64 Do’s and Don’ts When You Come In For A Haircut, As Told By Hairdressers

Most people who open the door of a hairdresser’s can be divided into two groups: those with the "please, do something" approach, and those who know precisely, inch by inch, what they’re in there for.

Reading in between those lines takes years upon years of experience of trimming people’s hair, but even the best hair stylists and colorists sometimes have enough. So when someone posted a question on r/AskReddit “Hairdressers of Reddit, what are some helpful and unhelpful things that clients do when they come in for a haircut?” it immediately blew up with 21.5k upvotes.

The responses are truly eye-opening as they shed light on things from common sense to subtle nuances that most of us do without giving it a thought. After all, lifting your head in the shampoo bowl is often the sole cause of your wet shirt, which should not be confused with your hairdresser's incompetence.

#1

Lifting your head in the shampoo bowl! Don't do that.. That's how we end up soaking the back of your shirt!

#2

Please don't keep your eyes open when washing, it's kinda akward if you know someone is staring right up your nostrils.

#3

(responding for my mother, who is one)
Helpful:
Have a picture of something like what you want done, descriptions don't do a justice
Be 100% honest about what you've done to your own hair

Unhelpful:
Don't bring filtered pics or ones that are wigs (just don't have unrealistic expectations) Don't move your head when you're in the chair, only move when your stylist says so Stop insisting babies and toddlers have hair cut- it's traumatic

#4

You'd be shocked at how just washing your hair can make a huge difference between a good haircut and a great one.

#5

A big no-no: don’t cross your legs while I’m cutting! That can lead to a very uneven haircut. It’s sometimes hard to catch you with the cape on.

#6

Do NOT come to the stylist in a raging fit because your boyfriend hurt your feelings so now you’re going to cut your long hair into a pixie to show that you have control over your life.

No matter how awesome it looks, you WILL hate it, you WILL cry, and you will HATE us for allowing you to do it.

This is why stylists will always try to talk you down off that ledge, and many will offer a slower transition (“Let’s try a shoulder length bob!”) or refuse you completely. It’s not that we hate you. We want you to love us and come back, but if you hate your hair you’ll hate us by extension.

#7

Don’t switch how you’re sitting halfway through the cut! Even crossing/uncrossing your legs can make a difference in how the cut turns out!

#8

Please, for the love of god don’t wear a turtleneck to your color appointment.

#9

BE 100% HONEST WITH YOUR COLORIST OR COSMETOLOGIST. I cannot stress this enough. Your hair will melt off if chemicals don't sync. Virgin hair will react differently than chemically treated hair.

#10

Make-up artist here, so not a stylist but I've worked with scores of them and here's what I've heard: Try to find images of hair similar to yours. If you have super thick curls, a pic of someone with fine straight hair won't do you any good. Similarly, go in with your hair close to your natural texture if you're dealing with a new stylist. Also, if you like a cut on a model, cover his/her face with your finger and make sure you like the hair and not the face. Mention if something bothers you, "I hate blow-drying" "I need to be able to put it up" "My forehead looks weird" the best stylist I've ever worked with is also super honest with me "I can do something similar, but this exact length will give you fat face". Finally, ask questions. "How do I style this?" "What products should I use?" "What does the upkeep look like?"

#11

DON’T WEAR A HOODIE or a turtleneck, if you can take it off, fine but they both Get in the way a lot if I’m trying to cut/color your hair. Also your hair doesn’t need to be dirty for me to style it. In fact I would REALLY prefer if it was clean. And it also doesn’t need to be dirty/clean/covered in coconut oil for me to color it. Just come in with normal dry hair.

#12

Show up on time.

#13

Yay! I can finally answer one of these! Went through cosmo school, finished, assisted at a salon and decided I HATED it.
I got a couple that I tell all my friends. 1. Please know what 6 inches actually looks like on a ruler. Sometimes you think you want to cut that much but you're not aware of what it actually looks like. 2. If you want blonde hair and you've colored lately or its very dark, expect to start with just highlights, more and more until it's all blonde, or you can start slow but you will be rust/yellow for a little bit. TRUST THE PROCESS!! 3. We love to talk and hear about your life but make sure you can stay still while you talk.

And last but definitely the most important

Don't cross your legs or arms while getting a hair cut. You will end up with a lop sided haircut.

#14

Have realistic expectations. Just because Sally was able to go from black to blonde in one appointment, doesn’t mean you can. Your hair isn’t Sally’s.

