WHY YOU NEED TO SET BOUNDARIES AS A HAIRSTYLIST & HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE

[@melissaculpepper7663]

I finally had to implement a policy about clients NOT showing up to my studio sick!!! Too many times, I was infected and had to cancel days out of my week! I had no “safety net”-no paid-leave-of-absence or “sick day”! Then I would have to extend my days to catch up!!! I put signs up in my studio and verbally told each client about my new policy. I had to fire 4 of my long-time clients because they disrespected my pleading and new policy. Don’t ever get it twisted that your clients are your friends; they are not. They are your clients. I learned this the hard way. None of them ever offered to pay for the time I lost on account of their dishonesty in trying to hide from me that they were sick. I would immediately know they were sick and they’d say they “were no longer contagious”!!!

[@Sunflowergazer]

I love my hair artist (that’s what I call her because I feel like hairstylist doesn’t embody her abilities and skill). Every time I go to her, I block out my entire day. I never want to rush her because my hair will see the results of that. I get full head highlights and she always asks: how thin/thick do you want them?....how dark or light do you want them?....do you want the tone warm, warm neutral, neutral, neutral cool, or cool? She always tells me that the more information on what I want that she knows, the better it is for her. She is so precise and never convinces me to like the results, like stylists I’ve had in the past, just to get me out of the salon. So that being said, I’ll never understand how clients can disrespect their hair artists by being late, demanding a fast service, or wanting a discount. I always request full head, all over thin, neutral warm highlights. She spends about three hours on my hair. There are times when she’s working on multiple people and asks if I can rough dry my hair with the blow dryer in the mean time. I don’t mind. I’m always prepared to pay over $200 for the service but she’s never charged me more than $150 so I always make it a point to give her a generous tip. I just feel lucky to have found her and always try to be flexible with her because at the end of the day, she’s doing me a service with her amazing skill and I never want to take that for granted.

[@guacgirl]

Just clicked. And I must say you look so pretty in these coral/ peachy/whitey colors. Very good color palette for you 😻😁😉

[@cainroberto1173]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost the account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.

[@orionjaziel7342]

@Cain Roberto Instablaster :)

[@cainroberto1173]

@Orion Jaziel Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@cainroberto1173]

@Orion Jaziel it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@orionjaziel7342]

@Cain Roberto no problem :)

[@dianaoneil5469]

The clients that take advantage of you usually try to do that in every aspect of their life, it’s their nature and that’s how they move through life. They are very self centered and entitled. Don’t be their door mat because they will expect the special treatment EVERT TIME. I am just a client and find it rude when I hear this happening. Dont let the “Karens” get away with that behavior.

[@cindy8275]

So true!! It’s unfortunate that they feel the need to navigate through life being like that, but that’s THEM and you have to respect YOU 💛

[@melissaculpepper7663]

I believe, from my personal observation, that Hairstylists/ beauty industry, are not respected.

[@KaitlinsKreations]

Lots of good information. However, I do think a lot clients don’t care about wasting our time when they don’t show up for an appointment. Require a non refundable deposit (I always charged $20 per service booked). Don’t show up? That’s the cancellation fee. Deposits must be paid within 2 hours of booking. If your client won’t pay it, that’s a client you don’t want.

[@NathanDuabanTheSonicEnthusiast]

Spot on. You should never let someone walk all over you

[@frosty9631]

Setting boundaries as a graphic designer...once you make a piece of art it is out there forever. I have had to say "No I won't do that" if the project seems hurtful or bigoted. However, my boss told me she doesn't mind doing any kind of graphic work no matter what it says or means. She said she will accept that I won't do a job if I object to the premise or implications. I won't put my talents and time into something that is hurtful or encourages hatred.

[@ryanreyes8794]

I love seeing you get sponsors!! I've been watching since your going from red to blonde days😩❤ GET THAT COIN HONEYYY

[@rhiyance]

YES 🙌🏻🙌🏻 been doing hair 10 years & JUST NOW setting boundaries. I’ve always done what’s best for them, what time works for them, but now they’re on my time. I have a child at home. I’ve missed so much & he misses me too when I work late all the time. Not worth it.

