You probably know basic hair salon etiquette—show up on time, leave a 20 percent tip, don’t take obnoxious phone calls, etc.—but what do stylists really wish you did before, during, and after your hair appointment? We asked a handful of professional stylists and colorists to share their biggest pet peeves and words of wisdom. Study up so you can be the best client—with the best hair.
 
1  Come With (Relatively) Clean Hair
“I can’t tell you how many clients come in with hair that hasn’t been washed in a week because they’ve been waiting on me to do it,” says Katelyn Bode, a colorist at Diva Salon in Oklahoma City. “It’s OK not to come in with your hair perfectly fresh, but having a ton of product buildup on your strands can cause your color to go on unevenly.”

Raisa Cabrera, a master colorist at Mizu salon in New York City, points out that you shouldn’t scrub your scalp before a color service because “it can make your skin more sensitive to the dye.” A good rule of thumb: “If you’re grossed out by how dirty your hair is, chances are, I am too,” says Bode. Gently shampoo the night before your appointment to make nice with your stylist and get the most out of your color.
 
2  Be Patient With Your Color
“When undergoing a major color change, have realistic expectations of what can be achieved in a single appointment,” says Sheenon Olson, a celebrity hairstylist and creative director of ATMA salon in Miami. “Don’t expect to go from black to platinum blonde in one day,” he says. “Do it gradually to maintain the integrity of your hair. I always recommend asking the stylist what is realistic to achieve in one day,” he says. If you realize the process is going to take longer than the time you allotted, reschedule your appointment when you have the time.
 
3  Be Honest About Your Hair History
“It’s critical that you tell us what your hair’s history is, whether it was a gloss, toner, Brazilian blowout, box color, etc., it can make a difference on how we go about treating it,” says Miguel Angarita, a master colorist at Mizu salon in New York City. He also recommends chatting with your stylist about budget and upkeep to ensure you’re not getting yourself in too deep. Certain colors and cuts require more trips to the salon so if your goal is to be low-maintenance, ask your stylist for something that will still look great as it grows out.
 
4  Keep an Open Mind
“It’s always good to come to your appointment with an idea, but be open to expert advice as well,” says Carlina Ortega, a hair colorist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. “What you have in mind may not be the best choice for your skin tone, face shape, eye color, or other features, so be flexible and talk with your stylist to ensure you get the best cut or color specifically for you.”

5  Bring Visuals and Be Very Specific
“Pictures are the easiest way to communicate to your stylist what you like and don’t like,” says Cristina B, a stylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. She recommends bringing in several examples from different angles and in different lighting to get your point across. Be sure to get very specific on details as well—getting a trim and getting rid of dead ends can be two very different lengths.
 
6  Choose Your Appointment Time Wisely
“Be wary of that last appointment on a Saturday,” warns Francesca D’Ascanio, master colorist at Mizu salon in New York City. “If you are a new client, want a major change, or need a lot of work done to your hair, consider booking appointments earlier in the day or in the middle of the week,” she says. “They’re easier to get and your stylist will have more time and energy to devote to you.” Not sure what you need or how long it will take? Call your stylist ahead of time or go in for a consultation beforehand so you can explain what you’re thinking and they can be sure to block out the right amount of time.

7  Take Better Care of Your Color
“Using good quality color-safe products really does matter,” says Bode. “I feel like clients sometimes think I’m trying to make more money by having them buy the products I sell, but they’re going to make your color last longer and, in turn, allow you to go longer between appointments,” she says. Products that aren’t specially formulated for color-treated hair, can strip the color out of your strands, leaving it dull and dingy way sooner than you hoped. “You’re a walking billboard for my work so I want it looking the best it can,” adds Bode.

​Hairstylists are so much more than just “that person who cuts my hair.” Case in point: that time you used your appointment as your personal therapy session and vented about your roommate issues for the entire duration of your cut (no judgment). In the end, we want to make our hairstylists happy, because they, in turn, make us very, very happy.