#15

My wife is a stylist. Her main complaint is when clients, mostly men but some women, start spouting their political beliefs for all to hear. It's as if they think when they sit down in that chair, all conversational etiquitte gets thrown out the window and there are no consequences to what is said.

#16

You don't have to talk, you don't have to be silent, just know that we are stylists first and not necessarily therapists, if you tell me you are suïcidal I'm not equipped with helping you with that. We can have a good chat, I can tell you about my struggles and you can tell me yours, but really talk to someone who actually knows how to help and deal with that. It can be a very hard thing to hear for us too.

#17

99% of the time, I can’t hear you when blow drying, and it’s bloody impossible to have a conversation when blow drying now we all have to wear masks.

#18

People who are willing to spend 6 hours and $400+ on a fantasy color such as pink, blue, purple etc. Only to not buy professional salon products. I only recommend to my guests what they absolutely need! The shampoo and conditioner that we have at the salon is made for specific types of hair with special ingredients. If you use herbal essences, Pantene, or tresemme (basically 90% of any shampoo you can find at the grocery store) on a color like that, it will completely wash out the first time you shampoo your hair. They have a higher pH and will strip your hair. Also they have waxes and silicones that will deposit onto your hair strand to make it feel soft, but really it’s preventing any type of moisture into your hair strand.

#19

If we are done with a cut, please don't "help" with removing the hair, your not removing it you are actually making it worse by patting it into your clothes, sticking to your skin and letting it fall into your shoes. We know how itchy it can get when you do that.

#20

Please be realistic when it comes to hair. Good hair isn't cheap and cheap hair isn't good. We need to work with what you have, and if you want the impossible, it's impossible. Its not about not being able to. It's being realistic. "But she can go from red to blond in a week" no babe, that's a wig, and your hair won't make it. Pick something else, either lay down Some serious money and follow the exact care and time instructions, or stop arguing.

#21

This is important, do not moan while we wash your hair. Just don’t.

#22

I'm not a hairdresser but I was told by one that if you have thicker hair (like I do), if you shower prior to getting your hair cut, hygiene aside, it makes it easier and cleaner to do.

#23

DON'T ASK FOR ANIME HAIR.

#24

Always clean your ears before a haircut you don’t want someone up that close to you with waxy manky ears.

#25

Former hairstylist, don’t ask to have an inch off all over and then “we can go from there if I want more.”

That’s asking me to do two haircuts, come on.

#26

Stylist here.

Helpful:

-Pictures! Keep in mind, not every picture can be done with YOUR hair. For example, many bridal/special occasion styles have hair pieces added or the girl already has thick, luscious hair. If you have short and or soft/fine/thin hair, you probably can’t get the same effect. Same thing with certain cuts. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get something somewhat similar, but not all pictures can be done exactly.

-Honesty. Don’t lie about the box color you’ve put on your hair (including henna) or products you use. The stylist WILL find out one way or another (like when your “virgin” hair turns orange instead of yellow in foils) and it just makes it harder and more expensive to correct it later on. It doesn’t matter if you tell the truth, the truth will come out. But it will save everyone a lot of heartache if you’re just upfront about it. We don’t care if you put box dye on your hair— we just need to know because the course of action will be different depending on your history.

-Referrals. If you like your stylist, take some business cards and pass them out, tag them on social media, and refer your friends. Chances are, you might get some $ off for the referral, and it will help out your stylist more than you know— especially if they are newer and don’t have full books yet.

Unhelpful:

-Moving around a lot at the shampoo bowl (do NOT lift your head— limp neck is best) or while getting your hair cut/styled. Unless you want water down your back, an uneven haircut, or a burn, stay as still as possible and don’t talk with your hands or try to look around at the stylist.

-Arguing about what you think can be done in the allotted time and within your desired price range. The stylist is the professional, not you. We go to school for a long time to learn about all different hair types, the chemistry of hair color, and how long things will take and how expensive they will be. Maybe your mom’s friend who went to cos school 70 years ago says that a full head highlight can be done in 20 minutes on your black box dyed hair for $60, but that doesn’t mean it’s true and it doesn’t mean I will do it for that price. So save yourself the argument and go to homegirl and let me know how it turns out for you! It’s a lot more expensive to fix fucked up hair than it is to do it right the first time around. Also, if you have super thick/long hair, it will be more expensive. More hair = more product/time = more money. Remember, you get what you pay for. This is especially true for hair services.