[@Bandgeeeeeek78]

your comment about "let it slide" I had a nail lady once tell me about how she let her client pay half of the amount after the service then the other half like a week later and the girl never paid! I gave her some advice of not letting that happen when u first meet a client and it COULD be something you do once you have established rapport, but she had just open her business pretty recently and i think was just trying to be nice :(

[@pescecanella4742]

Setting boundaries is so important for any person dealing with other people really. I learned that the hard way.

[@CoraBirch]

Thank you for this!!! I'm a new stylist and also have a hard time with wanting to please everyone and/or go above and beyond so they will rebook. I'm learning that if they really value you and your services they will respect your time and pricing. Love your videos!! Thanks again!

[@constanthearts]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I work in the care industry but I am experiencing major burn out at the minute just for letting my boss and coworkers take advantage of me. Thank you.

[@pokkets9284]

I'm not a hairstylist but I love that you even have advice for clients! A lot I never would have thought about, thank you!! I watch all your videos regardless if it's relative to me because you put out such good content! Keep it up girl!!

[@cristinaorlando2408]

You look beautiful! There are clients at my salon who expect us to squeeze them into whatever time slot they want whether it’s open or not and people become so entitled

[@justmelissa7010]

GORL! You look so good!!

[@caseyjc5]

I'm not a hairstylist anymore but this is still interesting to hear. Also, love how you've been making your haircolor lately!

[@priscillanieto3322]

I may not be done with cosmetology school yet but I am planning on opening my own salon and these tips are so useful! Awesome video as usual Sam!

[@TR-co7rm]

Great advice. Reminds me of an incident not in the cosmetology industry where a long time customer (couple of months with regular visits) had often had minor jobs done in the store and was friendly and seemed like a decent person so when they asked if they could collect a bunch of stuff and pay a week later they were told it was fine because they were expected to drop by again the following month as usual and nothing was ever heard from that customer again despite a few promises made when they were reminded of their debt. After that customers were treated with friendly fairness but never given options to pay later again. Lesson learned.

[@getyourcardsstraight5893]

Or call at 3:30 in the morning to cancel their appointment scheduled for two days later🤬. Yes, that actually happened many of times. Being in this business for over 15 years definitely makes you cold because of certain clients over the years and it’s sad that it changes our instant interactions with new clients than what we began with many years ago.

[@JennPoi]

THANK YOU for this! As a stylist myself especially during these times I need to practice having more boundaries ❤️

[@kathrynbutler2229]

Sam you’re glowing!! Your hair color is perfect on you😍

[@juliannafeuerstein1804]

I love every video you post but I miss the vlogs 🥺

[@BreaMichelle3]

You are glowing babe ✨ you look so happy and healthy ! 😍

[@logstonbeauty]

I’ve had someone come in and ask me to use the color line that they buy because they like it better than my products lol then she was 45 mins late to her appointment haha... I said sorry I don’t tolerate disrespectful people. And I’ve never seen her since.

[@BestFriendInYourThread]

Amen! Now if I could just stop charging so little even if I am super new. 🤦‍♀️ I know I'm worth more than what I charge but I just keep telling myself I need the business thinking that if it's low enough then I will actually get their business. Bad habit. I need to be more confident in my pricing. 😣 I agree, pricing up front is probably easier. Good point about the "extra". I have my personal phone number on all my social media and my cards but I'm so new, I'm not getting people knocking down my door. I was licensed a week before the quarantine in NY. I've only been assisting since June. I cut hair on the side and sometimes in the salon as commission. My goal is to be a bridal stylist ultimately and just do a little here and there during the week like cuts and color for a few clients to help boost my pay some because this doesn't pay enough at the moment. For now, I think it helps learning from the owner as an assistant and then just maybe go off on my own eventually if I can manage to become well known for my updos. Ugh, I'm gonna shut up now. Lol I could go on forever. Thanks as always for your videos!

[@Didarina4]

I love this video. I'm not even a stylist but can def use these tips in real life

[@brooklynforlife2]

I alway feel guilty for having boundaries . I’m so glad you did this video . I need work life balance

[@tatejones6896]

Girl you’re glowing. Love this hair on you

[@DramaqueenNYC]

These tips are on point! I'm lucky to have a work phone and try not to pick it up after hours but it's hard so I just turn it off.

