What to do if you MESS up a client's hair 😳 How to fix a hair mistake and remedy an unhappy client

[@amandarobbins2530]

Another tip I have... often when we have messed up we panic and don’t look at the situation clearly. Sometimes it’s a good idea to have someone else in the salon look at the hair with you and collaborate to come up with a game plan to rework the colour or whatever it is.

[@JamieDana]

This is such a good one as well!

[@user-vv1wg5hu5b]

I used to love going to the salon, getting my hair done and tipping a large tip especially when a stylist has done a great job. At this point, in 2024, I’ve had so many rude, untalented, inappropriate “hair stylists,” I have an expectation that they will fk up and not take responsibility for it. I am so disappointed the way this industry has turned out. Who are the “instructors” teaching these “stylist?”

[@jaybeee6336]

Omg, the self-talk during a colour I'm not 100% solid on..... "quit...you're never going to be good at this, just give up" it's horrible, while blow drying I try to stay calm & breathe & hope no one can feel the panic. I am so damn hard on myself. Thank you for this video to share that we all feel this way sometimes. 🙂💜

[@Kaylakatanik]

Omg literally. I’ve been in almost tears while self talking to myself

[@amandacox4012]

Me!!! I can so relate.

[@genotazioli5663]

Dont worry mastery comes with repitition you got this!

[@elisabethsofley8908]

Literally dealing with this right now. I screwed up a haircut, fixed it, but the client is as unhappy. I’ve been obsessing about it since it happened.

[@Devioxis]

Its so great to hear from a stylist who is established like you are, that still admits to their mistakes! I think so often stylists want to project this perfect, flawless image and it really just hurts all of us learning from them because it makes us feel like WE have to be that level of perfect. But having info like this is sooo helpful!

[@JamieDana]

Awe, I'm so glad that I could share and I'm glad that you are finding this helpful!

[@shellymigues6382]

Excellent advice! I’m sending this to my daughter, currently in hair school. I have been licensed for 29 years and gone through every single situation you named. Often I had to learn the hard way. With videos like yours, students and new graduates these days can start out more successful. Thanks for this video!

[@pricetaylor93]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this! Thank you so much for caring about us other stylists❤ going out on my own has been so stressful, both good and bad stress and sometimes I need to remember I'm still learning and I'm doing great and moving forward. These are the situations that definitely are bad stress, but you gave amazing tips to handle them. Thank you, Jamie! You rock🙌

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@naomimathias8284]

I took away the point you made about Communicating "Hey we didn't get you to this result today so I'm going to make a quick adjustment right here, but it's not going to be 100% where I want it to be, I'm going to have you come back in next week so we can tackle this issue and get you to the desired result that you're looking for." Thank you for sharing your advice to be transparent!

[@hisakousui1819]

Thank you Jamie!! I’m a new hairstylist and I couldn’t create color that my client want and she was so upset and left. I back home and my tears fall down and feels like I can’t do this anymore.. but my feeling is so much better and back confident again because I found you and this! Thank you Jamie.

[@amandacox4012]

As a starting stylist you give me so much peace and joy! Literally! I have a bad habit of comparing myself as a stylist to seasoned stylist who’ve been doing hair for years and I hate it, but I also know that it will only be a push to continuously want to learn, grow and be better as a stylist. I love all of your content thank you so much!

[@12345liberty]

Such good and spot on advice, it really does happen and it’s horrible, especially when we love to make people happy.. nothing worse than a sleepless night worrying about it so definitely fix ASAP xxx

[@JamieDana]

I'm so glad you resonated with it and found it so helpful!

[@azzurrissima95]

Wow...as a client, I've never had a hairdresser taking responsability when mistakes were made. Even when I very politely addressed them at the end of the appointment or even when I went back and fully payed for the fixing process: as a result I ended up going to another hairdresser the next time. I understand that it's a difficult job and sometimes things go wrong, that's why if they did admit it I probably would have gone back to the same salon, because to me recognizing the mistake means you're actually competent and can do better. If a bad job is ok for you, I'll move on to someone more professional.