#27

Mine loves when I research a hairstyle so long I have an idea of what it is ie “medium shag” “long bob” etc

Then I collect a ton of pics of basically the same haircut on different people

This way I have a reference of “This is what I want, but like this and not like that” ie wispy but not chunky etc

#28

From my wife:

1: Don’t cross your legs in the chair. Makes your hair un even.

When she is washing you hair, don’t move your head, let her do it.

Tip

#29

Don’t come in with nasty hair. Sure, it gets washed, but no one wants to run their hands through your day 5 hair.

Be realistic about how bleach and color work.

If you are going through a rough patch, try not to do something too drastic to your hair.

#30

dont move your head with us, we move for a reason dont move your head unless we tell you to. angles are very important, if you move while we are doing something that angle is now wrong.

#31

Not a hairdresser but someone who cuts my own and friends/family hair because I got tired of not being listened to by professionals :

Curly hair should not be cut wet. I used to not mind the way it looked right after being cut (when they blow dried / straightened the crap out of it) but then I'd go home, shower, and discover it was too short and badly shaped when curly again.

A good hairdresser will cut curly hair dry or slightly damp so they can see the shape and real length.

#32

Don’t keep moving around your head in the shampoo bowl. We can move the water spray head around we don’t need your help hha also please tip the shampoo girls/assistants! A lot of them are usually licensed cosmetologists that are in the assisting program post school bc everyone has to start at the bottom. So they are busting their asses all day everyday for minimum wage when they actually could be doing your hair but salons make people start at the bottom as shampoo girls

#33

Mum's a hairdresser and her #1 is making sure people know that hairdressers prioritize healthy hair over hair length/style. So they're literally taught to cut dead ends, etc.

So that's why you often hear people complain that a hairdresser has cut off too much hair. Her #1 tip is always "If you're adamant on keeping the length the way it is, you have to let them know! Otherwise they'll just cut what they think is dead!"

I stopped going to my mum once I moved cities years ago, and now all my new hairdressers I say "Hey so I'm looking for X but keep as much length as possible, please!" And have never had an issue.

#34

Previous hairdresser here: I had a client named Frieda. She was 90. Every week she came in with a picture of Jessica Biel and said “make me look like her”. And goddammit I tried, but she always looked mildly disappointed.

#35

Coming in with clean hair, NO HAT, and no product. You will cut the work in half if we aren't spending time trying to blend out a line created by a hat. Pictures? Totally great! But have them saved already- I don't want to watch you with phone face during the consultation. STOP getting your hair done after the gym! It is disgusting.

#36

When I had my stint as a hairdresser, several customers would tell me they need a change and I had total artistic freedom to modernize their style. 99% of the time they cried and yelled at me. 85% of the girls came back and apologized, it took them a month to get use to change; I thought I lost a regular, she came back after 6 months and said she loved it. That was my first year as a stylist, I wised up and advised them to give me examples of what they like.

My helpful tip, wait a month after break ups, before you take the plunge to change your look. Girls always, want to chop off their hair after a break up.

#37

Lay your damn head back all the way in the shampoo bowl!!!

#38

I have no problem talking about some more ‘controversial’ topics with clients who can discuss politely. But I do have to remember that there are other clients within earshot and I have to be appropriate for them, too. So just because my client and I are comfortable, I can’t get too into these topics because I could still get a complaint from my neighbor's client.

#39

Don’t blast off at the stylist who tried to 'up-sell' products. They hate it just as much as you do. Just be polite and say no if you don’t want it. They aren’t trying to spike up your bill. They have to follow selling guidelines; otherwise, they’ll get marks on their reports for not selling enough.

#40

If they notice anything off about your hair (mostly lice or something very hazard-like), they have to deny service due to protocols. DO NOT scream at them and demand them to do it. They have to be careful with certain things that could possibly be transmitted home to their loved ones or other customers.

#41

Please remember we are human, we have lives and families too, so sometimes we are a little less happy, it's not that we hate you, maybe we lost someone close to us or are going through a break up. Working when you know that any moment now you'll get a call saying someone died is making it hard to be super cheery. We don't have to share those things.

#42

I was a barber for 7 years- every haircut must be faded. Please do not sit down and ask for a “fade” and for the love of Christ, don’t ask us “do you know how to fade”. The answer is yes and we will judge you.