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

Even more so now as appointments are one to one with covid and cannot be filled at short notice either

[@travisluty7639]

This is good insight for someone who is going to be starting off at a commission salon very soon. I finally graduated from cosmetology school on the 3rd! Thank you for your advice 💪

[@laurenc9214]

This is great advice for setting healthy boundaries in your career! I have experienced so much toxicity and lack of boundaries working in healthcare. Patients show up hours late and I would still be forced to do their exam. Even when I put my foot down I was disregarded. I worked hard to get my registries for my career but I’m physically and mentally burnt out being almost 8 years into this field which is why I’m transitioning to another career.

[@Shan.S.Hamilton]

My family made me hate doing hair!! And for a long time, I stop doing it. So I switched over to makeup but could never get completely away from hair. I realized my hands were gifted and said forget it and I went to sign up for cosmetology school. Any who, my point is I totally understand everything in the video!! Thanks for this and i took notes!❤️ O and My family definitely made me set boundaries!!

[@CherylMuir]

Great topic! Boundaries are so important.

[@777BA]

You're so sweet and understanding love your videos x

[@pixelscanon]

This video spoke to me on so many levels. It’s wonderful advice that nobody taught me in hair school. Bring a people pleaser to make money burns you out and makes you hate your job, it’s a million percent true even when you know you’re talented! ❤️🙏🏻 thank you for this video!

[@trinityfaithnorth11423]

Thank you for your videos. I start cosmetology school in less than 2 weeks and I'm honestly so scared. I have severe anxiety and I keep overthinking the small things. But watching videos like yours can help me feel more grounded and reassured. 💕

[@meaganelizabeth420]

I love your channel and all your stories! And the boundaries thing is kind of hard for me ill admit. I am not a hairstylist but have worked in retail and daycares and have dealt with customers and other teachers and parents who walked all over me at times. I'm just a person with a good heart and its hard sometimes.

[@melissaculpepper7663]

I had a regular, but still “newish” client come in, let me do her hair services and THEN tell me she would have to write me a check and mail it to me!!! I actually “let her” because I wanted to hopefully get paid. I then informed her that I would need an upfront FULL payment for any future appointments.

[@tarapedersen8606]

hi yes please do more vids like this.

[@BriPaulina]

Amazing information like always ❤️

[@averymorrison5319]

I love your hair this color and length on you! Gorgeous!!!!

[@klash9393]

You look amazing! I need that shirt so bad! 😆😆😆

[@cindy8275]

Awesome advice for life in general like you said! I’ve always been someone who had boundaries at work or at school, but for some reason not in my personal life & the truth is it shouldn’t be separate! You should have love & respect for yourself in every part of your life, always! If you wouldn’t want a client who takes advantage of you, why would you want a friend or boyfriend who does ?? 💛

[@elenacisneros6620]

I would love for Sam to do my hair but I live in CA🥺

[@givelyeve]

love this, sam! great advice! & i agree with 100% 👏🏼

[@ClassicEdge]

Do you offer any virtual consultations? Thank you

[@tazzel10]

I need this shirt!!! Can u link pls

[@madelinebrown5240]

Love your client anecdotes, Sam! We need to hear more horror stories 😂

[@LiinkiinLady]

thank you for that video and sharing your opinion. i'm a photographer and a lot of points you mentioned also apply on that business too, cuz it also has to do with performing a service..

[@mikayland505]

I understand that clients try to book appointments early for example if they want an appointment Tuesday they'll text you Sunday. However most hairdressers have their day off on Sunday so I think the stylist should wait until at least Monday to respond because the client is texting on their day off.

[@melissaculpepper7663]

I stopped responding to those clients who disrespected my time. I would respond during my regular business hours.

[@mirandaspivey4705]

Thank you Sam

[@ninas8360]

Love you and your videos 😍💖

[@elip1585]

Thank you !!! 👍👍👍

[@naomialvarado5153]

Hey Sam, love your videos, I think that though the video would look better if the camera was a bit more zoomed in 💕💕

[@majesticsammie1234]

How do you know when your ready to rent a booking station?

