How to support your stylist or barber

There’s been a lot of chatter online about how to help service workers and small business owners right now, while their business is shut down or they’re unemployed.

You might be tempted to run out and buy a $500 gift card from your stylist — and that’s a nice gesture. But it may make their finances more challenging in a few months, when all they’re doing is, essentially, cutting hair for free.

Your best bet? Simply ask your stylist how you can show support. Easy enough. If buying a gift card or prepaying for your next haircut isn’t ideal for their business model, they’ll let you know.

And though it may not sound like much, your stylist would also really love to hear from you. Give them a call or send them a text.

Chatting with them will probably make you feel better, too. After all, that’s likely a big part of why you enjoy sitting in their chair during normal times.

“We’re not just doing hair, we’re connecting with people, we’re communicating, we’re an ear, we’re someone who loves you,” said Magnuson.

Pledge to book appointments in the future, when they’re back up and running. This ensures they have a steady income stream as soon as they get back on their feet. Refer your friends to them, too.

“More than anything, just booking your appointment is a really wonderful way to say, ‘Hey, I support you, I’m coming back,’” said Koopman.

And if you do decide to cut your own hair at home, use the experience to understand just how talented and skilled your stylist or barber is. The next time you go in for a cut or color, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them (and leave an extra big tip).