But beyond standard tipping rules, there’s a lot of gray area—which is exactly why we asked four celeb hairstylists all the questions you might feel too awkward to ask your own. Hairstylists Anh Co Tran, Tanya Abriol, Nick Stenson, and Matthew Monzon give us the scoop on what you should really do if you’re running late or unsatisfied with your cut, how much to tip your hairdresser, and more. Keep scrolling to read their perspective.

How late is too late for a client to show up to their hair appointment?
Tran: Typically, 15 minutes is too late because we work in 15-minute intervals here at the salon. If a client shows up super late, it causes me to run late the rest of my day.
Abrio: Showing up 15 minutes late really is the limit, taking in consideration that typically each service takes an hour. Consulting what you want to change about your look, getting washed, and settled in takes another 15 minutes… At that point, it has run into 30 minutes of your appointment time.
Stenson: If a client is over 30 minutes late, it’s hard to keep the client experience at an acceptable level, so it’s best that the appointment is rescheduled. A long delay makes things worse for each customer who follows, and that’s not fair to your clients who arrive on time.
Monzon: If you’re running 15 to 20 minutes late for your hair appointment, you should really call the salon and let them know. It’s a courtesy that really helps all people involved: the stylist, the receptionist, the next client, and yourself.

What should a client do if they’re running late? When should they call?
Tran: If a client is running late, call ASAP. It gives us time to adjust our day accordingly.
Abrio: If a client is running late, they should call at least 30 minutes before their appointment time. Stylists will, at that point, need to adjust the rest of their day so clients after them aren’t waiting.
Stenson: Clients should give the salon a courtesy call and be given the option of rescheduling, based on the how late they expect to be.
Monzon: If you’re running late for your appointment and you know you’re going to be later than 20 minutes, don’t always expect your stylist or the receptionist to be able to sort it out. If you’re running more than 30 minutes late, you should plan on either rescheduling your appointment or know that you may have to wait some time. Know that your hairdresser wants to make you happy and help make you beautiful. But by being late, you’re cutting into everybody else’s time.

Chattiness: yay or nay?
Tran: Chatty or not chatty, it doesn’t matter. It’s part of our job to connect with the client and vibe off of them. I’m happy either way!
Abrio: If a client isn’t chatty, it doesn’t bother me, although I really do love getting to know about a client. Everyone is different.
Stenson: It’s a personal preference, but I don’t mind it. I’m a people person, and I enjoy chatty clients. I especially enjoy when clients are interested in making sure to take the best precautions to take care of their hair and ask me for recommendations. Right now I’m loving Matrix Biolage ExquisiteOil Protective Treatment. It provides a lightweight replenishment and is great for all hair types. I recommend it to all of my clients!
Monzon: The salon experience is different for everybody. Some prefer to just take the time for themselves and not chat; some may want to chat about the latest gossip. The most important thing is to start a conversation with your stylist about the service that you want done with your hair. Bring pictures and references to show what is inspiring you so that you and your stylist are clear on what the finished result should be. That should always be the first conversation.

How much is too much when it comes to sharing things from a client’s personal life?
Tran: It’s up to the client what they choose to talk about. I just try to stay respectful and listen. I don’t like to get into an in-depth conversation with clients.
Abrio: When clients share personal situations in their lives, I really think they’re aware of what boundaries have been set. I’ve had clients share the most intimate things, and I’ve had to dismiss a client because they shared too much and were just way too inappropriate.
Stenson: Listening is part of the business of a hairdresser. We expect to know things about our clients, and frankly, we’re here to listen.
Monzon: Depending on your relationship with your stylist, it can be a bit awkward when you share intimate or personal information. As relationships continue and you get to know someone better, maybe then a bit more information is acceptable. But if you think it may be a bit too risqué or politically charged, it probably is.

