5 Conflict Resolutions for When Your Stylist F*cks Up

(or When the Vibes Aren’t Vibing)

Let’s be real for a sec… not every salon experience is a good experience.  Sometimes the cut’s too short, the tone is too warm, or your stylist’s vibe just wasn’t vibing. Before you spiral into a full-blown hair crisis, take a deep breath.  Most hair drama can be fixed (or at least softened) if you handle it right without burning bridges or ending up with breakage.

1. Be Honest… But Don’t Be a D!ck

Stylists are human. We can’t read minds, but we can fix mistakes. If you hate something, kindly and clearly say it. If you don’t speak up, we’ll never know how you feel. Communication is everything. 

Try this:

“Hey, I think this tone is a little warmer than I expected. How can we adjust it?”

Honestly? We would rather fix it than have you suffer silently. It’s not that deep (at least not for me).  And if your stylist has a fragile ego… that’s not your problem.  A good stylist can handle feedback without falling apart.

2. Give Them a Chance to Make It Right

Humans aren’t perfect… (not yet at least. AI’s working on it.)  Maybe the color lifted weird. Maybe the lighting lied.  Maybe you “forgot” to mention that box dye from last year. Hair has a LOT of variables, especially with color. 

The point:

Address it early.  Don’t wait six weeks to confess you’ve been miserable. 

Send a quick text or call.

We’re not psychic, but we can be problem-solvers.  And if you never give your stylist the chance to fix it, how will you know if they could have made it right?  Or maybe… they’re simply not the right fit.  C’est la vie…

3. Know When to Walk Away (Gracefully)

Sometimes it’s just not a match.  I always say: I may not be everyone’s cup of tea… but I am a cup of tea. If you’ve lost trust, it might be time to part ways, without messy breakup energy. Keep it classy.  Stylists talk, and clients talk too. Leaving respectfully keeps your good hair karma intact. Keep it cute.

The break up text:

  “Thank you for your time, but I think I’m going to try someone new.” 

or

“I don’t think we’re on the same page.” 

4. Take Accountability (both you and your stylist)

If you went against professional advice (like going red after a breakup), that one’s on you.  You paid for time, skill, and effort…not emotional satisfaction.  If your stylist warned you your goal wasn’t realistic and you didn’t listen, that’s a you problem, not a refund.  However…. If you asked for something and got the Temu version of it? Go back to Tip #2.  Ask for a redo.  And then but ONLY after you’ve given them a fair shot,  ask about a refund if it’s still wrong.  The difference is in how you handle it.

Accountability goes both ways.

5. Set Realistic Expectations (Both of You)

Hair has limits.  So does our time.  If your appointment is at 1 and you have botox at 3… girl, be serious.  We’re in this together for 3–4 hours minimum. Phone a friend, cuz thats non of my business. Just just don’t rush the appointment! It’s not fair to you or your stylist. Good stylists communicate timelines, costs, and maintenance upfront.  Good clients ask questions and listen. 

Communication is sexy!

Final Word

Conflict doesn’t mean your stylist sucks or that you’re a bad client.  It just means you’re both human, and the vibes aren’t vibing. It might need a little balance.  It’s like dating: if you expect something from a partner, you’re gonna communicate it on a date, right? Same energy.  Speak up, stay kind, and remember:

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. 

But if you’re still out here hell bent on perfection, I have someone for you! Take a stroll down the street to the building boldly named “Unrealistic Expectations.”  Walk right in, say nothing.  Then find a mirror. It will flicker on like a horror movie, lock eyes with you, and whisper: “YOU are the problem.” And right underneath, in tiny print, you’ll find directions to unF*ck yourself.

(I don’t make this shit up, btw I spit truths, member?!)

Had a bad salon experience?  Just comment their full name and IG handle down below so I can block them too!nnJK. DO NOT DO THAT! We’re keeping the vibes cute, not chaotic. My intrusive thoughts just got loud by accident.