Let's Talk About Salon Etiquette

There are many wonderful ways one can be pampered but to make it pleasant for both you and the service provider, here are the unwritten rules you should follow

- Thando Ndabezitha

On the face of things

Unless you’re doing treatments such as waxes, massages, manicures or pedicures, don’t wear makeup – and leave the jewellery behind.

For a facial, your bare-faced self is all you need to bring, plus sunscreen for afterwards. You do need to wear a face mask to gain entry into a beauty spa, in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

Get there 5-10 minutes before your appointment. Arriving early for a treatment is not just about being courteous. Skin treatments generally require you to fill in some paperwork and may even come with a skin assessment – complimentary or billed with the service.

You’re entitled to know what you’re paying for. For example, after an assessment if you’re told that you may benefit from a chemical peel or LED-light therapy as an add-on, ask how much more it will cost. If you didn’t budget for add-ons, it’s best to speak up in the treatment room rather than get the shock of your life when it’s time to pay.

If you do decide to get extra, spur-of-the-moment treatments remember you may not be able to, even if you’re willing to pay extra.

For instance, if you’re getting a facial and decide to ask for brow threading and a tint, your therapist may not have the time to accommodate you. They aren’t being difficult if they ask to check the diary or say they can only accommodate you for the requested extra treatment on another date.

Good hair day

As with facials, there may be assessments you need to do and/or forms to fill out for a hair appointment so arrive at least five minutes early.