Salon Experience
Do Your Due Diligence Before Going To The Salon
I can't stress this enough. This is not a one-way street here; it takes two to tango the hair appointment or, in some cases, tangle (a bit of hair humor).
So below, I have put a to-do list together before going to the salon
Sniff Out The Hair Dresser Before Booking An Appointment
Finding the best salon, along with a stylist, can be a daunting task. When I moved, I first went to the stylist my sister did. And in about 5 minutes, I could tell this girl, and I did not mesh.
She had no sense of humor, was very monotone, was passive, had a mom jeans look, and said, "I can tell you are particular about your hair and adamant about your gray roots, but I have to let you know I have an unreliable babysitter and sometimes have to reschedule appointments at the last minute."
While I appreciated her honesty, I knew she was not my cup of tea right then and there. I do not have any patience for those whose personal life affects their work!
Every once in a while is understandable, but I knew it was too much for me because this woman felt the need to tell me this. And that I would not book a hair appointment with her ever~
Be Prepared To Ask Questions At Your Salon Appointment
No question is stupid. This is your hair, which can help determine whether the stylist meshes with you. It is usually a red flag if they come off defensive or rude, so move on!
Communicate Your Likes And Dislikes With The Stylist
If you have a hairstyle or color you want. THIS IS IMPORTANT...make sure you explain why you like it. (as the reason you like the color could be the reason it will not work for you).
On the same token, make sure you tell them what you do not like. For example, any brassiness can happen if you have darker hair. If you are adamant that you do not want brassy hair, a good stylist should respond with the expectation based on your current hair.
Or you like layers but do not want your hair to appear thin. This was my downfall, as I learned that most images of layered hair are layered with hair extensions, or the hair is naturally curly, thick, and blown out, so the layers are falsely full.
Examples from my experience:
- Me: I like those layers so full
- Stylist: Your hair will never look like that, its thin and the girl in the photo has hair extensions.
- Me: I love the burgundy color to cover my grays, something different
- Stylist: Because of your gray your hair will turn pink, as the pigment will not hold its colors.
You see if did not decide to speak up with specifics I could have ended up with thin, pink hair.
Avoid Professional Photos As They Are Misleading
While photos are excellent reference points, they can be very deceiving, which goes to the stylist's communication. A good salon will have stylists that will point out different styles of coloring and the texture of hair in the photo compared to yours. More importantly, in most photos, hair extensions are being used.
Don't Be Impulsive
For extreme color changes, ask for a strand test to determine if the hair is healthy enough to withstand the process. You'll want to know how many sessions it will take to achieve your desired result... No quickies in black hair to platinum cases, as this will result in disaster.
Also, consider try on hairstyle apps. where you can test colors and hairstyles.
Beware Of Cookie-Cutter Salons
Trying to stick a square beg in a round hole is a formula for a disastrous hairdo. As when it comes to hairstyles, one size does not fit all.
Several factors can affect how a particular hairstyle appears on you, such as your hair type, condition, thickness, texture, length, and style.
Stylists must understand and be open to this to tailor accordingly. Your hairstyle should complement your features, and the stylist must be able and willing to communicate this to you professionally and verbally.
Moreover, you have to be open to the truth and not take offense, as what may look good on your friend may not look good on you.
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| Natural Light Vs. Indoor Lighting |
Hair Color Looks Different In Different Lighting
Oh no, what color is my hair? If you feel you took all the steps above and want to cry as your blond hair looks brassy, stay calm. First, are you looking at your hair in the correct lighting? While this may sound petty, this can make a big difference.
One thing my stylist told me...Nature never lies. Hence, the best way to see what your highlighted or colored hair actually looks like is to go outside with a mirror in the natural sunlight.
Some other lighting effects on the hair you may need to be made aware of.
- Your hair will reflect a warmer, honey-to-brass color with warmer, orange-based lights.
- Under cold white or blueish lights, your hair will appear more ash-blonde.
- Outside... The true color. (see photo above, natural light vs. indoor)
An experienced stylist will take you outside to see the color of your hair. If not, do it yourself before leaving the salon.
So How To Handle Damaged Hair Without Being Rude?
So you go home, and a few days later, you notice your hair is brittle and gummy, or worse, your scalp is burnt.
What would you do in such an event? Let’s take a look at your options in the steps mentioned below!
Kindness Goes A Long Way
I get it. A bad hairdo can seem like the end of the world. But kindness goes a long way. Be polite and articulate your thoughts—accidents happen.
You must sort out a solution and not belabor a complaint session like a crazy Karen.
Speak Up Right Away
If you encounter a terrible salon treatment or an accident when the staff renders their services, mention it to the stylist immediately. The last thing you want to do is catch them by surprise later with some bashing on social media. But didn't have the courtesy to express dissatisfaction with your cut and color at the salon.
I believe in karma, and there is a place and time for bad reviews after you have taken all the steps to remedy. Not being a passive keyboard troll before even attempting to resolve the issue with customer service.
Help, What If I Didn't Notice The Issue Until I Got Home
Sometimes, you may not notice a problem with your hair until you are at home, maybe even a few days later. Reactions to products or, worse, damaged hair do not always show up right away.
In these cases, you want to contact the salon right away. Refrain from speaking with the person who answers the phone or even an assistant manager, as the message can get lost in translation.
Wait to speak with the salon manager to explain the situation calmly and in detail so that they can work to provide you with an opportunity to fix it.
Ask For A Refund
When requesting a correction, attempting to fix it can cause more damage. YOU NEED TO understand this. You do not want your hair to fall out. If your skin and hair are compromised due to poor services rendered by the salon staff, you are entitled to a refund instead of a corrective service.
Document The Entire Hair Problem
If the management and staff refuse to either fix the damage or refund the amount, this next step will ensure you have proof. Document the entire issue by taking an extensive video, emailing, or writing down your testimonial with time-accurate statements.
If you are thinking about legal actions, take pictures of the hair and, if there is skin damage and the products used to add them to the legal evidence.
Take a friend with you for another follow-up for a witness of the business regarding their refusal to cooperate. Any documentation can help in claiming damages in a court of law.
Physical Harm Due To Negligence From A Hair Appointment
Sadly, there are some circumstances where physical harm has happened due to negligence, such as your hair falling out, your scalp burning, etc.
Hairdressers are responsible for the safety and well-being of their clients. You may be entitled to compensation if they are negligent, misuse equipment or chemicals, or fail to prepare adequately.
In severe cases like this, you may want to seek legal advice. This will also help you understand the scope of your actions if you wish to pursue small claims or extensive damages.
In severe cases like those where you have such instances in which your scalp was burned from a reaction from a chemical hair straightening. Contacting a lawyer with expertise in hair relaxer compensation and damage claims is the best option.
So there you have it, plenty of tips on how to prevent a bad salon experience, Until next time!
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