EmilyHudspeth
Richmond, VA
Female, 30
I work as a hairstylist and makeup artist for anything and everything you could imagine. A typical work-week can be special events, photo shoots, commercial production, makeup & styling lessons and more. Ask me anything!
An assistant or shampoo tech help the stylist manage their schedule. Having someone someone shampoo the client allows the stylist to finish up the previous client, eat lunch or go to the bathroom. Scheduling can be more efficient and the stylist can book 45 minute appointments with no breaks instead of hour appointments and a specific lunch time. The two biggest benefits to the client are that they usually don't have to wait and typically get an extra nice scalp massage while their stylist is getting the station set up for their appointment. You can tip the same amount that you would if your stylist did everything. The stylist usually tips out the shampoo tech at the end of the day (similar to a server tipping out the bus boy) or you can divide your tip between the two. Its whatever you are most comfortable with.
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Some people like keeping their work and personal space separate. The biggest reason that most people avoid it is because it often conflicts with the state board of cosmetology rules and regulations. Depending on the state you live in and are licensed, the rules differ. At one point, I lived in Louisiana and the rule there was that you could have a home salon but it had to have a separate entrance from the home and the work space could not be shared where food was prepared. In an effort to keep the industry professional and maintain safety and sanitation, the state board ,who controls are licenses, required individuals as well as each salon to have a license so they can stop in anytime to make sure you are being sanitary. This board exists to protect the consumer.
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Wow, 30% is a big jump and would probably be a deal breaker for a lot of people. Price increases are the way a stylist gets a raise. You know you lose some but that you will make space for new clients. Sounds like you have a pretty good relationship with her and if you have been going to her for awhile I am sure she doesn't want to lose you as a client. I suggest opening up a conversation with her about it, ask her if she has or would consider honoring the original price (or maybe a 10-15% increase?) to existing clients and have new clients pay the new rates. You could also ask if they have a system for referrals. I worked a salon where we encouraged our existing clients to send their friends and for each person they sent, they got 20% off their next visit.
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The whole "bridezilla" is interesting. I would say that there are some brides who are easier than others. Weddings are interesting, the bride is under a considerable amount of pressure. Between trying to keep parents, guests, family, her fiancé, and everyone else happy, there will be some moments where you wouldn't be your best self. When those moments happen, it is almost always 100% related to something that has nothing to do with what she is freaking out about. A lot of tension builds and then the bride will lose it over flowers when she is really angry with her sister. If you keep that in perspective, it makes things easier to deal with. Yes, there is always one that you will never forget.
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I prefer to take the lead from them. I’ll ask a few questions and if they want to be chatty, then I will listen. If it seems like they are looking for more quiet time, then we can do that, too. I have some clients who ask tons of questions because they want me to chat them up and some who want to do the talking, I just listen. It is their time so I let them decide on who (if anyone) is going to do the talking.
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Honestly, I haven't encountered many icky situations. Working in higher-end markets -- a nice salon in Santa Monica or more elite special events -- has shielded me from that. But I’ve heard stories from my friends and coworkers that are insane! The two things that come to mind are the elderly lady who came to the students at Aveda Institute after she had been hospitalized. She had longer hair and the hospital staff had not taken care of her hair and after months of bed rest, she was left with her hair tangled and matted in knots. She did not want to cut it and cried all day while the students and instructors attempted to shampoo/condition/detangle it. I was with another client so I was not helping with this but it was so sad. She had not been taken care of properly and she was very emotional about losing her hair. She didn't want to cut it but it was coming out in handfuls. Oh, it was awful. In another situation, I was observing a more experience stylist who was teaching a class in another salon. The salon had provided models for the class, which is standard practice. We were only there for about 30 minutes when the stylist had to stop the class because the first "model" had lice. The model was terribly embarrassed and very upset. She had two children in elementary school and they had picked up lice at school the week before (very common). She had treated them but didn't realize that the situation had spread to her. Unfortunately, for sanitary reasons, the class was cancelled.
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A tip is a little something extra and a way to say "thank you" to your stylist. The amount is at your discretion, but 15-20% is most common. Feel free to bump that up to 20-25% when the stylist has to squeeze you into the schedule, stays late, gives you extra attention for a special occasion, or for a holiday bonus. Stylists really appreciate and remember those clients who tip generously, and this can be really helpful when you need that last-minute appointment and the schedule is packed. If someone other than you stylist shampoos your hair, an appropriate tip is $2-5, depending on how fabulous the massage was!
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