#43

Washing hair is important. if you cant its not the end of the world. especially if its apart of the service you are about to get. a washed head of hair puts all hair in its natural state makes it so much easier to cut and get a better end result (this also applied with hats if you wear a hat and take it off your hair has been pushed into an unnatural position and a clipper and our combes wont be able to make it go normal)

#44

If your child either hates having his hair cut or moves a lot. dont expect a fantastic hair cut. if you really wish your child who does hate having his haircut get it done by a stranger, have something in mind that isnt a lot of work. tell the hairdresser / barber that they dislike having it done. and ask for advice on what haircut can be done that is quick and easy. and then listen to them and take the advice.

#45

It’s always helpful when you bring in pictures of styles you like, and just as helpful when you have an idea of styles you hate.

#46

Please don’t talk with your head, it’s frustrating trying to keep the tension on the hair, on a client that moves their head just as much as their mouth lol.

#47

My friend is a hairdresser and her biggest complaint is unrealistic expectations. People want to go from dark brown to platinum in one session, bright pink hair that never fades, amazing rainbow hair from a heavily filtered photo on Instagram....

It's mostly about expectations e.g. if you want blue hair then expect bleach damage and split ends, be prepared to spend money on colour safe shampoo, conditioner, hair treatments, maintain it regularly, change your pillowcases, etc. Don't blame your hairdresser if you go swimming for hours and your hair turns green.

#48

I’m a hairstylist. Please hold still but be loose enough to allow me to move you into position as needed. When telling me how much to take off, realize that “medium” is not a length. If I tell you before we start that we’re going to go wash your hair it’s because you’re gross, so just let it happen. Be honest about your products and routine. Be honest when I ask how the cut looks, this is your opportunity to have me make adjustments. Recognize that certain haircuts require more maintenance than others and it’s up to you to keep up with it. And if you get had a cut you really love, takes pictures of it from multiple angles and bring those in next time so I can easily recreate the cut.

#49

Just CHILL. Relax, don’t try to pick up everything that may fall, let me do it. It always seems to end in an awkward up n down from both ends.

When your head is in the shampoo bowl, lay it down completely and let our hands move you where you need to be & let US do the work.

Also, conditioner is absolutely NEEDED for healthy hair. I know it’s weighing sometimes, but there ARE products that help with lift. Always condition your hair, always water your plants.

#50

16 years in the industry and over 10 have been teaching for cosmetology schools...

I always teach guests and students to have pictures of what they’re either thinking of doing or going toward. Cover up the face. People don’t realize they instinctively will choose a style because they think the person is attractive, and not the hair. Strange, I know... but very true.

Less is more when you’re wanting to transition to something new. If you jump in on a new look you’ll likely be in shock and hate it before you can get used to it. Sometimes baby steps are best. Especially with drastic cuts or colors. When committing to a retexturizing service (relaxer/perm) that’s an even bigger decision because you’re chemically restructuring the hair bonds and you can’t go back to your natural hair until it grows out and gets cut off. Also, be honest about your hair history. Every single chemical and non chemical you’ve applied to your hair. It all matters. Same with shampoos, conditioners, and other products. We need to know it all.

Ask the stylist how to recreate the look at home that they’ve given you. But don’t be shocked when it takes tools and products to achieve the look.

Last, understand that it’s an investment to look certain ways. If it’s high maintenance the annual budget can be up in the thousands. How often would you need it done, etc.

I could legit discuss this for hours and sometimes do with students.

#51

Please for the love of god, come with clean hair. Idc what you’re having done. If you haven’t washed your hair in a week or more and come to the salon, you’re an asshole. Also, I shouldn’t have to say this but: DON’T COME TO THE SALON WITH LICE. We cannot service you or treat you. No we won’t shave your head. I’ve mostly had this happen with parents where their child has lice and they fully know it and want us to thin their hair so it’s easier to remove. Lice is highly contagious and it is not ok to come to the salon if you have an infestation.

#52

- “Do whatever you think will look good”
- Keeping your eyes open while I shampoo your hair
- Letting your head go all wobbly during the blow dry
- Moaning while getting a head massage

#53

Please come on time! I usually book my whole day down to minutes, and one late client makes my whole day run late.

Realize that when you show me a picture of Rosie Huntington Whiteley's beautiful blonde hair, I can't make you look like Rosie Huntington Whiteley. All I do is hair.

I'd say the most important thing is to COMMUNICATE with me! I'm a professional, and I won't take it personally if you don't like how something is working. You're the one living with your look every day, not me! If something is wrong (or just not quite right), tell me! I can make adjustments SO easily. Even if you don't notice until after you've lived it in for a while, let me know when you come back. I love to make my guests happy, and I want you to feel comfortable giving me feedback!

