Salon Etiquette - It is also the client's responsibility.

The vast majority of salon clients mean well, and have good intentions; but even the most well-meaning customer can cause distractions that may compromise the quality of the stylist's work.  I am not blaming anything on the clients, of course, but the process of cutting and styling hair requires some basic "salon etiquette".

Let's begin by examining the appointment-making process.  If you have a difficult time remembering appointments, write down the date and time on a piece of paper and place it where you won't forget about it.  Missed appointments (referred to as "no-shows" in salon lingo), seriously cripple a salon's ability to run on time . As a result, the receptionists and stylists have to re-work all of their standing appointments to accommodate for the loss.  Some salons require a client to notify the salon if they are running late or will miss their appointment.  If the salon hasn't been notified within a reasonable amount of time, they may impose a cancellation fee.  This is the same thing a doctor's office will do if you are a no-show for an appointment.  Failing to notify the salon is irresponsible, rude, and unnecessary. All it takes is a few seconds to dial a phone number. 

When a client makes an appointment, the stylist has to block out at least 45 minutes of his or her time.  This time is a valuable commodity in the salon.  Just about every salon will understand if you need to change or re-schedule your appointment, and will make the necessary changes without any problems.  Totally ignoring an appointment is the ultimate expression of disregard for a stylist's time.