[@amandarobbins2530]

This is so true. I made a mistake with my clients colour the other week and I told her straight up I wasn’t happy with the blending and asked her if she had time for me to fix it and she has rebooked with me and referred a friend to me too !

[@JamieDana]

This is so helpful and insightful to hear! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@pamaylward]

That has been my experience as well Maria.

[@ninibartolome5666]

Same here! I had texted a hairstylist days after a service and it seemed like she was anticipating my text. And while she was trying to fix it later on, it seemed like she knew exactly how it happened and why… so she knew she screwed up!!

[@samuelaszeliga4594]

Thank you, thank you! I literally had tears of relief in my eyes at the end. So good to feel like you are not alone in this and this is normal and it has solutions. I had muscle tension and stomachache from anxiety and your video helped so much

[@TheCourageousStylist]

I love how encouraging and transparent you are ❤️ we all make mistakes and it’s definitely awkward and scary telling our clients. When I first started out I wouldn’t say anything but as I gained more experience I started to learn how to share with them the situation and fix it. It makes them happy and keeps trust ❤️

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@lizhernandez8067]

Thank you. Just starting out. Did a full highlight service. Halfway through I realized it was too much. My client had very,very,very dense hair. It took ages to complete. I had to ask get to return for shadow root and a darker tone. She freaked out on how blonde she turned out and thought I over processed (which I did not). She ended up not coming back and went to someone else. I was sooooo bummed. This video definitely gave me pointers on what I can do and should do before and after a client. Thanks much!

[@bunnytsukino]

Thank you so much for posting this video! All of those tips are so helpful and the one thing ,that I will remember is just not to give up and keep trying and not to think ,if one mistake has happened that I am a bad hairstylist. Then just practice more on that technique that I am maybe insecure about it. I am still a young hairstylist ,last year finished my apprenticeship as hair stylist and sometimes mistakes happen for me and I get so anxious and scared ,but now that I watched your video and I feel like I can do it ✨Thank you so much Jamie Dana!!

[@JamieDana]

Awee of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@happeningmomofthree9256]

Love this! My self confidence goes so low when I make a mistake 😕 I will try to do these techniques 😊

[@kaliegourley7252]

I just had this a few months ago. My client didn't like her hair. It wasn't bright and golden enough etc... I had her come in did a malibu quick fix put in a few more bright distinct foils tones warmer and she loved it, she also tipped me more money when I was just going to give her a redo.

[@JamieDana]

Yes!! I love this, I'm so glad that you took this route!

[@edytakawka8671]

Whats Malibu?

[@williamfreer7800]

I just watched your latest video. Thanks for covering this topic! It is definitely an important topic to cover. As a new hairdresser, I know these situations will occur and I now feel more prepared to be in control of the situation. One of the most important takeaways for me is that it’s okay to tell your client you need to step away so that you can gather your thoughts, before addressing the situation with them. I would also love to hear your tips on how to achieve thorough consultations. I’m still learning what are the essential points to cover before getting to the Create portion of the service.

[@JamieDana]

I love love this! Thank you so much for sharing this takeaway with me, this is so helpful to hear!

[@MrRoytron]

I have a potential video idea/question for you Jamie! I would love to know what you do or suggest doing when you accidentally significantly UNDER charge someone. Do you let it slide without telling them? Do you message or call them and say “hey! Just fiy I accidentally undercharged you x amount. Its on me this time however at your next appointment it will be this much more” ? Do you not tell them until their next appointment that they were under charged last time? This situation happens to me every once in a while when I get flustered with a busy day and then I get discouraged! ☹️

[@JamieDana]

I think you should definitely tell them at the current appointment and do not wait until next time and leave them sticker shocked! It will help them prepare for the price at their next appointment.