#54

When I have a haircut I like, I usually take a picture of myself and bring it in. I've been told that's helpful. One time I brought in a 3D model of myself with a haircut I liked. That was a real winner.

My other haircut tip is to get a haircut right before getting your driver's license or passport photo taken and to tell them that's what you're doing. Pretty easy way to get a good photo.

#55

15 year Hairstylist here 1. A trim and a haircut are in fact the same. 2. Quit moving your head!! 3. Be realistic, dont expect miracles. 4. Buy salon quality products. Not Amazon/Walmart. 5. If you’re late, we may have to reschedule.

I could go on. Just be kind and respectful. We love what our jobs and our clients.

#56

Not a hairdresser, a client.

I came to a guy with a particular image saved on my phone.
He furrowed his brow as if digging for an old memory.
"Wait... is that f**king STALIN?!"
"Well... yes... but young Stalin looked damn good!"
"I... can't argue with that..."
And so, he made me kinda look like young Stalin.

#57

Dos: be as specific as you want to be trust me I won’t get annoyed. Show me pictures preferably with a lot of angles. Come with your natural hair texture so I know exactly what I’m working with. Please be honest with what’s been done to your hair I won’t judge if you dyed your hair or put a relaxer but I need to know because I can end up really damaging your hair. Don’t: Move around I know you want to see what I’m doing but trust me you’re not going to like how your hair looks in the middle of everything. Force babies or children to get a haircut. I’m a mother and I love children but sometimes those poor babies end up traumatized and never want to get a haircut again. Rush me. If you’re getting a new color and you have long thick hair don’t expect me to finish in half an hour. No matter how fast I am hair still has to finish processing. Change your mind. So many times people change their minds because they see how their hair is looking and they think they won’t like how it’ll turn out. LET ME FINISH PLEASE. Trust the process.

#58

Stop putting your head down. Like chin to chest. Just stop it, unless I ask, don’t do it. It’s literally like I’m chasing your head to do your hair. Stop.

#59

show a picture of david beckham and are disappointed that you don’t look like david beckham even when you now have his exact haircut

#60

Keep your freaking head still! Learn to speak without bobbing your head around. Warn me (if you can) if you’re about to sneeze or something. Some people move their heads to much while I’m working on them I swear I get motion sickness.

#61

Be clear in what you want, preferably already know what you want before you sit down in our chairs, having the "do I want pink or do I want blond oh I just don't know" conversation is really annoying because it takes time we could use in a better way and honestly I'm down for both and it's not my head so I'm not going to make that decision for you.

#62

Most stylists aren't making bank, in fact it's a very low paying job, we are on our feet all day dealing with chemicals and work in positions that aren't always good for our backs/hands/wrists/shoulders. Its not unusual if we don't have time for the bathroom or to eat. Many times I have been busy from the moment the door opens until it closes, and still won't have eating anything. It's very very hard work, and after we're done, every single person in my team is done talking for the day and need some winding down time. we are perfectionists and passionate in our jobs. We do it because we love it and the people, but a lot of us are struggling. Especially now, so be kind to us.

#63

Know what number you get on the sides, #2, 4, etc. Its a lot easier for you to remember your number than it is for us to remember everyone’s. Please don’t say “like last time” unless you know us well and come in very often. We do not remember. Know if you like your hairline squared off, rounded, or tapered (tapered usually looks best). Pictures do help, but not if it’s a photo of you and 10 other people, bad quality and all we can see is the front of your head. Google haircut styles and find one you like, it will be easier for both of us. An inch is almost always less than what you think it is, we have a ruler on our comb, ask to see it if you aren’t sure. Close your eyes when we’re lining up your beard/ eyebrows, less awkward for everyone.

#64

dont come in when you have a product in your hair that isnt suppose to be in your hair.
i had a client once who came in wanting a 0 fade and he said i dont want anything done to the top (when he said i had a sigh of relief). why? he seem to have styled his hair with some kind of glue. there was no way the stuff he had in his hair was for hair. even so i finished the fade didint do anything on top, i asked him all is good, he said yes all is good, but can you take some off the top just a bit? i said no there is no way thats possible with whats in your hair. he insisted that i tried, so i wet down his hair knowing it wasnt going to work (but to prove a point) and it rolled odd his hair. i did this a fair amount, and said i cant even attempt to try. and ended up telling him if i was to try it would be a lot more expensive to cover the cost of new scissors.
(also bear in mind this was during covid lockdown and at the time we werent allowed to wash peoples hair either so that was out of the question)