“Tell your colorist in a calm way that you are unhappy with the end results. They will understand,” he assures. “Share the details of what you don't like about the color or cut, like the highlights are too chunky or the tone is too brassy.”
It might be uncomfortable and awkward, but the only thing to do is speak out and tell your stylist just what's up. Yes, these situations can be difficult, but you should always try to get what you want when it comes to hair appointments.
If you have a good relationship with your salon, but aren't 100 percent happy with the outcome, just calmly state your dissatisfaction and ask to revisit your stylist. “The original stylist is the best person to correct their own work until they get it just right,” Cairns said.
“Tell your colorist in a calm way that you are unhappy with how the look turned out, and he or she will be understanding,” Hazan says. Try to explain exactly what you don't like about the color. Is it too dark all over? Is the tone of the color too warm or too cool?
A polite phone call or walk into the salon to explain what's wrong will get you much further than freaking out. Be prepared to explain the exact issue and what you expected to be different. If you have an original photo that you shared, bring that in. Basically, just do anything you can to (gracefully) plead your case.
Give it Time...
Express your feelings, but go home and live with it for a day or two. Wash your hair and let it dry. Experiment with styling options. Don't underestimate the power of product - hair styling products can completely transform a bad haircut.
You don't have to pay
So, if you've gone in asking for a Kim Kardashian-style cut and come out looking more like Kim Jong-un, you're entitled to keep your money in your pocket.
A: Clients switch stylists for hundreds of reasons. It doesn't mean the stylist did anything wrong, but that the new stylist was a better fit for the client's needs and desires. Stick with the stylist who best fits your needs and style preferences at that time.
“Typically hair grows a quarter-inch a month, although some people are genetically inclined to grow hair a little slower or faster,” “If you've cut your hair to just below your chin, that would take typically 5 or 6 inches to grow past your shoulders, so it will take 10-12 months.”
Go in with a plan.
Sometimes the anxiety comes from the unknown. In this case, do your research ahead of your visit and have a good idea of the cut you're looking for. Feel free to bring in photos for your stylist to look at. Having a general idea of what the outcome will be reduces the fear of the unknown.
The best option is to complain while you are still in the salon or barbershop. Otherwise, go back as soon as possible after your appointment. Don't go somewhere else to have things put right as the salon, barbershop or independent contractor will need to see how things were left at the end of your appointment.
It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing. It can cause hair color to go on unevenly and affect how your hair stylist evaluates your pre-cut hair type and texture.
$50 service = $10 tip. $100 service = $20 tip. $150 service = $30 tip. $200 service = $40 tip.
Remember the golden rule: "You should tip 20 percent on the entire service cost, not per individual," says Schweitzer. So if your haircut and blow-dry cost $40 total, and your color was $60, your total service cost comes to $100. That means you should tip $20 divided between the colorist and stylist.
The usual gratuity for your stylist or colorist (yes, even if they are the owner) should be 15 to 20 percent of the service fee. And while assistants are sometimes tipped out by their stylists, it's still a nice gesture to pass a little something their way.
Explain that they seem unhappy each time, for whatever the reason may be, and that it may be best to part ways. Thank them for their time with you and wish them well. This does not have to be a dramatic event. Handle it professionally and try to take the emotion out of it.