What not to do before your hair appointment?

Author: Sheridan Romaguera  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Before You Go 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.

What should you not do before a hair appointment?

6 Things Hairstylists Wish You'd Stop Doing Before Your...
  • Arriving with dirty hair for a hair-dyeing appointment. ...
  • Showing up with freshly washed hair before a chemical treatment. ...
  • Showing up with tangled hair. ...
  • Booking the wrong services when you're unsure what you want.

How do I prepare my hair for a hair appointment?

The day before your appointment, you should wash your hair thoroughly and do not use any conditioner or styling products. Rinsing hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar works wonders for cleaning the hair naturally. Dawn soap works as well (just use little) but makes hair very dry since it strips all hair oils.

How much do you tip for $200 hair color?

A good rule of thumb is= if their name is on the store front, don't feel bad about not leaving a tip (unless it's for the apprentices who shampoo). For regular stylists/non owners, anything over $200, a $20 tip is more than appreciated.

Is it bad to wash hair before a hair appointment?

Washing hair before a haircut

Pre-Wash Evaluation: Examine your hair for any product build-up or excessive oiliness. If you're planning to get a haircut, washing your hair beforehand can be crucial. Clean hair gives your stylist a better view of your hair's natural fall and texture.

how all my hair fell out by making one mistake : story time

How much to tip a hairdresser?

A 20% tip may be standard, but the percentage can vary. More complex jobs or a stylist that went above and beyond might merit a bigger tip. If service was poor, a little less might be appropriate.

Is it better to shower before hair appointment?

While some hair types may hold better the second or third day of washing, in most cases it's best to visit the salon with clean, dry hair. Despite what you may have heard before proms and formal dances back in the day, it's actually preferable to work with hair that is free of oil and buildup.

Is a $5 tip good for a $20 haircut?

“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.

Do hairstylists prefer cash tips?

You may be able to add a tip to your credit or debit card if that's how you're paying, but stylists often prefer less, um tracked forms of tipping. It's generally best practice to tip in cash, though many stylists now love Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc.

How do you talk to your hair stylist?

7 Tips for Communicating With Your Hairstylist or Barber
  1. Do your research. Before even talking to your stylist, make sure you do your homework on what haircut you want. ...
  2. Bring Pictures. ...
  3. Speak Up During Your Haircut. ...
  4. Ask lots of questions. ...
  5. Be Specific With What You Want. ...
  6. Ask For A Mirror. ...
  7. Be Honest. ...
  8. Conclusion.

Do hairstylists like when you bring pictures?

Bring Photos

Describing the type of layers or shade of color you're looking for can be difficult, and the stylist might imagine your words differently. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don't worry. We have all the options to get you started.

Do and don'ts before coloring hair?

Don't shampoo immediately before dyeing your hair. Why? Because 1-2 days unwashed hair has a protective barrier on the scalp - it means there's less chance of any irritation and color pigment is better deposited. Also, just before dyeing, avoid using styling products (dry shampoo, hair spray, gels etc.).

What color to wear to a hair appointment?

We love plain black tops as a contrast to highlight your blonde, but plain grey, white and nude are also great so we can photograph the hair best on a plan and neutral background. Patterns and colours on clothing can be distracting which shifts the focus and voids the purpose of the image.

What not to do at a hair salon?

14 Things Your Hairstylist Wishes You'd Stop Doing at the Salon
  • 02 of 14. Crossing Your Legs or Looking Down During a Haircut. ...
  • 05 of 14. Not Speaking Up. ...
  • 08 of 14. Arriving With Dirty Hair. ...
  • 11 of 14. Pushing Foils Out of Your Face.

How to prep hair for a hair appointment?

If your coming for a haircut appointment, wear your hair the way you normally would. This way the stylist can see your hair texture and what you generally do with it. For a color appointment, it's best to arrive with your hair dry and shampooed within a few days.

Is it better to cut hair wet or dry?

If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.

How much do you tip for a $100 hair color?

Service pricing reflects the complexity and expertise required. A general guideline: $100 service: Tip $15-$20.

Is it rude not to tip hairdressers?

Tipping is customary, so think of the full amount you owe as your service cost plus tip, which might help you save up when it comes time for your appointment. If you have a long-standing relationship with your hairdresser, and your situation has changed, be open with them, and remember that every little bit counts.

How much to tip a hairdresser on $70?

Remember the golden rule: "You should tip 20% on the entire service cost, not per individual," says Schweitzer.

Is a $30 haircut expensive?

The amount you should spend on a good haircut depends on several factors, including your budget, hair type, desired style, and the level of expertise you require from your stylist. For a standard haircut at a mid-range salon, you might expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $70.

How much tip for a $40 haircut?

General Tipping Guidelines

The recommended tipping standard for barbers is 15-20% of the total cost of the haircut. This means that if your cut costs $40, you should tip between $6-$8. Of course, tipping is always at your discretion. Feel free to tip more or less, depending on those considerations above.

How to ask a hair stylist for a price?

If no prices are shown online, then call and ask. Stylists with more experience and training will cost more than a newly licensed stylist.

What not to do before a hair appointment?

Having your hair too clean when you go to the salon is not the best idea. On the other hand, hair with too much oil and products is not safe for hair health. Don't use too many hair products such as styling gels or mousses on the same day you want to get your hair done.

What do you say at a hair appointment?

For example, say how many inches you'd like off, or if you want a hard or soft cut. If you want layers, don't just say you want short layers or long layers—let your hairstylist know you'd like short layers in one place and longer layers in another.

Should you shower body or hair first?

According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.

Previous article
Should I moisturize my face before tanning bed?
Next article
What is the best massage for muscle growth?