Do we have to talk?
I came across a post on Instagram the other day about how a lot of people feel obligated to talk when they are in the chair with their Hairstylist. I decided to take this and expand on it because I felt that this stigma was something that needed to be broken!
What are the reasons why people see Hairstylists?
Well this seems like an obvious question… people see Hairstylists to get their hair done, right?! Of course, that’s exactly why guests come in to Hair Salons, but there is actually quite a bit more to that.
There are a number of reasons why individuals come to a Hair Salon, most being obvious and some being for more emotional reasons. Many of the women who sit in my chair are mothers or business women who are constantly running around and speaking to people all day. Most of these women come in to chat about their everyday lives, their kids or just the BS they deal with at work. I have other guests that are dealing with more life changing events such as divorce, a loss or sick loved one. These guests in particular need a little extra care to help them work through their emotional and physical health.
Both types of women come to the salon to air out these feelings and feel relaxed, so that when they return to the real world they feel refreshed and ready to conquer whatever comes their way! Believe it or not, getting a fresh haircut or color can drastically change one’s emotions and physically make them feel better.
As much as I love creating beautiful hair to help my guests feel their best, there are some cases where I have guests who prefer this to be their quiet time. We will get into that in just a second, but I first wanted to speak to you about where this “obligation” to speak with Hair Stylist came from.
Yes… that obligation…
Picture this. It’s your day off and you decide to call into your stylist and schedule for a relaxing blow dry to get you prepped for your weekend ahead. You arrive at the salon and park your car. You then walk right into the salon, music blasting, girls running around with color bowls. Shampoo bowls are filled with women getting color rinsed. You look around and your Stylist is chatting with another guest, whose chatting with their guest and then suddenly their baby starts crying. You haven’t even told the receptionist your name yet and you’re already feeling overwhelmed with all the comotion happening. “Was this a good idea?” you start asking yourself.
In movies like “Beauty Shop”, “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”, or “Steel Magnolias” Hair Salons are portrayed exactly as the instance above. Beauty Shops have been know as a places that you go to to complain about life, talk smack and hang with the girls. Even during the most relaxing part of their appointments like getting shampooed. Let’s be real, this is everyone’s favorite part, especially if you are a hard working boss lady or mama out there!
These Hair Salon stigmas make guests feel obligated to do what they are portraying while in the chair. You feel the need to share everything with your Hairstylist and God forbid there is any bit of silence in that room, because that must mean someone is upset or bored. Don’t get me wrong, I love to chat and hear about your children, your job, your families, weddings, your favorite TV shows and events happening!
But I have some news for you…. this Hair Salon stigma needs to be broken.
What?! I don’t need to talk my whole appointment?
Absolutely not girl! As noted above, I have women who come in for a variety of reasons and most of the time it’s to run away from their hectic life to enjoy an hour of peace and quiet. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons I decided a salon studio over a full size salon. In a lot of salon environments they can be as crazy as the scenes in the movies listed above and what is relaxing about that?! Not everyone who visits a hair salon wants to chat their whole appointment and I’m telling you now.. THAT IS OKAY.
I also am very aware that most of my clients work during the week and I appreciate that they have taken the time out of their busy work schedules to come visit me! So when these guests come in sometimes it’s on a quick lunch break or they made a deal with their boss to work remotely while they were away. Yes, I have some guests who come in with their laptop [I have free WIFI!], have a cup of coffee and listen to a conference call all while I’m coloring or cutting their hair. Am I offended or do I feel ignored? Absolutely not, I promise you!
In Conclusion…
I wanted to make you aware of this stigma and tell you that I will never be bored, offended or upset with your silence. If silence is what helps you to relax and enjoy your appointment with me then silence there will be! If you currently come to see me, or you want to come and see me, at Sugar Plum Salon I will always let you lead the way with our conversation. Whether you need to get some work done, you want to chat about things your going through or you just want to sit in silence… I’m on board!
xoxo,
shelby alexandra
