Polite Habits Hairdressers Actually Dislike—and What To Do Instead

ByMonika Renee
A young woman smiling with her hair is being combed out by a hair stylist.

Maintaining a great relationship with your hairstylist is essential to good hair health. They cut and style your hair, and prescribe the best treatments if anything goes wrong with your growth routine.

Our experiences in the hair salon can vary; there are times when you’re satisfied with the results and other times when you’re less excited about how things turn out. But it’s not only about you as a client; your hairdresser has their pet peeves, too.

To ensure you don’t get a friendly telling-off, we’ve specially curated a list of polite habits to avoid the next time you visit your hair guru.

1. Showing up Earlier Than Your Appointment Time

A woman talking to the host/reception desk of a salon or other business.
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While you may think showing up too early for your hair appointment is the best thing to do, it has the opposite effect. Your hairdresser needs the extra time to prepare for the appointment and your being there beforehand may inconvenience them.

What To Do Instead: As hairdressers typically keep tight schedules, it’s best to call beforehand to see if they are fine with you showing up early.

2. Over Explaining What You Want

A woman in a salon holding up her cell phone to show her stylist some ideas and references.
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Your hairdresser wants you to explain what you want clearly, but once they give the nod of approval, there’s no need to keep repeating yourself. Over-explaining can come across as rude, or that you don’t believe in their skills.

What To Do Instead: Once you explain what you need from your hairdresser, let them use their expertise and creativity to deliver the results you desire.

3. Being Vague About What You Want

Asian long black straight hair female cutting her hair at luxury salon with professional dresser with scissor tool. Hair cut, hair style, long hair, the chop, brunette, male stylist.
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Just like overexplaining, being vague about your needs won’t be appreciated. You may feel like you’re giving your hairdresser space to get creative but it’s difficult to make something out of nothing.

What To Do Instead: Give your hairdresser plenty of examples and information to work with so they’ll know what you want. Otherwise, they may get it wrong. Show them a picture, explain, and let them do their thing.

4. Overwashing Your Hair

A woman washing her hair in the shower.
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Overwashing your hair may seem like the best way to make it clean but is it? It’s good to remove dirt from your hair before heading to the salon but overdoing it will strip it of its natural oils and leave your hair looking dry and fizzy.

What To Do Instead: Washing your hair successfully means using proper techniques to ensure it remains healthy. Wash it occasionally and use the right products. If you’re not sure how to wash it correctly, leave it to your hairdresser.

5. Dusting off Cut Hair

The floor of a salon with hair clippings on it.
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Whether you’re getting your hair cut, braided, or weaved, you’ll always find loose hair on the shoulder cape, the back of your neck, and the floor. It’s normal for loose hair to make you feel uncomfortable but dusting it off doesn’t do the hairdresser any favors. If anything, it makes cleaning up more difficult.

What To Do Instead: If hair strands are bothering you or getting you itchy, politely ask your hairdresser to brush them away and they’ll gladly do so.

6. Moaning While Getting Your Hair Washed

Woman having her hair washed in a hairdressing salon.
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We know that you’re thoroughly enjoying that hair wash and can’t get enough of the scalp massage. But moaning while receiving these services will make things awkward.

What To Do Instead: As good as a thorough hair wash and scalp massage feel, don’t moan or make noises. Wait until later to thank the hairdresser for a job well done.

7. Apologizing for Your Hair

A woman in a hair salon looking at her stylist, gesturing and touching her hair, as if to complain or show frustration.
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You may feel the need to apologize when you visit the salon with dirty or severely tangled hair. Most hairdressers don’t mind working with it as is, even if it is a bit more work.

What To Do Instead: No matter what your hair looks like, be confident that your hairdresser can help, and let them work. They can also offer maintenance tips if you need them.

