Nervous about going for your hair appointment? 6 Tips to reduce your anxiety.

Do you get anxious when thinking about a trip to the hairdressers or beauty salon? You're not alone - for many people, the prospect of leaving their comfort zone and placing themselves in the hands of another can be daunting. In this guide, we'll provide six strategies for overcoming your fear of the hairdressers.

1. Find a hairdresser who is understanding and willing to explain their process

Many people feel uncomfortable, especially if they are seeing a hair stylist for the first time. The first step is to do your research and find a salon that provides the services you need, that appears friendly and accommodating. Reading reviews can also be helpful and will provide plenty of insight about the type of service you should expect. Additionally, having an idea of what desired outcome you want to achieve at the salon can help ease stress and lead to a positive experience.

2. Talk to Your Stylist Ahead of Time

“Talking openly with your hairdresser about these concerns and coming up with strategies together can be incredibly helpful in reducing anxiety levels”.

If you know that you struggle with anxiety, it's important to take control. Prepare for your appointment by talking to your hairdresser about what you need from them. Communicate as best as you can, and let them know if there’s anything specific that makes you uncomfortable. Establishing a good relationship before the cut or color begins can help you feel more at ease in their hands.

Having an open dialogue helps build trust. Be sure to explain that you are a little nervous or scared, and list specific triggers if necessary. This allows them to take extra care when doing those steps and ensure your comfort is properly respected. You may even want to ask questions while they work, such as how they're determining length or how a particular technique works - this can be helpful in distracting yourself from intense feelings of fear during the appointment.

“Communicate with the staff about your needs clearly and openly so that they can do their best to ensure you have a positive experience”.

Start by having a thorough consultation with the salon so that they clearly understand your concerns and can make an individualized plan for you. Be sure to remind yourself that the professionals are experienced and know what they are doing; even if you have had an issue before, there is always a way to improve our hair look. Put yourself at ease by knowing that not only are you in good hands technically, but also that the professional understands how you're feeling about it.

With communication, understanding and patience, your hairdresser can help you overcome hair-related anxiety.

3. Bring Photos of What You Want

Showing your hairdresser photos of what you want is an essential part of getting the desired result. It takes away some of the nerves since you have already established the look and feel you are hoping for. Ask for advice about how to achieve this style, and request your hairdresser’s input before starting a treatment. You can also bring photos of what you don’t want as this sets a clear direction of where to go with your hair.

Most stylists are more than willing to show you the products they plan to use, so don’t be shy about asking them. Knowing what’s going into your hair can also further reduce your anxiety levels. Some salons even offer consultations before a full haircut or colour appointment where you can just talk through what you would like to accomplish with your look and even get recommendations from the stylist. At the end of the day, remember that it’s only hair - it will grow back! A good stylist is a partner in helping you find the perfect style for your face shape and lifestyle. So take some deep breaths and start a dialogue — it just might turn into a gorgeous result.

4. Put Together a Music Playlist for Yourself

Music is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. A good idea would be to create a playlist of your favorite songs that calms you down, like classical music or soft pop. You can play it in the background while you get your hair done, helping you relax and enjoy the experience. This will also help to distract yourself from thinking about the anxiousness and just focus on being pampered for a bit.

It's also a great way to build trust between you and your stylist. When they see that you’re not just taking any random hair cut and actually have personal interests in mind, they can take more time to get to know you better and make sure your hair style suits you best. This helps you to feel more assured about your choice. Listening to music also helps us become less conscious of other people's judgement, allowing us to focus on simply enjoying the process instead of constantly worrying about what others think.

5. Exercise and Mindfulness Techniques for Relaxation

Exercise and mindfulness techniques are some of the most effective ways to overcome anxiety. By overcoming any bad feelings associated with going to the hairdresser, you can help it become an enjoyable experience. Exercise and mindfulness have been proved to reduce stress and enhance endorphins, which leads to an overall sense of well-being. Try deep breathing techniques before your hair appointment - inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds - as this will help you relax and de-stress.

6. Ask for Updates Throughout the Process

Don’t be embarrassed to ask your hair stylist for updates during the process. They will understand your anxiety and be happy to answer any questions you may have. Knowing what’s going on at each stage will help to keep you mentally at ease throughout the session, so don’t be afraid to speak up! Additionally, this ensures that your stylist is performing exactly what you wanted and that both of your expectations are met.

Creating a Safe Space at Bella Goode Hair & Beauty

Overcoming your hair salon anxiety can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! If you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable about getting a haircut, know that you are not alone. A good salon will understand your apprehension and take extra care to ensure you have a positive and successful experience.

I should know, I have struggled with my own anxiety and, as owner of the salon, I feel a very personal motivation to help others. At Bella Goode Hair & Beauty , customers who suffer from anxiety are very welcome and we endeavor to make a safe space for each and every one of you, so please let us know on your booking.

With these tips in mind, hopefully you will have an excellent salon experience. May you ride the waves of anxiety and be confident in enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like a hair and beauty or pamper session.