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.
If you use touch up sticks or color powders to extend your color, please shampoo before you come in. They tend to block the color from penetrating your hair. Take care not to scrub your scalp to much before a color appointment, especially a lightening service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brushing your hair before a haircut is generally a good idea. It helps to detangle any knots and smooth out the hair, making it easier for the barber to work with. Brushing also allows the barber to see the natural length and condition of your hair, which can help in planning the cut.
“$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.
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.
Some may allow it, while others might prefer you to stay off your phone to ensure your safety and the quality of the haircut. It's always a good idea to have a conversation with your barber or stylist to establish clear expectations.
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.
Wash your hair the night before or the day of. Color does not take better to dirty hair. In fact, it's more work for the color or lightener to break through heavy build up or excessive oiliness, resulting in a less than desired lift or color deposit.
Product buildup can make hair slippery and hard to section, while natural oils can cause clumping. Clean hair allows for precise, confident cuts, resulting in a sharper, more polished look.
This technique helps to soften blunt lines, remove bulk, and add dimension to the hair, resulting in a more natural and textured look.
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.
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.
Crossing Your Legs or Looking Down During a Haircut
Once your hairstylist breaks out the clippers, it's time to sit up straight, put your phone down, look forward, and uncross your legs. Anything less than a great posture can compromise the end result.
A great way to determine if a tip is the “norm” for a hairstylist is by the way they charge. Most salon professionals who charge by the hour, not by the service are no-tip salons. If you are charged by the service, it is generally customary to tip. Tipping is always appreciated but never expected!
If no prices are shown online, then call and ask. Stylists with more experience and training will cost more than a newly licensed stylist.