Sure! Hairdresser’s Can Be Rude!

Hairdresser vs Rude Client

I remember my first hairdresser, ‘A-HA!’ moment way back in the late 80’s. Picture this, young 18 yr. old me the ever dutiful assistant to an awesome hairdresser named Andre. I am quiet to the side and watching his every move as he interrogates his client on HOW she would like her hair to look. This is my job, I am to watch – observe his greatness. Learn to be like the Jedi Andre. So I wash hair ANDDD pay close attention BEE-cause! I want to be as great of a stylist as Andre is.

Client: I’m really not sure if I want the layers or the color. Maybe a trim. Oh I’m not sure.

All eyes on Andre because I want to be as patient as Andre is. My God, he’s amazing, just look at his calm, his laser like focus on her hair.

Client: Maybe you should just cut this piece so I can see what it will look like.

All eyes on Andre because I want to be as precise as Andre is. He’s eyeballing his shears- I’m sure he’s choosing his favorite shear. The “ONE” its a Japanese short blade, cuts like a samurai sword, they scream precision and professionalism.

Client: The cut should not be as short as it was however not as long either.

All eyes on Andre because I want to be as professional as Andre is. Andre is going to WOW this client because she is in the best hands and he is going to——— take her cape off? WTF?

Andre: Leave

WTF! Andre!

Client: I’m sorry? Did you say leave?

Oh he so did. Me looking over my shoulder. Clearly the Cosmo police are going to give him an asshole ticket.

Andre: Yes don’t waste my time and as a matter of fact my advice to you is go home- cut your own hair and don’t bother wasting another hairdresser’s time with your vision. Go home do it yourself. Next.

Wow…That just happened. I saw it with my own eyes and ears. The single coolest thing ever. FOR shame on you Ohio State School of Cosmetology AND New York School For Shame ! Why did they NOT teach me this?

“I CAN SAY NO TO A CLIENT.”

The skies parted and I swear a rainbow appeared over my bosses head.

The lesson I was taught that day was clear. You can only do so much for a client. No matter how well you do, how sweet you are, educated, accommodating, sometimes you cannot make someone happy.

RULE 1: You do have a say in what stays in your chair.

By any means Andre was an amazingly talented man who had the vision and creativity very few people had, and he knew it. He also knew, ‘Not’ to allow anyone in his chair to drive his crazy hair train.

Recap. Be professional; Be attentive; Be aware of the situation you are getting into so you can use your ‘NO MAS’ flag when you need and discreetly dismiss them.

Remember only you can drive that crazy hair train.

*Note when a client asks for a bang trim this card does not allow you to go off the deep end people.