Salon Safety - 6 Great Tips for Clients

We all visit a hair salon or day spa, and in West Hollywood, there are so many to choose from. Many of us have visited the same salon over and over for many years, in fact. We've occasionally seen the stylists' injuries or accidents, including cutting themselves with scissors, burning their hands on curling irons, or perhaps spilling color all over their clothes.

But what about client safety factors? This is obviously an area that not many people are talking about, so we thought we'd take a few minutes to raise awareness. 

There are many things clients can do (and should be mindful of) for their own safety in the hair salon. 

1. If you are having a facial or services around the face area, avoid wearing contact lenses during your salon visit. Your eyes are very delicate and often sensitive to fragrances, touch, and movement. Wear eyeglasses into the appointment and apply your contact lenses after your services have been performed. 

2. Avoid wearing open-toe shoes into a hair salon. If you've ever had a splinter, you know the pain and irritation they can cause. Hair can break and splinter and get embedded into the skin just like that and be most uncomfortable.  Without proper care, the area can become infected, swollen, and feel very sensitive. In a hair salon, though the floors may look clean, tiny pieces of hair are still present and can get embedded into your feet from wearing open-toe shoes. 

3. When you are having hair services provided, remove piercings, necklaces, and accessories. Many people have multiple piercings in their ears and hair can become tangled and wrapped around the piercings. It's very distracting to the stylist (and time consuming) to try to work around piercings and body wear, so remove those items before you begin working with your stylist or beauty professional. 

4. Avoid blaring your own music. Many clients like listening to their own music in the salon, but we recommend keeping music at a comfortable hearing level, so you're also in tune with what's going on around you.  

5. If salon gowns are offered, take one. We always recommend a top change and putting on a salon gown if those are offered in your hair salon or day spa. This helps protect your clothing from chemical services, or accidental spills in the salon. 

6. Keep your hands to yourself. Clients are often impressed and wowed by stylists' tools and products, but before touching anything, discuss that with your stylist. Many clients have become injured from "putting their hands in the cooky jar," so to speak, and picking up a hot tool that they didn't realize was hot. 

Most importantly, enjoy your salon visit. Just be cautious when you go.