Hairstylists, estheticians, and personal trainers all work tirelessly to provide the best experiences possible, but there are some things they'd probably never tell their clients out loud (no matter how much they might want to). From scheduling snafus to communication quirks, we hope this extra splash of awareness helps clients be a bit more mindful and also help streamline the day-to-day of their service providers.
So, without any further ado, here are ten things your favorite stylist, nail tech, or esthetician might wish you knew—but won’t tell you themselves!
1. “Please Don't Show Up Early”
Showing up early might seem thoughtful, but it can actually disrupt the flow of the day. Service providers need that buffer time to reset and prepare so your appointment—and everyone else’s—runs smoothly. When a client arrives early, service providers shift into hospitality mode—whether intentionally or not—even though they might have needed those extra 10 minutes to clean up, grab a quick bite, or take an important call.
2. “Please Don’t Text During Your Nail Appointment”
It might feel like multitasking, but texting during a nail appointment can make the job a lot harder. With your hands occupied, even quick messages can slow things down and lead to mistakes. Stay present, relax, and let your provider work their magic—you deserve the break!
3. “Please Don't Show Me a Picture of a Wig”
Wigs can be stunning, but they’re styled differently from natural hair. Service providers appreciate realistic inspiration photos to help create a look that’s both achievable and perfect for you.
4. “Please Don't Say You’re 5 Minutes Late When You Actually Just Left”
Running late? It happens! Just be honest about your timing so your provider can adjust if possible. It’s always better to communicate clearly than surprise them at the last minute. Not to mention, service providers might not have time to perform the entire appointment intended if the client’s late. Every second matters! One late start can potentially impact the rest of the services for that day.
5. “Please Don't Cancel 2 Minutes Before Your Appointment”
Last-minute cancellations aren’t just inconvenient—they directly affect a service provider’s livelihood. That time was set aside for you, and when it’s too late to fill the spot, service providers lose the income they were counting on. Respecting their schedule helps keep their business running smoothly and ensures they can continue providing great service to everyone!
6. “Please Don't Ask Me Why You Have to Put a CC on File”
Putting a card on file isn’t about trust; it’s about fairness. No-shows and late cancellations can hurt small businesses, so this policy helps ensure everyone’s time is respected and protects service provider’s time, money, and energy.
7. "Please Don’t Say ‘Do Whatever You Want’ (And Then Hate It)"
Creative freedom is great, but clear communication is better. Service providers love a little direction to ensure the final look matches what you had in mind—without any awkward post-appointment regrets.
8. "Please Don’t Ask Me to Squeeze You In ‘Real Quick’"
Every appointment deserves proper time and attention. Trying to fit in a “quick” service can compromise the quality of the work or delay others, so it’s best to just schedule ahead.
9. "Please Don’t Tell Me How Someone Else is Cheaper"
Every provider’s pricing reflects their unique skills, tools, and expertise. While it might be tempting to compare prices, it’s important to focus on the value that provider brings to the table. Consider why you trust them with your needs—whether it’s their experience, the quality of their work, or the personalized service they offer. It’s the whole package that matters!
10. "Please Don’t Say ‘Do It Like You Did Last Time’ Without Details"
Your provider wants to recreate your favorite look, but it can be tough to remember every subtle detail after working with hundreds of other clients. Photos or a quick reminder of what you loved last time go a long way in helping them nail it again!
At the end of the day, service providers work hard to make every appointment a great experience, and a little understanding can go a long way. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll help create a smoother, more enjoyable interaction for everyone involved. It’s all about mutual respect—and making every visit a win-win.
To all the incredible service providers and business owners out there: your hard work, passion, and dedication don’t go unnoticed. We’re rooting for you every step of the way!
Looking for a software that’s got you and your business’s back, no matter what? Search no further. Try a complimentary 30-day trial of Vagaro and see what you can accomplish!
