How to Get What You Want at the Salon
Beauty treatment gone bad? Suffer in silence and you’ll end up a sucker. Here’s how to deal with the five trickiest characters at the salon or spa.
THE TOE-TAPPER
O.P.I Vampsterdam or M.A.C Proenza Schouler in Daylight? With a testy nail tech breathing down your neck, you feel pressured to grab a trendy green and convince yourself that you love it. (You hate it.)
What to say Nothing. Stay strong, and take your sweet time, says Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spas. Tip: go in with bare nails, and test out a few shades before the mani begins.
THE CHATTY OLIVE
As soon as the lights go down, this facialist or masseuse wants to know your life story.
What to say
At the first sign of conversation: “Just a warning, I may fall asleep. I’ve been so looking forward to some quiet time.” Or, if you need, pull the syndrome card—say you have a splitting migraine.
THE NOVICE
Has this person actually done this before? You could give yourself a better mani/wax/dye job—for free!
What to say
“Sorry, but I’m in a rush. Is there someone who can do this faster?” says Cindy Barshop, founder of Completely Bare spas. Denied? Tell a manager the treatment feels a little off, or ask for a refund.
THE MISINTERPRETER
You said ‘long layers’ but left with The Rachel.
What to say First, try not to freak (see box below), then ask for a fix. “A good stylist will do anything to correct the damage,” says celeb colourist Rita Hazan. If the solution requires a total overhaul, don’t leave without a credit slip.
THE PRODUCT PUSHER
Your hair’s not even dry, and your stylist has र 5,000 worth of stuff waiting at the counter.
What to say
“Thanks, but I love what I’m currently using.” Or say it’s not in your budget— people get funny about money.