8. Offering To Dry Your Hair

A black hairdryer resting on the ledge of a white porcelain sink in the bathroom.
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You’re at the salon — it’s your hairdresser’s job to wash and dry your hair. While they may let you dry your hair, they may not appreciate it. Since professionals follow a specific protocol when washing and drying hair, it’s best not to interfere with it.

What To Do Instead: Give your hairdresser full control over your hair. Trust in their skills and know they will handle every aspect of the hair washing and drying process properly.

9. Cutting Your Hair

A young woman cutting her own hair in the mirror.
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Many things can go wrong when you decide to cut your hair. You’ll end up with a mane that’s more messed up than you had when you started. You could also cut yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.

What To Do Instead: Explain to your hairdresser the kind of cut you want and let them execute it to perfection. If you still prefer to cut your hair on your own now and again, ask if there are some simple tips they can teach you, but it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

10. Asking Your Hairdresser To Do Whatever They Want With Your Hair

Hairdresser cutting client's hair in beauty salon.
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There have been a few times when I didn’t know what to do with my hair and asked my stylist to get creative. Although they tried to do their best, I noticed they were struggling as they weren’t sure how to go about it. Later, I realized my stylist worked best when I guided her through what I wanted.

What To Do Instead: Research different hairstyles to see what will work best for you. If possible, provide your hairdresser with an inspirational picture that guides and helps get the job done.

11. Using “Pet” Names for Your Hairdresser

A female salon client taking selfies while a male stylist leans in while working on her hair.
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Honey and sweetheart are endearing names, but not for your hairdresser. They can be taken the wrong way easily, and in a professional setting, people find pet names demeaning. It almost feels as if you don’t value their services or professionalism.

What To Do Instead: I prefer to stick to my hairdresser’s name as I appreciate them sticking to mine. It’s acceptable to shorten names, but ask if the stylist is fine with it first.

12. Randomly Grabbing Things From the Shelves To Help Out

A customer in a hair salon holding up products from the shelves to show her stylist.
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Feeling comfortable at the salon is great, but remember, it’s not your home. The hair products are meant for the hairdresser to use and not for you to pick out. They could be arranged specifically and randomly picking up the products means creating a mess.

What To Do Instead: Ask your hairdresser if you could pick out products from the shelves before doing it or better yet, let them do it. You could suggest the hair products you prefer to make things easier.

13. Moving Your Head Around for Better Positioning

Hairstylist trimming hair of the customer in a beauty salon.
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Moving your head around because you’re anticipating your hairdresser’s moves is the best way to interfere with their work. Remaining in a single position helps them finish their work with precision.

What To Do Instead: Your hairdresser will ask you to adjust your position if need be. Otherwise, remain steady and give them ample time to work.

14. Dressing up for Your Appointment

A beautiful blonde woman conversing with the clinic receptionist, scheduling an appointment.
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There’s no need to wear your Sunday best and a face full of makeup for your hairdresser. Complicated designerwear may not be as cozy when sitting on the salon chair. Turtlenecks and whites could also be problematic when you color or wash your hair.

What To Do Instead: Choose casual wear you feel comfortable sitting for long periods of time in — preferably clothes you don’t mind wrinkling or getting dirty. Comfort is key.

15. Talking About Personal Issues

A young woman in the salon chair getting her hair done, talking expressively to her older salon stylist.
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Your hairdresser is not your therapist. While they appreciate a good conversation they don’t want to hear why you hate your ex-husband or don’t want to visit your in-laws. They would rather have light-hearted banter that has nothing to do with your personal issues.

What To Do Instead: Keep your conversations simple. Focus on general discussions or hair topics and they will be happy to chime in and give you tips that will help you take care of your hair.

16. Taking Photos and Posting Them Online

A female client taking selfies while a stylist works on her hair.
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In this age of social media, people document everything. You may want to record videos of your hair getting done or show a before and after. Your need to document yourself may interrupt the process, and your hairdresser may not appreciate having pictures of their salon online.