[@Realityof76]

So how would you present all this to your clients so they are aware in advance? Do you suggest maybe a post, nice little sign in salon to read or what? Have no idea how to approach it to make sure they know ahead of time 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@styledbysamvay]

I would definitely have it multiple places in writing (placed around the salon [especially by the front desk and your station], on your website, on your social media) and you can also just give them a friendly reminder when they book an appointment.

[@melissaculpepper7663]

Be direct, verbally, and point to the sign(s) that you will create. That’s how I did it when I FINALLY started setting boundaries. It’s hard, initially, but be brave. You’ll do fine and it can weed out the guests who are not “quality guests”.

[@whitetigeraffair]

I was late to a hair appointment once when i was 19 years old. Instead of charging me a late fee with a reschedule, she ruined my hair. I would have preferred to pay for my fault versus the damage my hair took.

[@literaltrash2275]

Omg

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

Hi Sam love your realistic videos xxx

[@ScreamShoutCheer]

Such good tips in the video. Thank you!

[@savdot]

For the personal phone # situation, there are apps that allow you to have a "separate" number and phone line

[@matthewbrown3892]

Do you use a detangling comb to remove hair from your hair

[@Mjspc]

There was one stylist I tried to schedule with that literally took 4 days to respond to each mssg I would send to her, it would have been my first time with her but I decided not to because of how busy I presumed her to be with that response lol but I didn’t blow up her phone either that’s crazy 🤣

[@CarmenMartinez-lj7gs]

Where did you get the plant ?

[@KDu400]

The audacity of some people 🤦🏼‍♀️ I really don’t understand how people lack THAT MUCH common sense...even if you’re not in the industry (I am not), but I would never treat ANYONE like that!

[@KaysieDaniels]

Sam! Love your videos and find them super inspiring. Question: what do I do when my stylist won’t charge me full price for her services? She tries to keep it cheap, because my mom goes every month and I’m in college, but I feel AWFUL. It’s like I’m stealing money!

[@amymaree5717]

Maybe tip her :)

[@amymaree5717]

Or in a card say thank you for taking care of my hair always and put some money in it :)

[@amymaree5717]

And give it to her on ur way out so she can’t give it back

[@melissaculpepper7663]

@@amymaree5717Yes!!!

[@aprillawrence9182]

I needed to hear this! Thank you.

[@charushekhar1148]

I used to volunteer at a library. Over a year ago, I was doing my job (shelving books). An older Indian lady came up to me and told me she likes my earrings. She asked me where I got them from and how much I paid for them. I should also mention that she didn't really speak English, it was mostly Telegu. I told her and she went outside. A few minutes later, she tried to give me money. I was a little confused, because I didn't know if she was trying to buy the earrings from me or if she wanted me to buy them for her. My first thought was the latter. I got a little anxious, because I didn't want to be rude. I politely declined her, but thankfully, she was nice about it. I guess I did an okay job of setting boundaries. What would you have done in that situation?

[@radlissa]

watching this video in my hospital bed

[@kelly1992C]

Get well soon!

[@tazzel10]

Feel better

[@paigeelynn3065]

I know im going to get hate for this but this is why I don't go get my hair done..too much drama.

[@melisa8256]

Great video! I have to share one of my pet peeves because you say it. When someone is explaining a simple concept and end it with”does that makes sense?” GRRR 😡 it drives me nuts! If I don’t understand I’ll ask otherwise please assume it makes sense!

[@melisa8256]

Chloe Speight I know same with reading comprehension. It’s a pet peeve that doesn’t equal “logical & right”. They’re personal and different for everyone. 🙄

[@melissaculpepper7663]

I think it’s generally assumed by most guests, that professionals in the beauty industry aren’t very bright or we would be doing something else…they talk down to us, disrespect our time, etc. What we need to do, more and more, in this industry, is command their respect. This can only happen when we know our worth and have confidence in ourselves AND establish strong boundaries.

[@beachybabysleepybaby7659]

Thank you! Helpful as always. 😊