c/hairdressers

PSA: Your 10 minute bleach cap is wrecking hair integrity

I see stylists in my salon mixing 30 vol for every single highlight and it creates a brittle, straw-like texture after just a few services. Has anyone else switched to a 20 vol max for virgin applications and seen way better retention?

Pro tip: I switched from a 2-inch to a 1-inch cutting comb for my clipper work and it was a game changer.

I was doing a tight fade on a regular client and my usual wide comb just wasn't getting the blend right near the temple. I grabbed my old, thinner comb and the control was so much better, letting me see the guide line clearly. Anyone else find a smaller tool works better for detailed blending?

A client's stubborn color correction took me a full Saturday

A client came in wanting to go from a dark box black to a cool, ashy blonde, which I knew would be a project. The first round of color remover lifted to a patchy orange, so I had to do a second round and then a careful toner application. What I thought would be a 4-hour appointment turned into nearly 7 hours, including a lunch break to let her hair rest. Has anyone else had a simple color change turn into a marathon session, and what's your plan for timing these now?

Heads up if you're near the new salon supply store in Tacoma - their 'professional' bleach powder is clumping badly

Update: Saw a salon in Portland using a different kind of sectioning clip

I was visiting a friend in Oregon and popped into a high-end salon on NW 23rd, and all their stylists were using these tiny, clear plastic clips with a flat grip instead of the usual duckbill ones. They said it helps with super fine hair because it doesn't slip out as much. Has anyone tried a clip like that, and where do you even buy them?

I rolled my eyes at the 'curl training' method for months

A client in Chicago showed me her 6-month progress photos, and her hair texture completely transformed. Has anyone else had a client prove them wrong like that?

Appreciation post: When a client mimed their dream haircut

I started using a style book so clients can point to what they like. It saves time and avoids confusion.

Felt wrong doing that highlight job on already weak hair

The client was set on it for her wedding. I still think about the potential breakage.

Update: Hand stretches led to a dropped shear scare

Tried new exercises to help my aching hands. Sneezed in the middle of a trim. My shears flew out and hit the floor. The client leapt from the chair. I now do my routines before opening.

Walking past the new salon downtown with tablet check-ins got me thinking about paper appointment books from my early days.

My teacher made me watch for weeks before touching hair, and it paid off

A lot of folks now say you can learn just fine from videos and quick classes. I think that misses the point. Back then, I stood quietly and saw how pressure and angle changed everything. Those small details stuck with me for every cut since. You don't get that feel from a screen.

Clients who move too much during a precision cut drive me nuts

Had a guy today who wouldn't stop fidgeting while I was trying to line up his fade. Every time I got the clippers close, he'd shift or turn his head. I finally had him hold onto the chair arms and told him to pretend he was stuck in place. That little trick kept him still enough for me to finish cleanly. Never thought I'd use a mind game like that, but it saved the haircut.

Warning: My home salon lighting fix cleared up color matching issues

I was always guessing with hair colors in my home salon because the old bulbs cast a yellow glow. Last week, I swapped them for daylight LEDs after reading up on color rendering index. The difference was instant, no more squinting at strands under bad light. I can now see reds and blondes true to tone, which has cut down on mix-ups. Adding a simple dimmer let me adjust for evening appointments too. This small upgrade has been a huge help for precision work. Anyone else deal with tricky lighting? Curious what solutions you've found.

Sectioning with clips: essential or extra?

I started using clips for precision, but a veteran stylist says it slows her down. Thoughts?

Blending a tricky color. Realized our mixing ratios are just guesswork.

When I trained, we did consultations with actual conversation. Now it's all mood boards on tablets. Better client vision or losing the personal touch?

Unpopular opinion: I don't get the hype around curtain bangs.

They seem high maintenance for most clients, idk.

Showerthought: A cafe chat in Portland gave me a fresh take on layers

I took a few days off to visit my sister in Portland last week. We were at a local cafe and I noticed the barista had amazing layered hair that moved so well. I complimented her cut, and she told me about her stylist who uses a different point cutting method for texture. I wrote down the salon name and popped in just to see their work. The stylist there was kind and spent ten minutes showing me how she holds the shears for soft layers. I practiced on a mannequin head I brought back with me. It's a small thing, but it already made my last client's haircut look more lively. I love how travel can spark these little boosts in your skills.

After my trip to New York for a hair show, I have to disagree with the travel buzz.

The classes there were no better than what I find online for free.