There’s nothing quite like that fresh-from-the-salon feeling you get when you’ve had your hair cut at the hairdresser’s. Whilst choosing a hairdressing salon shouldn’t be fraught with risk, unfortunately sometimes it can be.
Browse through our earlier blog posts and you’ll see exactly what can happen if you make a wrong decision. We know because we represent all manner of clients with hairdresser injuries including hair breakage, hair damage, scalp burns and scalp blisters.
To help you avoid the same fate, today’s blog shares things to watch out for when selecting your hairdresser which we’ve gathered from across the web:
1. There’s little (or no) website and social presence
Online platforms such as websites and social media channels are the ‘shop window’ of any organisation. Not only do active web profiles suggest a degree of professionalism which probably means you’ll receive better hairdressing services, they also help set your expectations regarding how much hair treatments will cost. Research then pick a stylist best matched to your requirements and budget before you call to book an appointment.
2. Lots of promotional discounts are offered
It’s not always the case that cost is dictated by quality but where hairdressing is concerned, it typically is! Price is usually a reliable indication of a reputable salon. Expert stylists are rewarded by being able to charge higher pricing. It’s nigh on impossible for hairdressers to maintain consistency if they’re discounting this and that. Standards can slip if they’re rushing through appointments to subsequently recoup lost earnings. While it may be appealing to consumers with tight purse strings, be wary of heavy discounts.
3. There are too many (and unaddressed) bad reviews
Of course, there’s more likelihood of people putting pen to paper in order to complain if they’re disappointed with their hairdresser. In saying that, review websites such as TripAdvisor are extremely useful as they give an insight into previous customers’ experiences and show the level of service provided. Positive reviews are a great form of marketing and are strong incentive to book. Negative reviews, however, aren’t necessarily completely bad. If the salon has dealt with complaints by addressing concerns raised, it shows they’re listening and responding to feedback in all its forms. Conversely, if they’re disinterested and attempting to simply sweep under the carpet, stay away.
4. You’re not asked questions or made welcome
Upon booking and upon arrival, your first impression is with the receptionist. You should be asked pertinent questions over the phone to ensure you’re allocated the appropriate stylist. Similarly, when you turn up at the given time, you should be welcomed by a friendly face, offered a drink, directed to your seat and told how long you’ll be waiting for your stylist. A warm, relaxing environment is essential. If it isn’t, do an abrupt about turn and leave!
5. You’re not given a hair consultation
Before getting down to business or launching into idle chit chat, your hairdresser must consult about what cut and finish you desire. If a consultation doesn’t take place, will everyone depart the salon with the same style? Or will you be given a treatment that’s not suitable for your hair and skin type? Negating the consultation is a recipe for disaster. This is also the time to agree the fee so there are no nasty surprises or hidden costs thrown at you when it comes to paying.
6. You don’t undergo a patch or strand test
Following on from #5, pre appointment (approximately 48 hours before) you should have a patch or strand test performed if you intend to get a chemical treatment (be it dyeing, bleaching, straightening or perming). This will assess the chances of any potential adverse or allergic reaction. At Hairdressing Claims, we encounter daily individuals who suffer harm by their hairdresser. Read our further advice and find out what to do if this happens to you.
7. The salon isn’t clean
Cleanliness is definitely next to godliness in the hairdressing world. Being clean is a great virtue for salons. It’s visible evidence that you’ll be treated with the same care and attention, and that there won’t be any mishaps – slips and trips from unswept hair or spillages; infections picked up from dirty equipment etc. Take stock upon arrival. Even at this stage, it’s not too late to change your mind.
8. You’re not asked if you’re happy with your hair
The same as every service provider, your hairdresser should ask if you’re satisfied with the results before you’re handed the bill. As already intimated, it’s all about interaction and relationships with the entire salon team – receptionist to shampooist to hairdresser. If disenchanted with any part of the process, even if your hair looks amazing, it won’t feel like a wholly positive experience. Make sure you opt for a salon that will look after you well.
9. You have to re-do your hair at home
You’ve just spent your hard-earned money on having your hair done. You shouldn’t later feel the need to fix it yourself. Any credible stylist is capable of cutting and styling your hair precisely how you want it.
10. Your stylist always runs late
Sloppiness with timings doesn’t bode well for a good haircut. Whether it’s due to overbooking, too much chatting, laziness or other tardiness, they clearly don’t value your business enough. Your time is valuable and you deserve to be treated like royalty for the duration of your hair treatment.
There are plenty of respectable, eminent hairdressers out there so, if you need to break free from your current one, there’s nothing to stop you. While doing so may cause short-term awkwardness, it’s worth it in the long run to get a better stylist who’ll do your hair just right.
If you need to speak with our expert legal claims team about pursuing a claim against your hairdresser, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk, calling 0800 970 9102 from a landline for free, phoning 0333 202 6560 from a mobile or completing our online enquiry form.
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