Salon etiquette questions you might be too shy to ask: chatting, phones, children and running late

Quick answer: You never have to chat during an appointment; it is fine to say you would like to relax quietly, and many salons now offer quiet appointments. Keep your phone on silent and save calls for later. Ask before bringing children or a friend. If you are running late, call as soon as you can, and give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel. Tipping customs vary by country, and it is always fine to say if something is not quite what you wanted.

Sitting in the chair for the first time at a new salon can feel a little like arriving at a party where everyone else knows the house rules. Do you make conversation? Can you answer that call from work? Is it all right to bring the baby?

These are some of the most common questions clients have, and they are often the ones people feel too shy to ask. The good news is that salons want you to feel at home, and most of these little moments have simple, friendly answers.

Here is our guide to the questions people wonder about quietly, so your next visit feels relaxed from the moment you walk in.

Do I have to talk during my appointment?

No. Your appointment is your time, and you get to choose how you spend it. Some people love a catch up, some want to close their eyes, and plenty of people fall somewhere in between depending on the day.

Both are completely normal. In a 2023 survey for Ripe Insurance of 2,000 UK salon clients and 100 stylists, 47% of clients said they like to chat during appointments, which means just over half are happy with less conversation. At the same time, a 2024 Square survey of 3,011 adults in the US and Canada found that 87% of loyal clients look forward to catching up with their stylist. Conversation can be one of the joys of a visit, and quiet can be too.

Quiet appointments are now a recognised option in many places. Not Another Salon in London made headlines when it let clients opt out of small talk when booking back in 2019, and Northeastern University has since reported on salons in the US and Finland offering similar quiet or silent chair options. A behavioural science professor quoted there notes that booking quiet in advance helps clients set expectations so nobody feels awkward.

If your salon does not have a quiet option on its booking form, simply say something like "I am going to switch off and relax today" when you sit down. Your stylist will still check in about the important things, such as the length and the finish.

Phones, calls and headphones

Using your phone in the chair is generally fine for reading, scrolling or replying to a message. A few kind habits make it easier for everyone:

• Keep it on silent so the salon stays calm for other clients.
• Save phone and video calls for after your appointment where you can. Holding a phone to your ear makes cutting, colouring or brow work tricky.
• Headphones are welcome in most salons. Just pop one out when your stylist wants to talk through the next step.
• During a massage or facial, phones are best left in your bag so you get the full benefit of the treatment.

Can I bring my children?

Every salon is different, so this is one to ask when you book. Some salons are happy for a calm older child to sit and read, while others have a policy of no children in the treatment area. That is usually about safety: salons work with hot tools, sharp scissors, chemicals and electrical equipment.

If childcare falls through on the day, call the salon and explain. Many will help you move your appointment, and you will avoid a stressful visit for you and your little one.

Running late, cancelling and how much notice to give

Life happens, and salons know it. The kindest thing you can do is call as soon as you know you will be late. Your stylist can then tell you whether they can still fit in the full service, offer a shorter version, or suggest a new time.

Appointments are often booked back to back, so arriving 15 minutes late can affect the next client too. That is why many salons have a cancellation policy, often asking for 24 or 48 hours' notice, and some take a deposit when you book. Our guide to deposits, booking fees and last minute cancellations explains how these work.

These policies help salons keep their prices fair and their diaries running smoothly. Square found that beauty businesses using cancellation fees saw 21% fewer cancellations and no shows, which means more appointments available for everyone.

Should I wash my hair before I go?

For a cut, most stylists will wash your hair as part of the service, so arrive with your hair as you normally wear it. That helps them see how it sits, where your natural parting falls and how your curl or wave behaves.

For colour, it helps to arrive with hair that is not freshly washed. Wella Professional advises washing around 48 hours before for normal or dry hair, and around 12 to 24 hours before for oily hair, because a little natural oil helps protect the scalp. Heavy styling products, dry shampoo or serums can affect how colour takes, so go easy on them the day before.

If you are having colour for the first time at a salon, expect to be asked for an allergy alert test (a skin patch test) 48 hours beforehand. Anaphylaxis UK recommends this before every colour, as allergies can develop over time.

What should I wear?

Comfort is everything. A few simple ideas:

• For hair colour, choose dark clothing you are relaxed about, even though salons protect you with a gown.
• A top that buttons or zips at the front is easier than one that pulls over your head after a blow dry.
• For nails, wear sleeves you can push up easily, and open toe shoes if you are having a pedicure.
• For lashes and brows, leave your eye makeup at home if you can.

What if I do not like something?

Please say so. Your stylist or therapist would far rather know while there is time to adjust. Speaking up can feel awkward, and many people stay quiet: in the Ripe survey, 44% of clients who had a poor experience did nothing about it, and the most common reason was awkwardness (38%).

A gentle "Could we take a little more off here?" or "The pressure is a bit too firm for me" is all it takes. If you only notice something once you are home, call the salon. Most will happily invite you back for an adjustment, usually within a week or so.

Tipping

Tipping habits differ a lot around the world. In some countries it is expected, in others it is a kind extra, and in some it is not part of the culture at all. Our guide to tipping in hair and beauty around the world gives you a country by country picture. A warm thank you, a rebooking or recommending a friend means a great deal too.

Food, drink, friends and photos

Food and drink. Most salons will offer you a tea, coffee or water, and many are happy for you to bring a drink with a lid. If you are in for a long colour session, a small snack is usually fine; just check first, and save anything messy for a break.

Bringing a friend. A friend for moral support or a second opinion can be lovely. Ask when you book, as space in some salons is tight. Booking side by side appointments is another great way to share the experience.

Photos. Taking a picture of your finished look is very welcome, and most professionals love to see their work shared. If you would like a photo or video during the treatment, just ask first, and be mindful of other clients in the background.

FAQs

Is it rude not to talk to your hairdresser?

Not at all. Many people prefer quiet time in the chair. A quick "I am going to relax today" lets your stylist know, and they will only check in about your hair.

How late is too late for a salon appointment?

It depends on the service and the salon. Many can still help if you are 10 to 15 minutes late, but your treatment may be shortened. Call ahead as soon as you know, so they can plan.

Should I wash my hair before a haircut?

Usually not. Arrive with your hair styled as you normally wear it, unless your salon asks otherwise. For colour, slightly unwashed hair is often preferred.

Can I bring my child to my hair appointment?

Ask the salon when you book. Policies vary, and some keep children out of treatment areas for safety reasons.

What should I do if I do not like my haircut?

Say so during the appointment if you can, or call the salon soon after. Most salons will offer to adjust it for you.

The best appointments start with a salon that makes you feel welcome. Every professional on our directory has a verified profile, with qualifications and insurance checked, so you can book with confidence. Find a verified professional near you and enjoy your next visit, chatty or quiet.