I read an earlier post about calling a salon and asking for prices. Is it tacky to ask how much the service will cost while you're actually sitting in the chair? I feel a bit awkward doing that with all these other people around. I go to a salon that has 3 stylists, the stylist I usually go to charges me X for a cut/highlight. Well, a few weeks ago I went and just had a highlight by a different stylist (mine was busy) and it cost me about 5.00 less. I was surprised but just paid it, I'm wishing now I'd asked about it. What's the best way to handle this in the future?
Personally I go to a stylist who cuts, washes and colors my hair. No guess work! I avoid multiple people like that...Excessive tipping and well like you said price inconsistency.
If you are going to continue to patron the place definitely ask...We all have budgets :)
A salon is a business. You have a right to know how much things cost before you have them done. I wouldn't wait until I was in the chair though. I would ask when they go to take you back or before. I see people do it all the time. I would ask why one sytlist is $5.00 less just to make sure the other one wasn't ripping you off. The salons here have set prices no matter who is doing your hair. Some salons actually include the tip in the price of the hair cut. Our salons have just started doing something, that I really do not like....They charge extra to blow dry your hair, because they consider it as styling it. Such a rip off. I really think it is in poor taste to let a client go out the door with a wet head, but that is the trend now. Next thing you know, they will be charging extra for shampoo instead of including it in the wash and cut.
Like I said in the other salon post - in many salons Sylists each charge differently based on their skills, personal preference, accolades etc. If you make an appointment to see a sylists that is not your normal stylist ask. A conversation may go like this:
"I would like to make an appointment with Sarah for Saturday at one"
"Oh Sarah is not going to be in this Saturday but we will have Alex"
"What is Alex's specialy and experience?"
"Alex is a master colorist and has been styling for 8 years, the last 5 have been here."
"How do Alex's services and prices compare to Sarah's, I have only seen her in your salon?"
"Alex is a Master colorist so his services are at a higher rate but cuts are the same as Sarah. I see you typically get Color and Cut with Style done, that will run an additional 15 for all those services, would you like to book your appointment?"
If you feel you would like to try Alex then book it if not then ask when Sarah will be avialable next.
You can definitely ask about the price up front/before you are in the chair. I know that many salons in our area have 'tiers' of stylists, usually categorized according to their levels of experience and/or education. Prices go up as the tiers go up. Some salons' Master Stylists cost considerably more ($50+) than Junior Stylists.
I would ask up front. Stylists who have been with a salon for a long time get more pay. Sort of along the lines of a union electrician lol. they start out as apprintices and make less. the more they learn and the longer on the job the higher the pay. also sometimes a salon will give a big of a discount if its the first time you have been with a stylist.
I'm a hairstylist. just ask upfront. Many stylists have rankings depending on their skill set, continuing education and experience, so some may be more, some may be less. It can be a difference of a hundred dollars or more depending on the salon.
As for price points, cuts are typically a basic price. But a color or highlight they will give you a range. Such as, color starts at $45 for stylist a, or $65 for stylist b, but if you use multiple colors, need a gloss, have extremely thick hair and go through multiple tubes, than all that factors into adding to the basic cost.
I am a stylist at salon that has 16 stylists so our front desk always clarifies our prices over the phone. Don't be shy to let them know you are looking to save money. They understand. If you decide to go with the less expensive stylist after finding his or her work the same or better, again, don't be shy to that either. You are the guest and you have all the right to choose your services on your own terms. Stick to this rule of thumb: no question is a stupid question. Just ask.
I think I might just call and ask anonymously and then the next time I go in, if my regular sylist charges me more, I would say something like "I thought this service cost X. Why the difference?"
