Six annoying habits that are driving your hairdresser crazy – and you’re probably guilty of them all

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Before I became a lifestyle writer I was a fully qualified hairdresser and worked at Steve Ryding Hairdressers in Preston for most of my 15-year career. On average I would cut between 10-12 clients' hair a day. 

There are a few habits clients have that really get on my nerves. You’ve probably done one or two without even realising—but if you go through this list and find you’ve ticked every box, do yourself a favour: buy your hairdresser a bottle of wine. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it.

My memories of nightmare clients were stirred when I head about the launch of a new campaign by Treatwell called, #TreatYourSalonWell, which aims to promote thoughtful and responsible booking practices. By simply showing up for your appointments, you can make a significant difference for salons struggling to stay in business.

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1. Not showing up for your appointment

The number one most annoying thing a client can do is not show up for their appointment. We lose out on the money for that appointment but your time slot could have easily been filled with someone else on our long waiting list.

2. Arriving late (with a coffee in your hand)  

You might not know this but hairdressers expect you to arrive 10-15 minutes before your actual appointment time. Arriving 10 minutes late means you are extremely late and we are now running behind for our next client.  

Blaming the traffic is a classic reason for being late. However, walking in with a Starbucks in your hand is even worse. If you are going to be late, at least bring an extra coffee for us! 

3. Eye contact when they are washing your hair  

When we are washing your hair at the basin - do not make eye contact. It’s the weirdest thing to do and you look creepy. Ask any hairstylist they will all agree - just close your eyes and relax.  

4. Drinking when they are trying to cut your hair     

I know, we asked if you wanted a drink - and now we don’t want you to drink it. Look there is a right time to drink your tea and that’s when we are drying your hair - not when we are trying to cut a straight line. 

5.  Touching your hair in the middle of a blow dry 

 The rule of styling hair is when it’s hot it will mould into the perfect shape and the cooling down sets the hair into place. If you touch your hair whilst we are styling it with hairdryer, straighteners or curling wand not only will it be hot, you will also be running your style. Please don't touch it until we have completely finished. 

6. Not booking your next appointment  

This is one of the most important things you can do to help support your hairdresser and keep her in business. We need clients to work which means we need you - annoying habits and all. 

Hairdressers are more than just someone who does your hair, we become best friends, therapists and confidants. Despite all the annoying little things you do we still love cutting your hair and enjoy catching up with you every six to eight weeks. To help keep us busy, book your appointments in advance. 

How Treatwell can help you be a better customer

Now might be the best time to show your stylist you're not one of those annoying clients. Arrive early, take her a coffee and book your next appointment now. Treatwell is offering new customers 10% off your first Treatwell booking when using the code LMNEWBIE10 at the checkout. 

Research by Treatwell found: 

UK salons lose between £150K-£200K every month due to missed bookings. The beauty industry faces £1.6 billion in lost revenue annually from no-shows. Consumer  no-show behaviour  peaks in June, July, and August. 1 in every 32 sunbed or spray tan appointments ends in a no-show. Liverpool, Glasgow, and Birmingham have the worst client no-show rates. 17% of salons now require prepayment, cutting no-shows in half. 

The offer is valid until March 31 2025 (minimum spend £25). Download the Treatwell app, now and get your appointment booked in today. You won't regret it.

Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld’s Lifestyle reporter. If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here. 

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