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Guide · As the client
How to tell your hairstylist you don’t like your haircut
Here’s how to tell them kindly, so they can fix it.
Speak up soon
In the chair is easiest. If you only notice at home, call or message within a few days.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayIt’s great, thanks!
Porcupine · Observation, feeling, need, request“It’s great, thanks!” when it isn’t means leaving with it. “Could we look at the back?” asks while it’s still easy to fix.
What might land betterBefore I go, could we look at the back? It feels a bit uneven.
Be specific about what’s off
What’s wrong, and where, is something they can fix.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayHonestly I kind of hate it.
Porcupine · The behavior, not the person“I kind of hate it” says how you feel. Layers around your face and an uneven back say what to change.
What might land betterThe layers are shorter than I wanted around my face, and the back feels uneven.
Bring a photo
A picture of what you were hoping for is easier than describing it.
What you might want to sayYou know, like, shorter, but not short?
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Shorter, but not short?” could mean a dozen cuts. A photo shows the one you mean.
What might land betterHere’s a photo of what I was hoping for.
Ask for a fix
A specific fix gives them something to do.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayCan you just fix it?
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Just fix it” leaves them guessing what. Evening out the back is the fix.
What might land betterCould you take another look and even out the back?
Keep it about the haircut
It’s about the cut, not about them. Kind and clear makes it easy to put right.
Respect, even when angry ›What you might want to sayYou clearly weren’t listening.
Porcupine · Actions, not motives“You clearly weren’t listening” guesses why it happened. “Shorter than I pictured around the face” says what you see, without blame.
What might land betterIt’s shorter than I pictured around the face.
Hear their take
Some cuts settle after a wash or two, or there was a reason for a choice. Listen, then decide what you’d like.
Understand before answering ›What you might want to sayNo, it’s definitely wrong.
Porcupine · Show you’re open“It’s definitely wrong” closes the door on their reason. Trying a wash or two first gives it a fair chance.
What might land betterOkay, I’ll give it a wash or two and let you know.
If it can’t be fixed right away
If it needs to grow out a little, ask what they can do in the meantime, and what to try next time.
Us against the problem ›
The common mistake
Saying it’s great, then never going back
Smiling and tipping, then quietly switching salons, means they never get the chance to fix it, and you’re stuck with the cut. A kind word while you’re still there usually gets it sorted.
Honest and hearable ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThat’s what you asked for.
You could sayMaybe I explained it badly. Here’s a photo of what I meant. Could we get closer to it?
If they sayIt’ll look better once it grows a bit.
You could sayThat could be. Could you even out the back now, and we’ll see how the rest grows?
If they sayWe’d have to charge for a second appointment.
You could sayI understand. Since it’s within a week, would you be willing to waive it this time?
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayHonestly, I hate it. This isn’t what I asked for at all.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“I hate it” and “not what I asked for at all” leave them nothing to work with. Thanks, what’s off and where, and a way to fix it give them a clear job.
What might land betterThanks for the cut. I’ve lived with it for a couple of days, and the layers around my face are shorter than I wanted, and the back feels uneven. Could I come in so you can take a look and even it out?
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
Is it rude to ask for a fix?
No. Many salons will fix a cut within a week or two. Ask about their policy, and ask kindly.
Should I still tip?
That’s up to you. Many people tip for the time and effort, then ask for a fix.
What if I’m too embarrassed to say it in the chair?
It’s fine to call or message later. A short, specific message is easier for both of you.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
Find the words with Porcupine
PorcupineRather say it in the chair? I’ll get you ready with a kind first line, and help you ask for the fix.
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Related guides
Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).