[@kaykhuong8825]

You are my inspiration!!! Your videos changed my life when I discovered you over a year ago! Thank you Jamie😘

[@allegreajohnson7353]

Such An amazing video. I see this as a wonderful guideline to help those who struggle with believing that they are incapable of giving their clients the hairstyling experience they desire, and making themselves believe that with a good amount of effort and dedication into their job, they’ll be a successful hairstylist with a lot of potential

[@JamieDana]

I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@allegreajohnson7353]

@@JamieDana no problem

[@annatroyan9674]

Thank you for the topic. It’s important. I have done this many times!

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@sugahbabydoll1]

Thank you for doing a vid on this subject. I had a girl whom I over promised, I let her know it was my bad. She still came back, but I felt soooooo bad. Most hairstylist don't talk on this subject.

[@blancaramirez1389]

Thank you for talking about this, i needed to hear this today! I feel so bad about the way my clients hair came out 😖 and im going thru all thoughts and emotions you just mentioned. 😭

[@BlackVelvetBeauty]

Once again coming through to save the day! Thank you so much

[@JamieDana]

Awe haha! of course!

[@kajalkalathiya6457]

Hey jemi Thank you so much for sharing this video ..it help me really because i am hairstyles in back my home India but i am new in Canada and today is my first day of the Canadian job for hairstyles and i am really nervous because it's a lot different things but after showing you vlog i feel really confidant about my job Thank you so much.. really like it

[@mamawong1803]

I should have heard this long time ago. I love you, Jamie❤ You know exactly what I need. You’re AMAZING 🎉🎉🎉

[@corysecrets5005]

Just the topic brings me anxiety lol. R3ady for this one

[@lcvverboi]

Yessss it gives me such bad anxiety omg

[@cutandshootentertainment4514]

Swear…

[@JamieDana]

I sooo feel you on this!

[@brittanycann3830]

This was all helpful- thank you! Step #5 is not one that I’ve ever thought about saying to a client, but great wordage - thank you!

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@supriyabhatia2059]

Excellent and most useful video 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@JamieDana]

Awe, I'm so glad that you think so 🙌

[@emmamumford6900]

Thank you so much for this I needed to hear this. New to the industry working alone and very scared! Had my first issue this week and it’s really got to me! I managed to sort it and looked great but the whole you are not good enough talk is back! X

[@donnakaye6919]

Most stylist don’t care if they made a mistake, if you try to explain to the stylist that I see a blotchy problem, the stylist gets an attitude towards the client. Not ALL stylists are like this, but I’ve seen this first hand, also seeing a stylist roll their eyes over a client, or the big one, talk about a client in front of all clients in the salon when they leave. How they wish this particular client would just not come back, they are just too picky, it was only one spot, and I cut it like I wanted to make it look better. Then it’s too short, I’ve seen and heard this while getting my own hair done. Always makes me feel uncomfortable.

[@astrovr9]

You are amazing ❤️ wonderful educator.

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@lylashank910]

Wow jamie your hair looks stunning!❤ love your channel😊

[@zumbafanification51]

Thanks for the tips. Very helpful and encouraging.

[@debbiemasters3881]

Loved this, thank you Jamie

[@kimsepulveda3512]

i needed this video so much!! just had a bad color job 😔 thanks for the advice!!

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@rog5184]

youre right owning it is worth it for sure! thank you!

[@lehuynh7915]

Hi Jamie, I been flowing you on youtube for a while and I love every of your videos. I feel like we have the same personality about work. Thank you so much 😀💕

[@ThuanLe-lc1kd]

Thank you so much!👍💐❤️❤️❤️

[@BeautyByAsumbal]

need this today!! real bad.hair didnt come out as i expected on my client yesterday.full of anxiety and fear.she came in to get it fixed today and its better bt still not as i wanted it to be.new to doing hair here

[@tarynmolleson2210]

Tears of joy lol needed this so badly lol yesss to all

[@jonnydepp1992]

Such an important Video, thank you so much !

