How to Break Up With Your Hairstylist

by Alli

I recently interviewed Ashley, my hairstylist, to get the scoop on how to break up with your hairstylist. No, we’re not breaking up. I just thought it would be a good idea to get a point of view from an actual hairstylist.  

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So, while I was being foiled, highlighted and lowlighted, I asked a few questions leading up to the tough one.

Ashley is my hairstylist. She’s awesome! The hair salon where she works was named one of the top 100 hair salons in the USA by Elle magazine. I totally agree.

How to Break up With Your Hair Stylist

I asked Ashley a few questions, including how to break up with your hairstylist, and she handled them like a pro! 

What hairstyles, colors, etc. are trending for spring and summer?

Some of my clients are going lighter and shorter for spring and summer. Long bobs (especially the Jennifer Anniston bob) and beachy curls are really hot right now.

How to break up with your hairstylist - beach waves

Speaking of trends, how often do you attend continuing education workshops?

At least 3 times a year.

What in-home tips do you have for keeping color-treated hair healthy and looking good?

If at all possible, don’t wash your hair every day and use salon products. You can buy products in the grocery store that look the same as salon products, but they are probably not the real deal.

Always use leave-ins that protect against sun damage and fading. Also, thermal protectants are a must before using a hairdryer or flat iron.

How often should we get a trim?

If you’re letting your hair grow out, never go past 12 weeks. To maintain a style, you should get a shapeup every 4-6 weeks.

Girl with short blonde hair getting a trim at hairstylist

What’s your favorite dry shampoo?

BlowPro Faux Dry is the best I’ve ever used.

What do you do if someone comes in with a photo of a hairstyle they like, yet you know it won’t compliment their face shape?  

If it’s an established client, I usually know what they like and don’t like. For instance, if the new do has fringe around the face and I know they don’t like fringe, I’ll ask how they feel about it. Then I’ll modify it to fit the client. I never tell a person that a particular hairstyle won’t look good on them. I simply help find a way to make it fit.

Hairstylist trimming girl's hair

I’m not going anywhere, but what’s the best way to break up with your hairstylist?

Honesty is always the best policy. Don’t just disappear and then run from me when I see you in the grocery store or the gym.  I don’t get upset when people leave. I completely understand that sometimes the client and I are not a good fit.  

Be truthful and upfront. For instance, I’ve had clients call and tell me they’ve had to tighten their budget and wouldn’t be able to come in for a while. When I see them, they don’t act all awkward and stumble around like some people do when they just up and leave.

Be nice. You don’t have to say, “I hate the way you do my hair!” It’s perfectly fine to tell me that you want to try that new salon across town. When we end a relationship on a positive note, it’s easier to get back together in the future. Don’t burn bridges!

 What if someone wants to break up with her stylist and make an appointment with another stylist in the same salon – a do or a don’t?

It’s a do! We are not in competition at Allure!  When I have an initial consultation, I always tell the prospective client that if they don’t like the way I do their hair, they are welcome to try a different stylist in our salon. Sometimes a stylist and a client are just not a good fit and I completely understand.

Girl with brown hair having her hair washed at beauty salon

Thanks, Ashley, for taking the time to answer my questions and for being the best hairstylist ever!  

Now it’s your turn. Have you ever broken up with a hairstylist? How did it go?

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