At-Home Etiquette for Salon Services
No shirt + no shoes = no service at most salons and spas. But what are the rules when your masseuse, hairdresser, makeup artist, or manicurist comes to you? With businesses and apps offering appointments within your own home, there are a few guidelines to abide by in order to avoid awkward moments, or heaven forbid a bad blowout. “It is terrible to have them waiting in your doorman building lobby or out in the hallway because you are still in the shower wetting your head,” says stylist Claudine DeSola of Caravan Stylist Studio offered in New York City and Los Angeles. “You want to make sure you are ready to go on their arrival.”
We wouldn’t want to anger anyone holding a curling iron to our tresses, so we vetted tips from the at-home experts to avoid cosmetic crises.
Prepare a space for service
As organized as they are, the professional working on your hair, nails, face, or body won’t know what to expect when they arrive in your home. “Choose a room or space for your service prior to your therapist arriving,” says Samer Hamadeh, founder and CEO of Zeel, which offers massages on demand in New York City, New Jersey, Florida, and California. “Make sure there is enough room for the table and a little extra for your therapist to move freely around the table, so that they have full access.”
Sit comfortably, and by an outlet
If only blow dryers were powered by batteries! “If you’ve booked a hair appointment, be sure there’s an electrical outlet nearby,” says Julia Carmona, co-founder and COO of Stylisted, available in Chicago, NYC, and LA. “You’ll want a comfortable chair for yourself. If possible, opt for a higher stool or chair if you’re getting makeup [done], and a lower chair with a low back if you’re getting hair [done].”
Know what you want
Just like in the salon, when you have a plan things go more smoothly. “Have a frame of reference pulled up on your phone or ripped out of a magazine,” says DeSola. “These will be time savers.”
Be conscious of your wardrobe
Even when rushing before a big event or party, it’s important to consider current attire prior to answering the door. “Your gym clothes are fine, just as long as you’re covered,” says Roxana Pintilie, principal and CEO of Warren Tricomi, whose to-go services will be offered in NYC starting mid-April. “You should be comfortably dressed.”
Sunlight versus bulbs
Put your best self(ie) forward. But first, make sure the space is bright enough to see what’s going on. “Lighting is key so your stylist can do her best work,“ says Carmona. “If you’re attending a daytime event, consider setting up by a window so you have natural lighting. For an evening event, a bright lamp or overhead lighting is just fine.”
Set the mood
Not a fan of new age music or trickling ponds? Maybe you prefer Rihanna while getting a rub down. “Therapists typically bring massage-appropriate music, but if there’s a particular soundtrack you prefer, have it ready,” says Hamadeh.
Don’t tip-toe around tipping
While adding gratuity is a no-brainer outside the home, the same rules apply even if you aren’t commuting. “The client should definitely be tipping,” says Pintilie.”If the tip is already included in the service, it’s up to the client if they want to tip extra. If the client thinks the stylist did a good job, they can tip extra, but it’s not expected.”
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