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@lucyclayton8026]

I needed to see this today x

[@JamieDana]

I'm so glad this is what you needed to hear (:

[@deciogelinski827]

Such a great video. Great advices. Love it.

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@wasdwasd24]

I love leaving a refund or even a partial refund as a last resort remedy! There's a bunch of different solutions before that which I really took away. 😁

[@JamieDana]

Good, I'm so glad that you found this helpful!

[@mandyimchen2822]

Thank you Jamie ❤️

[@lorettamangan6333]

Thanks! Great advice.

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@cindytraylor1162]

Ive wondered before when a hairdresser messed up my color, why didnt she be honest instead of ignoring it and acting like it is good. Knowing we both have eyes to see. I just had my hair highlighted, highlights and low lights. I told her I wanted blonde highlights(medium, natural) and I showed her several pictures of the blonde color, when she rinsed them out and led me back to the chair, my hair was white! I didnt know what to do..I hated to say, Um, my hair is white not blonde..I know she could see it was white! Im just wondering, Why do some hair stylist pretend its ok and arent honest!?? Its akward for us clients.. The professional should act proffesional and tell the truth. Not pretend like they dont know its way way not what you asked for. This is so wrong. I just would like to know why they are like this.

[@AshH8898]

Thank you!

[@JamieDana]

Of course, I'm so glad that you found the video helpful!

[@Jellyfish7273]

We are human we make mistakes, which is okay, but it’s our job to fix them, I used to panic any time I messed anything up with a client. I do recommend having another stylist look at it with you cause often we are panicked and won’t look as best we shouldn’t having a second stylist to help with the problem is very helpful

[@jenniferortiz7963]

Wow. Excellent Advice! 👏👏👏👌☺️

[@ruchaneenarat1210]

I love all the work you have showed, I have done some color for my clients that need your help is there any way I can sent pictures my client’s hair color to you.

[@nataliejaggi387]

I messed up my client's hair today 😞 she was very civil about it and polite, but she was crying and I feel absolutely awful. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great and I couldn't achieve what she asked for. I didn't charge her for anything and offered to fix it, but she had a time constraint and had to leave. I've only been doing hair for a year so I know I'm still learning but it just sucks. Thanks for this video though

[@amandaatteberry4216]

I’m in cosmetology school and I just had this happen to me yesterday. The client wanted blue and purple in her hair. The purple looked great but for some reason the blue didn’t turn out. Idk if it was the color or I didn’t let it sit long enough. I’m not sure but she acted like she was totally fine with it. I didn’t charge her for the blue color but she ended up calling and complaining later and getting a full refund.

[@AlexandraA102]

I feel like the people who go to schools are mostly red flag clients anyway don’t feel bad

[@hustlerhoney1988]

This happened to me but thankfully on a mannequin. I just finished cosmetology school and I had great instructors who explained to me that the blue didn’t turn out because the hair had too much yellow after prelightening and yellow+blue=green. Color theory is the most important thing I learned in cosmetology school.

[@GlamourByB]

This is so true !

[@JamieDana]

I'm glad that you agree!

[@sarahwithah]

Love your videos thank you

[@helenk4357]

6.55 client anxiety over this is real. I just never go back - but I wonder if I should have called them instead?

[@JamieDana]

You totally can, but it is better to tell them before they walk out of the door!

[@sophiajacqueline5274]

When you're running behind and have to re-schedule the next client...... do you give them any kind of discount? or just an apology :/

[@claudiashairstudioellicottcity]

That’s true, you just waiting for the text or call , thank you , this just happend to me last Saturday,☹️

[@JamieDana]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear! I hope that it all goes well!

[@dnangrt1]

Random question. What brand and color is your nail polish?

[@JamieDana]

I'm not quite sure on the brand! Maybe OPI?

