What You Can Do when You Get a Bad Haircut, Coloring, or Both

It has happened to everyone at one point or another - we have gotten a cut, color, or both, that we absolutely hated. Sometimes this happens due to lack of communication between stylist and client, and is bound to happen once and a while. This can usually be avoided with having a quick consultation prior to the cut or style. However, there are situations where the cut, color, or both go terribly wrong - and now you are stuck wearing the bad results. So what do you do?

Vocalize Your Opinion

Let them know you do not like what has just happened to your hair. But do so politely and quietly, since they probably have another client waiting for them. Now it is all up to the hairdresser, watch what their response is to your opinion. Some are willing to remedy the situation, either immediately (if they have time) or shortly after. There are some that do get offended (I have had this happen to me) when you let them know you are unhappy with their work. Again, let them know politely that you do not like your hair, that it is your hair, and you are paying for a service. After all you are the one stuck with the new hairdo, not them.

Ask for a Remedy

If they do not offer to fix your hair, ask them too. They should give you a percentage off the visit or offer to correct your hair. There is no reason that you should have to deal with a haircut or color you are unhappy with. If they are unwilling to work with you, ask for a manager.

When to ask for a Manager

Sometimes the situation is bad, and the hairdresser is not willing to remedy the situation. (And sometimes it is so bad you do not want that particular hairdresser to touch your hair again - ever.) Let the manager know the situation and do so quietly, and politely since they are attempting to help you. Chances are when the manager steps in, there will be a remedy given to you, even if the original hairdresser was unwilling to give one.

Reduce or Withhold the Tip

There are very situations where I would recommend not tipping altogether. If you are unhappy with your cut, color, or both cut down the tip. They did not give you what you were asking for and a reduced tip is a way of letting them know you are unhappy. I would only suggest withholding the tip altogether if the situation is really bad - usually involving the hairdresser and management unwilling to remedy the situation.

Let the Salon Clientele Know

Again, this is an option of last resort and should almost never be used. I say almost because there was one situation where I used this option. I had been given a visibly crooked cut, wrong color (I asked for red and got blonde), and damaged hair. The hairdresser refused to give me a remedy, telling me that everyone always loved her work. When I asked for a manager I was told one was not there. When I asked when they would return, I was given the answer "we don't have a manager." In situations like this, it is completely acceptable to be loud enough where other clientele can hear you. I did not want her next client to walk into the same situation. Also, I attracted enough attention that another stylist got the manager. Another stylist repaired the cut, and I got a credit for a free color to repair what was done. Remember, you are paying for a service and you should be treated as a valued customer. You should not leave with a haircut or color that completely wrong without a remedy or repair.