Let’s just go ahead and say it… there are a few things your hairstylist wishes you knew, but sometimes we don’t always say out loud.
Not because we’re being fake. Not because we’re scared.
Mostly because we’re trying to be nice, keep things moving, and not make it awkward while you’re sitting there with foils in your hair.
But since this is From The Chair… here we go.
First — please be honest about your hair history.
I am not asking what color was on your hair three years ago because I’m bored and looking for gossip.
I’m asking because it matters.
Box dye matters. Old color matters. That “one time” you used a toner from Sally’s matters. That random red you did in your bathroom six months ago definitely matters.
Your hair might feel like it’s in the past to you, but chemically… it remembers.
So if you want the best result possible, just tell me the truth. I promise I’d rather know everything upfront than get surprised halfway through your service.
Next — Pinterest, Instagram, and AI hair photos are not real life.
Or at least… not fully.
Some of them are extensions. Some are filtered. Some are edited. Some are AI. Some were styled within an inch of their life and then photographed in perfect lighting.
So if you bring me a photo, that’s fine. I want inspiration photos.
But I also need you to understand that your hair, your density, your color history, your face shape, and your daily routine all matter too.
I will always be honest with you if I don’t think something is realistic or flattering. Not to be mean. Not to crush your dreams. Just because I’d rather tell you the truth than let you walk out with something that doesn’t make sense for you.
Now let’s talk about the phrase:
“I just want a trim.”
And then I hold up four inches and you say, “That much?!”
Listen… not everyone needs four inches cut off.
Some of you absolutely do… but if you’re someone who is coming in regularly, staying on a schedule, and keeping up with your hair, then yeah—maybe we’re just taking an inch or even half an inch.
But if your ends are thin, split, breaking, or see-through, hanging onto them is not helping your hair “stay long.” It’s just keeping it long and sad.
Healthy hair will always look better than damaged length.
Speaking of that — if you’re trying to grow your hair, trims still matter.
No, trimming your hair does not magically make it grow faster from the scalp.
But it does keep breakage from traveling higher up the strand, which helps you actually keep the length you’re growing.
So yes… if you want long hair, you still need haircuts.
Another one:
Your hair is not going to look exactly like it does when you leave the salon if you don’t do what I did.
I love you, but this one’s true.
If I used a round brush, a blow dryer, products, a hot tool, sectioned everything out, and spent time on it… and then you go home, sleep on it wet, don’t style it, and hope for the best…
We are not doing the same thing.
Not many of us can just air dry our hair and have it look perfect.
You’re going to have to do something—use product, use a tool, put a little effort into it.
That’s how you get that finished look.
And while we’re there — stop sleeping with your hair wet.
Yes, I’m saying it again.
Wet hair is more fragile, stretches more, and breaks easier. Add in pillow friction and tossing around all night and you’re basically doing damage in your sleep.
Dry it. Or at least mostly dry it.
Also — please don’t show up late and still expect the full service with full magic.
I know life happens. I know things come up. I know we’re all human.
But if you show up 15–20 minutes late to a service that already has a tight timing window, something has to give.
Either we rush, we simplify, or we reschedule.
And I don’t like rushing color. I don’t like rushing haircuts. I don’t like rushing anything that has your face attached to it.
And that includes lashes.
If you’re scheduled for a one-hour lash fill and you show up late, that means you’re getting less lashes applied. I can only do so much in the time I have.
That’s not me being difficult—that’s just how time works.
And while we’re on the topic of helping me help you…
You don’t have to look at me when you’re talking.
If I’m applying color, cutting your hair, or doing anything where I need your head in a specific position—please don’t turn your head to look at me mid-conversation.
I promise I can hear you just fine.
I’m standing behind you for a reason 😅
Same goes for eyebrow waxing…
Please do not turn your head and look at me. Let’s not make that awkward for either of us.
And one more thing you’ve probably noticed…
I turn you toward the TV for a reason.
Yes, it gives you something to watch so you can relax and let me do my thing…
But also—the lighting from that mirror setup helps me so much.
So no, I’m not trying to hide you from what I’m doing to your hair or keep secrets 😅
I just need that lighting and angle to make sure everything looks right.
And let’s all just agree on one more thing…
Blow drying = temporary silence.
If someone else is talking and you can hear them, go for it.
But just know… I cannot hear a single thing while I’m blow drying your hair.
So if I don’t respond, I’m not ignoring you—I literally can’t hear you.
Give me five minutes and we’ll pick right back up 😂
Another thing your hairstylist wishes you knew:
Clean hair is usually okay. Dirty hair is not always “better.”
There’s this old myth that your hair has to be filthy for color to work.
Not really.
A little natural oil? Fine.
Three layers of dry shampoo, root spray, sweat, and last weekend still hanging on? Not ideal.
Your scalp doesn’t need to be disgusting for me to color it. In fact, buildup can get in the way.
Here’s another one — drugstore products are not always “bad,” but the wrong products are expensive in the long run.
Sometimes the issue is not that your product is cheap. It’s that it’s wrong for your hair.
If your hair is dry, color-treated, highlighted, extension-filled, heat-styled, and stressed… and you’re using whatever was on sale and smells good… there may be a disconnect.
The right shampoo, conditioner, heat protectant, and treatment products really do make a difference.
And no, I’m not just saying that because I sell them.
I’m saying it because I can literally see the difference in people’s hair.
And while we’re here — heat protectant is not optional.
If you color your hair, lighten your hair, tone your hair, or tell me you “just want it healthier” and then go home and flat iron it without protection…
that is between you and the Lord.
Use the heat protectant.
Now let’s talk about being realistic.
If your hair is naturally dark, previously colored, compromised, or just stubborn, going blonde may take time.
That does not mean your hair “doesn’t lift.” It means chemistry is real and I’m not trying to send you home with fried hair just to hit one photo in one appointment.
Sometimes the best hair appointments are the ones where we do the smart thing, not the dramatic thing.
And finally — maybe the biggest one:
We want you to love your hair, but we also want to keep it healthy.
That’s the job.
Not just making it look good for one day. Not just getting the color close enough for a photo. Not just saying yes to everything.
My job is to make your hair look good and make decisions that still make sense for the future of your hair.
So if I’m honest with you, redirect you, or explain why something may not be the best idea… it’s not me being difficult.
It’s me doing my job.
Because if it’s something we’re constantly thinking in the salon…
it probably needed to be said here too.
— From The Chair