Is texting during a hair appointment okay?
Tran: I personally don’t mind texting!
Abrio: Being on the phone texting during an appointment is such a common thing now. I think if you’re in the middle of a conversation, it’s rude, but if it’s not affecting the stylist and their work, it’s fine.
Stenson: If the client is the one texting, my policy is that it’s his/her time to do with what they will—as long as it doesn’t interfere with the cutting/styling process.
Monzon: Texting and cell phone usage have changed the way hairdressers work. Timing is important. For example, if you’re getting color applied, most likely it’s fine. If you're getting a sharp, one-length haircut where the balance is important, it’s definitely not a good time to be chatting or texting. But being in the salon, you should use the time to unplug, relax, and enjoy the experience of being taken care of.

What about talking on the phone?
Tran: It’s not okay. It gets in the way almost 100% of the time.
Abrio: Talking on the phone for a long period of time while having your hair done is definitely not okay. If it’s a quick chat, no big deal, but being on the phone really changes the dynamic.
Stenson: Talking on the phone makes it difficult for a hairdresser to work and is very rude. The stylist and client need to have a mutual respect.
Monzon: If you’re expecting an important call, it would be okay—just ask your stylist on how they feel about it first.

How much would you expect a satisfied client to tip?
Tran: Twenty percent.
Abrio: Tips are a funny thing. I personally always tip according to my experience. I hate the percentage rule. It’s a good guideline, but a tip is a gift, and it’s such a personal situation.
Stenson: Clients who are satisfied generally tip 20% or more.
Monzon: When it comes to tipping, 15% to 20% should be the standard practice.

Should clients tip your assistants? How much?
Tran: Absolutely. My assistants work very hard to keep my day running smoothly and help the client have a satisfactory experience at the salon. Anywhere from $10 to $40.
Abrio: Assistants should always be tipped! I think they are too often looked over, but the same rule applies if they give you a great shampoo. Tip them! When I was an assistant, I would get anything from $5 to $100 in tips, but again, it’s a personal situation.
Stenson: One should always tip someone for providing a service. That amount should be left up to the client.
Monzon: When it comes to the assistants, know that these people are training to become better and more knowledgeable hairdressers. They’re living on the tips that they’re making. When someone knows how to rinse all that color out of your hair and gives you an amazing shampoo and scalp massage, all while keeping you dry, that’s when you can decide how much it’s worth. I know many clients think of the shampoo and scalp massage as their favorite part of the salon experience.

Should a client still tip if they are unsatisfied? How much?
Tran: No, I don’t expect that.
Abrio: If a client is still unhappy after I’ve tried fixing their haircut, I wouldn’t expect them to tip. I would expect little or no tip until you redeem yourself the next time.
Stenson: I don’t think anyone should have to pay for a service they’re unhappy with. A hairdresser should make things right and try his/her best to make a client happy.
Monzon: A tip is something that isn’t expected. I think a tip is something to show the appreciation for the time and execution of the service provided. And if the client is unhappy with the service, don’t leave a tip.

What should a client do if they’re unhappy with their cut or style?
Tran: It differs from person to person and how big of a change they’re making, but telling me immediately so I can fix the problem is usually best.
Abrio: If a client is unhappy with their service, they should definitely speak up. Even if a client calls up two weeks later, they should feel comfortable calling and speaking up. Trust me, we’d rather make you happy than lose you as a client… most of the time.
Stenson: If clients aren’t happy, I’d advise them to speak up immediately so the issue can be resolved. Clients should never leave the salon unhappy.
Monzon: A client being unhappy is an unfortunate situation; this is why references and inspiration pictures are important. Also, being upfront about the past history of your hair is very, very important, especially when it comes to chemical services.

If a client has come back to the salon to fix a haircut or color they were unsatisfied with, should they still tip?
Tran: Only if they’re satisfied!
Abrio: No, they shouldn’t be expected to tip. They already paid you for a service that wasn’t to their satisfaction. Please note: Watch out for people who try to get out of paying for anything by saying they aren’t happy with their service. There’s a difference.
Stenson: Again, I’d encourage a client to stay until he/she is happy the first visit. If it’s a return visit, tipping is again a personal preference based on the circumstances. It’s always appreciated but not expected.
Monzon: If a client wants to change their long hair to a more modern length and then decides two days later they don’t like it, I think expecting any sort of compensation or refund would be completely inappropriate. But if they’re returning to fix or modify a haircut and the outcome is positive, I think the tip is at the client’s discretion.