What To Do Instead: Ask your hairdresser if they are fine with pictures and videos and wouldn’t mind seeing them online. Also, try to wait until you are done for the best angles.

17. Keeping Quiet When There’s a Concern

A nervous salon client with her hands clasped in her lap, while the stylist is prepared by her side.
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It might feel rude to correct your hairdresser or say that you don’t like a particular style, but these professionals are dedicated to making you look your best. They wouldn’t want you to walk around with a hairstyle that doesn’t make you happy. Without proper feedback, they won’t know if you’re happy with your style or not.

What To Do Instead: Learn to express yourself and talk about what you do and don’t like. Be specific about what you want and help your hairdresser work towards it.

18. Getting a Quick Snooze

A male stylist washes a woman's hair at a salon.
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It’s easy to drift away when getting your hair done. There’s nothing wrong with dozing off, but you may start snoring, moving your head all over the place, or drooling. Either way, it makes your hairdresser’s work more difficult.

What To Do Instead: Try to keep occupied when getting your hair done. A book, magazine, or short movie is acceptable if you can position your head according to your hairdresser’s needs. 

19. Having an Entourage

Two female friends at the hairdresser in a beauty salon sitting under a vintage hood hair dryer, talking, gossiping, and laughing.
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An entourage of friends could be a great distraction during your hair appointment. They would most likely want to sit next to you and converse the entire time. You may want to maintain eye contact or contribute to what’s said, giving your hairdresser a hard time.

What To Do Instead: Go to your appointment solo and focus on getting your hair done. Once done, meet up with your friends for a good conversation and catch up on the latest happenings.

20. Insisting That Your Hair Dresser Has Some Food

A woman looking at her phone in a salon chair, while a stylist attempts to work.
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Eating during long hair appointments is a normal part of the process. Hunger doesn’t understand how long beauty can take! But continuously insisting that your hairdresser has some food could be annoying. Maybe they are not hungry or are not fond of eating with other people. Don’t guilt them into eating with you.

What To Do Instead: Ask for some time to have a quick snack if you need it as people are more likely to grab a bite when they see others eat. If they don’t, let them rest and finish up your hair once you’re done.

21. Being Overly Inquisitive

A salon leader/teacher assisting a stylist with her client.
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There’s nothing wrong with asking questions. It shows the hairdresser you’re interested in what they are doing. But it could get annoying when you aren’t asking meaningful questions.

What To Do Instead: Stick to important questions that will affect the outcome of your appointment. You don’t need to know when your hairdresser last cleaned the salon or took out the trash. Keep it relevant.

22. Avoiding Phone Calls

Young woman talking on phone while taking beauty treatments at salon.
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Long phone conversations in the salon are a drag, especially if it is a private matter you don’t want to discuss with your hairdresser and other clients. But it’s even more annoying to leave your phone ringing for a long time without answering it.

What To Do Instead: Ask your hairdresser for a short break and step away to answer your call. If it’s ok with your stylist, pick your phone up without moving your head too much and let your caller know you’ll give them a ring back.

23. Tipping, Then Talking About the Tip

A salon client paying her stylist at the cash register of a hair boutique.
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Tipping is an important way to show appreciation for a service. Everyone tips in different ways, but no matter how much you leave, don’t make a big deal about it or do it to seek attention. Your hairdresser will appreciate a thoughtful but quiet tip.

What To Do Instead: Tipping at the hair salon is not a requirement; it’s your call. However, be humble, and don’t announce your tip in the jar.

24. Offering To Help With Cleanup

A stylist raising the salon chair, while hair clippings surround their feet and the base of the chair.
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Once your appointment is finished, your hairdresser doesn’t need your help cleaning up. As the client, your stylist’s job is to focus on your hair and then send you on your merry way home. There’s no need to offer help at this point.

What To Do Instead: When your appointment is over, give the stylist appropriate feedback on the hairstyle, thank them for their services, and leave.

Monika Renee
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