Why time is VALUABLE to your hairstylist
WHY A HAIRSTYLISTS TIME IS SO IMPORTANT
First off I want to start by thanking all of our clients who already respect our time and are understanding that we are all far from perfect. A little kindness goes a long way.
With everything becoming more readily available at the click of a button, it’s hard to set boundaries and respect; especially when you don’t really know who is at the other end. Which is why it is always important to be patient and kind (It’s been a challenging few years).
So let me help educate you on why a hairstylist's time is just as important as your doctors, dentist, chiro ect. Maybe it will help everyone become more understanding of our perspective, as well as shed some new light on all personal service etiquette.
I might come off as a bit blunt but I don't want to sugarcoat the importance of this message, considering the last stressful, confusing, unkind year we've had.
First of all these girls don’t do hair as a hobby, it is their career. As much as I would love to say we don’t depend on stability, we do rely on it (just like most businesses). These girls are putting their trust in you to show up to your appointments so that they can pay their bills. Did you know the average no-show rate typically ranges from 10-15%, that's a lot of unnecessary revenue loss. This is a perspective we all easily forget as we have our own bills to pay.
However, it is not always about the bills, they are also missing out on fulfilling their passions. When a client no shows or comes late to their appointment it puts a damper on their day; No matter how good we are at hiding it. It causes hairstylists to feel under-appreciated and taken advantage of; And from there on out a loss of productivity and distrust. Furthermore, if a hairstylist decides to still do your hair after you're more than 20 minutes late, it can cause them to run behind for their other clients or a rushed appointment; Which could leave you feeling unsatisfied with your service. A personal service appointment is just as consequential as being late/not showing up for school or a doctor's appointment.
When a client does not show up we can't just fill that spot within 5 minutes, therefore, we are left to do nothing for that allotted time. All we can do is wait and wait hoping for you to turn up or call. This is why we have chosen a 48 hour cancellation policy and a text 48 hours before to confirm your coming. So a hairstylist has time to fill that spot with someone who can make that appointment.
I get it, life happens. We are human too; but as a personal service our time is money. Not only does not showing up or canceling last minute affect our income and mood it destroys trust between a client and her hairdresser. I know it’s uncommon but as much as a client can say no to a hairstylist, we are also allowed to set boundaries. Sometimes our own perspectives can interfere with how we value other people's time.
This is why it's important to book appointments when you know you can make them, hence the power of pre-booking. Not only does it build more loyalty and trust between a client and her hairstylist, it also increases productivity, fuels their desire to succeed in their passions and decreases distractions.
In general respecting a stylist's time can help lift everyone in the community. Sometimes, especially lately, we tend to forget how we affect each other; and with a little bit of kindness and understanding we can learn to respect each other's time. I also want to thank those who already do, you make the world a better place.
Written by: Shaelyn Groves 2022