[@gachacaspa]

Need advice. Foils slipped and got some bleedmarks underneath. I used highlift fullhead for first time. It lifted great 👍 but they slip more easily so bleeding in some parts. I fixed mostly with root melt. Nothing on top I can see. Just underneath at back where no one can see the mistake is still a bit obvious. I can fix next time she in discreetly, but I'm worried it will come back to me. Or some of the mistakes come back if it fades. I don't want to message and panic her though. Like how do I get her back without saying what issue is. She gets extentions so the extention person gonna see mistake

[@beautymakeupkasi388]

Hi Jamie, I have questions on how you handle client ask for refund for balayage service but you did everything right, you have no mistake, didn’t mess up their hair, and you tell you client expectation and the style and shape are perfect. The client just change her mind of feeling the style she pick doesn’t match on her so she ask for full refund. And the client doesn’t want to come fix it. She just want refund. how we can handle it. Thank you.

[@carelikramer5770]

I’m 34 and thinking going to beauty school but Idk if is worth it because my age ?? What you can tell me about is a good option for a kind old woman I see almost all girls are between 18 and 20’

[@chelseadoesmakeup5478]

Do it!! When I went to cosmetology school there were people from tons of age ranges! It's never too late to follow your passions.

[@JamieDana]

You are never too old to start! You can totally go!

[@TheKatsmeow16]

Light bulb moment: don't give everything away for free!

[@JamieDana]

Awe, I love this! I'm so glad that you found this so helpful!

[@anap.117]

Great info but hand movements are pretty distracting. Good criticism, not hating because I love watching your videos!

[@sarahwithah]

Thats obviously just the way she is why point it out🤦‍♀️ maybe its something she does when she's nervous because whats more nerve wracking then putting out a video to strangers on a public platform.. doesn't bother me I'm glad I got to see her beautiful nails 🤷‍♀️

[@anap.117]

@@sarahwithah You're starting beef right now girl. Just leave it alone. As one of her followers, I wrote my comment as good criticism but clearly you didn't understand that part. I love her and I love her videos. She's awesome and you totally disregarded that I stated that as well. Ain't going to write back to any response you might be tempted to write after this, so bye bye!

[@lyncressler2608]

Omg I just got a complaint lol .. it's not golden blonde enough !!

[@JamieDana]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear this!

[@lyncressler2608]

@@JamieDana right 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lizbalsillie3827]

Soo been there, sleepless nights. 😂

[@stephyboo1796]

I’ve had a client where I cut her hair I think as close to perfect for her head shape and bangs ideal for her forehead shape and told her specifically that going shorter on her bangs wouldn’t suit her and she kept saying she wanted shorter and shorter I was like no it’s a bit to short so I cut it how she wanted it was dry when I cut it so when she saw it she’s like oh it’s nice but I know she didn’t like it sometimes times we can’t fix lol😂

[@heidimeinert9993]

That much to do this to them and ruin their hair! And if you still refuse to refund my money, then I will have to take additional steps of action that I dont imagine will be good for you." Needless to say, I went to my consult the following day and they quoted me $1400 to fix it. Even they asked me as soon as I'd sat down if I had wanted this ugly harsh line halfway down my hair and were pretty shocked that a professional had done that to me and had me leave that way. I'd be interested to know your thoughts and for future reference or anyone that hasn't been but may one day have to deal with such a situation.

[@susanwhite7202]

I'm so sorry but your hand movements throughout the whole video is so distracting I can hardly absorb any of the information. Can you just tie your hands up behind your back and talk? Lol!

[@radioserrelind]

Hi, Jamie. I'm a client that got messed up, and I'm part of the problem but also my stylist chose the exact wrong technique for this color correction. How do I speak up when I was a gibbering mess in the chair due to an autistic meltdown? Fixing the "fix" only cost 1/3 of the original color correction, thank God, and the original stylist did... half a job? Stripped out some major color? But I don't know how to break it to her that her inexperience left me unwilling to show my face in public? I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to ask. I now have a seriously experienced colorist in my corner who told me my instincts that things were wrong were in fact *good* ones, so at least that came out of it.