This essential salon etiquette is brought to you from Byrdie

How to wash one’s hair with rice water is one of the top trending searches for hair care recently, but it is actually an ancient hair care method with a long history in Asia. Japanese women in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) had floor-length hair and they kept their hair healthy by soaking it in rice water. Chinese women in a village called Huangluo in China generally have hair over 6 feet long, and they don’t even get gray hair until they reach their 80s.

At the end of this article, you will learn how to prepare rice water for your hair and tips to make the best use of it!

What is actually rice water?
Rice contains 75-80% starch and is a great beautifying aid. And rice water is the starchy water after the rice has been left to soak in it for a certain amount of time. It is said to be packed with rich nutrients that soothe inflammation in the scalp and dryness in the hair, including:

•      Amino acids
•      Vitamin B
•      Vitamin E
•      Minerals
•      Antioxidants

Advocates of hair treatments using rice water believe that:

•      It makes hair smoother and detangles the hair
•      It makes hair stronger and increases luster
•      It helps hair grow longer faster

Although it is rich in nutrients and used throughout history as a hair care ingredient, are all the beneficial values of rice water promoted on the internet true?

Myth: Does rice water help hair growth?
Except for the two Food & Drug Administration-approved chemical growth treatments available on the market, anything placed on the surface of the scalp will not make your hair grow. Hair growth is related to your genes and proper hydration of your body.

However, the rich nutrients such as inositol (vitamin B8) and protein in rice water can penetrate hair strands and help close the pores and gaps in the cuticles of damaged hair, preventing breakage and strengthening the hair. By reducing the breakage of hair, it helps retain hair and increase the hair volume that makes your hair appear to be growing at a faster rate. In reality, your hair grows at the same normal rate but looks more luscious and more voluminous as there is a decrease in hair breakage and hair loss.

8 simple steps to make rice water for natural hair:
1. You can use any type of rice: White rice / Brown rice / Wild rice / Basmati / Jasmine organic rice, etc.

2. Rinse the rice to wash out dirt and impurities with water.

3. At this stage, simply drain the water without letting the rice soak in the water for a long time to avoid the loss of nutrients.

4. After draining out the “dirty” water, add fresh water to the rice to soak. Depending on your preference, this is the range of ratio for making rice water:

• 1 tablespoon of rice to 1 cup of water, or, 1 jar of rice to 3 jars of water
• You can use any type of containers but you must be able to cover the soaking rice with a lid or a cover to seal the container.

5. Not everyone likes the strong smell of rice water, so you can add some citrus peel and a few drops of essential oil to the water (we recommend putting 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce/30ml) to balance the scent.

6. Let it sit (covered) for at least 30 mins.

7. Stir it slightly or knead the soaked rice lightly until the water turns cloudy to help vitamins and minerals seep into the water.

8. Drain the freshly made rice water into a clean bowl or container for use.

You can even further ferment the rice water for better hair care performance!

Fermented rice water enhances the level of nutrients contained in the rice water. It is richer in antioxidants, minerals, vitamin B, vitamin E, and other substances that make it more beneficial and powerful than freshly made rice water.

2 more steps make fermented rice water:

1. After the first 6 steps above, instead of draining your rice water into a clean bowl, drain it into an airtight container.
2. For fermentation: Store in a warm dark place for 12-48 hours (i.e. allow half a day to 2 days for fermentation).

Depending on your hair type, you can boil the fermented rice water (or not) before you use it on your hair. Try both options and see which one works better for you. 

If you decide to boil the rice water, the smell of the water will be even stronger. You can add some citrus peel to the rice water while it boils and adds a few drops of essential oil after the water has been boiled and cooled. Stir until the essential oil is evenly distributed in the water.

Beware that as fermented rice water can be very potent, you may need to dilute it with warm water before use.
 
