Let’s Talk About Things That Make a Hairstylist Cringe (or Cuss… Just a Little)

A love letter to our inner monologue and the clients who push it to the limit.

There’s a special kind of restraint hairstylists master. We smile, we nod, and we keep it classy—even when something happens that makes us want to throw a comb across the room and scream into a shampoo towel.

Let’s break down the top things that make us cringe… or cuss under our breath (with a smile, of course).

💀 “I cut my own bangs.”

Girl. Why? Why would you do that? It’s never even. It’s never blended. And now we both have to act like this wasn’t an impulsive crime against your forehead.

🧃 Box Dye Confessions

“I just did a little color at home.”

Oh? What shade of deep regret did you use? Was it Fire Engine Red Fiasco or Ash Brown but Turned Swamp Green?

🎯 Showing Us a Filtered Pinterest Pic

You want this exact color? Cool. Do you also have the face structure, lighting setup, and untouched virgin hair of the model? No? Then let’s have a real talk.

🍵 Client: “I only want a trim.” Also Client: Brings in a photo of a lob.

A trim is not 4 inches and layers. That’s a new life choice. Be honest with yourself and your ends.

🎟️ “How much for just the roots?”

Roots? Sweetheart, this is a root, midshaft, and emotional support situation. This is a full-service visit with a touch of therapy.

🪞 “I didn’t like it last time, but I didn’t want to say anything.”

Thanks for the mystery trauma I now have to guess my way through. Love that for us. 🙃

⏰ Late clients with Starbucks in hand

Ma’am…

You stopped for a caramel macchiato but not for punctuality? That’s bold.

🥶 Wearing turtlenecks to a hair appointment

You want a full foil but your shirt is basically a neck brace. Cool cool cool.

📱 “OMG it’s not the same as the picture!”

Neither is your face. Or your lighting. Or your hair history. I’m a stylist, not a sorcerer.

🧼 Dirty hair. Like, dirty

Look, a little grit is fine. But when your scalp flakes come to the consultation and your hair crunches like fall leaves? We need a conversation and a clarifying shampoo.

Final Thoughts?

We love our clients. We really do. But whew—some days are a rollercoaster of internal cussing and outward grace. Just know this: behind every fabulous blowout is a stylist who held back 47 sarcastic comments and still made you feel beautiful.

Because that’s what we do.

-K🩷