Hair Salon Etiquette: 4 Conversation Tips For Hairdressers

November 26th, 2021 Beauty Careers

As a hairdresser, you’re spending the majority of your time interacting with clients – and with that comes a lot of small talk!

Hairdressers are expected to be able to initiate and hold a conversation. If not out of polite necessity, for the sake of helping put clients at ease! Since you’re working within close proximity and often spending a lot of time on a client’s hair, opportunities for conversation helps to make the time go a little bit faster and lessens the risk of miscommunication and hair mishaps.

When it comes to conversing with clients, salon etiquette is crucial. As a hairdresser, it’s important to create a relationship with clients but it’s just as important to not cross any personal boundaries and to help make your clients time more enjoyable.

5 conversation tips to use as a hairdresser

Conversation starters

The easiest way to start a conversation with clients is to ask the right questions.

Whether it’s a new client or returning client, you should start your conversation by discussing their hair. This will eliminate any misunderstandings or disappointment and will help you to know exactly what your client is expecting from you. Try the following:

• “What are your goals for your hair?”

• “What is the plan for your hair today?”

• “How do you feel about the current condition of your hair?”

• “What is your biggest challenge with your hair?”

• “How would you like your hair to make you feel?”

After the initial consultation, you can then ease into a comfortable conversation about their day and personal life regarding work, family and hobbies. When inspiring conversation, it’s best to ask questions that require more than a one-word answer.

Open-ended questions will allow clients to open up and inspire further conversation. For example:

• “What was the last movie you watched and did you like it?”

• “What do you think about (insert song/TV show/news event here)?”

• “What do you do for work?”

• “Tell me about your hobbies and what you get up to in your spare time?” 

• “What do you do to get rid of stress?”

Topics to avoid

While some clients will be happy to discuss just about anything with you, it is always best to avoid any topic that is too personal or invasive. It also pays to avoid topics that are too political, religious or that may cause conflict.

On the other hand, if it’s a client you have been seeing for years and have built a good rapport with, you might be safe breaching these topics – but only if and when your client brings them up with you.

Remember, the haircut is about them, not you. To avoid negative conversation, always keep your replies brief and do your best to turn the conversation back to neutral ground.

How to tell if your client doesn’t want to talk

While some clients will be happy to talk the entire appointment, others may want to use their salon time to relax and not engage in chit-chat.

Clients who may be introverted or simply want a break from socialising will appreciate not being bombarded with questions. As a hairdresser, it’s important to recognise these clients and to be patient with communication.

If you notice they quickly try to shut the conversation down or are happily immersed in a book or their phone, you can take this as a queue to turn the talking down a notch. Maintain openness by smiling and making eye contact, and always be friendly and receptive so that your client feels comfortable and knows it’s okay to take some me-time.

The art of listening

In your bid to keep the conversation going, don’t neglect to listen! It’s important to hear exactly what the client is saying and to avoid interrupting or taking over. Active listening means really listening to what your client is saying and taking their concerns or goals on board – especially when it comes to their hair.

You want to create a positive experience for your client so that they will return. For that reason, try to understand what they are wanting from you and their experience. It might be tempting to take full creative license over their hair, but if they are adamant in not wanting a certain style or colour, then listen to them and respect their wishes.

Create a positive experience for your hair clients

As a hairdresser, you’ll be expected to do more than just cut and colour! You’re entrusted with the task of making every client feel at ease when they come into the salon. From listening to their needs and maintaining polite conversation, your goal is to create trust between you and your client so that they will leave feeling happy and confident.

At ICI, you can learn how to cut hair and communicate effectively with clients in our Advanced Diploma in Hairdressing.

The ICI Hairdressing Stylist course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from highly qualified professionals. It will enable you to further your skills in an ever-growing profession and gain confidence as a hairdresser.

by Gladys Mae

Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.