Store You Rice Water
You can store the rice water in the fridge for up to one week and shake well before use.

Ways to use Rice water / Fermented Rice Water
After shampoo, use it to rinse your hair and massage gently. We suggest a quality paraben-free, silicon-free and sulphate-free shampoo. The Iles Formula shampoo ticks all these boxes and is for all hair types.

Exclusive tips for you: Pay attention to your Hair type before using rice water!

People with dry and sensitive scalp

• People with dry and sensitive scalp should not overuse rice water. Restrict the use of rice water for no more than once or twice a week.

Protein-Sensitive hair: Avoid using too much protein

• Rice water contains a lot of proteins that may lead to protein overload.
• Protein and moisture treatments are very different and excessive use of one of them can eventually harm your hair.
• Usually, if your hair is stringy and limp it means that your hair needs more protein, whereas if your hair is hard and coarse, it generally has too much protein.
• If you have protein-sensitive hair, your hair will turn even more dry, stiff and brittle quickly after using hair products with too much protein. Once this happens, stop using any protein products for a while and just use moisturizing products until an optimal protein-moisture balance is achieved.

This comes to you from Iles Formula

Bad haircuts happen to all of us. But whether your bad new ’do is a result of chasing after cheap haircuts or pursuing a cut that doesn’t work with your facial structure, hair texture, or overall look, you’re going to want to learn how to fix a bad haircut, stat, because sometimes, waiting for your hair to grow out just isn’t an option.

But first, how do bad haircuts happen? According to hairstylist Kali Ferrara of the Roy Teeluck Salon in New York City, it’s usually not because of an objectively bad stylist.

“A bad haircut doesn’t always mean that a stylist doesn’t have good technical skills,” Ferrara says. Even good stylists mess up sometimes: “Not being able to give the right cut to a certain hair texture or not educating a client on the maintenance they’ll have to follow up with can ruin a client’s image for well over a year.”

To avoid a bad haircut, look for a stylist with experience cutting hair that is similar to yours. Ask for recommendations from people on the street with great-looking hair of the same texture as yours (they’ll appreciate the compliment, Ferrara promises) or look at a stylist’s social media to get a sense of what kinds of cuts they typically show off.

Ferrara recommends screenshotting pictures of work the stylist has previously done that you really like; that way, you have a definitive idea of what you want when you arrive for your first haircut with them. Once you’ve found a stylist you like, learning how much to tip for a haircut can ensure a positive stylist-client relationship (and good haircuts) for years to come.

How to fix a bad haircut

Let’s say you prepped and did your research (or maybe you didn’t—we’re all busy) but still ended up with a not-great cut or color job. Whether it’s the result of shoddy workmanship or just not what you initially pictured (if your pixie haircut is more of a bob, for example), you have some options.

“Most salons have a one-week policy for a client to have an adjustment to their cut or color free of charge,” Ferrara says. “Don’t feel timid about going back. As stylists, we really want you to be a happy customer because we value you and also want you to be our walking billboard.”

The key is to be understanding and patient—with a little compassion on your end, the stylist will likely do everything in their power to fix your bad haircut. And if you’re still unsatisfied, ask for the manager and see if they can have another stylist try to fix it or offer you a refund, Ferrara suggests.

Beyond returning to get your cut fixed (and likely having to lose some length to do so) or waiting for your hair to grow out, there’s not much else you can do to fix a bad haircut, Ferrara says—and that’s okay. A bad haircut might feel like a disaster in the moment, but a few months later, you might not even remember it.

“Everyone is human,” Ferrara says. “Stay calm and carry on. Hair is a big part of a person’s persona, but let’s be real: It does grow back.”

This article was found on Real Simple

Little White Flakes

You see the light yellow or white flakes on your shoulders or in your hair. Those are the telltale signs of dandruff. Dandruff flakes are dead skin cells that fall off your scalp. When you have dandruff, your scalp may look scaly or red and feel itchy or raw. Scratching or rubbing your head loosens the flakes. You may notice them more when you wear dark clothes.