The salon can be one of the most vulnerable places a person walks into. As hairdressers, we have the power to change that. Here are ten ways Hairstory hairdressers create spaces where every client feels seen, respected, and at home.
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Use the map on dresscodeproject.com to find a gender affirming salon.
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Present yourself in your space as welcoming and friendly → maybe it's a pin with pronouns or on your apron or playing music in the background. You can also ask if they want a drink or even some stress toy to play with. Never fails.
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Educate yourself continuously and stay on top of trends and inclusive techniques to alleviate the anxiety of your clients' initiating a conversation.
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Create an intake form or questionnaire to ask clients to share their preferred name, pronouns, hair goals, and the "anything else you'd like to share?" question.
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Have a one-on-one conversation before you bring them in the chair or even to somewhere more private than the salon floor.
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Do a Pinterest search with your client looking at a variety of hairstyles to offer them more of a range, which allows them to make a decision with you instead of on their own.
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"Your best self" imagery technique → Clients who are open to visualizing themselves can close their eyes and picture being in the best place in the world, dressed to the nines, with their best hair. Ask them what they envision and what they feel like when they open their eyes.
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Talk about the haircut → you don't need to use gendered descriptors. Describe hair by shape, weight, length, movement, and texture instead. Ask their zodiac sign, why the hell not.
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Be cautious of using mirrors → while hairdressers require mirrors to cut your hair, that doesn't mean clients do. For clients, the image in the mirror may not match how they see themselves internally. Ask first to gauge their comfortability. If they're uncomfortable, simply turn the chair away from the mirror and tell them they don't need to see the results, just feel them. It shifts the experience from visual to sensory, which for many makes them feel more connected to their identity.
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Make aftercare part of the conversation → product recommendations, styling tips, folks to follow on social media. For clients navigating hair texture changes, New Wash is an easy, low-maintenance detergent-free option that can help your hair behave naturally.
Keep Reading
- Have You Ever Met Your Actual Hair?
- Why Is Curly and Coily Hair Always Dry?
- I Never Knew My Hair Was Wavy
- The New Wash Case
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your hair or scalp health.
