From talking about what kind of style works best for your face shape to managing small talk with strangers, navigating a trip to the hair salon can feel like a daunting task for even the bravest of us.
For those who are more reserved by nature, these visits may seem particularly challenging – but there is hope! With some thoughtful planning and preparation ahead of time, going to the hair salon doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable.
In this article, we’ll explore several strategies that will help you survive going to the hairdresser as an introvert.
From learning relaxation techniques before you go in for your appointment, to exploring different conversation-starters during your wait time, I’ve got plenty of advice that will prepare you for whatever comes up while at the salon.
So keep reading – it’s time to conquer and break any fears of visiting your hairdresser!
First, Get Up The Courage To Call To Make An Appointment
The first step is mustering up the courage to make that phone call to schedule an appointment at the hair salon.
This part may seem scary at first but remember: you can do absolutely anything once you set your mind to it. Don’t forget that everyone has been in this situation before — even if you’re feeling like you’re alone in this experience, try to remind yourself that many people find themselves in this same boat.
Plus, talking on the phone gives you some control over how long these conversations last; they don’t have to drag on forever if you don’t want them too!
To make things easier, practice what you’d like to say ahead of time or write down questions for the receptionist or stylist while still on the line. Before you know it, booking an appointment will become second nature and almost no fuss!
Size Matters: How Large Is The Salon?
A small, cozy salon with only a few hairdressers may feel more inviting than one that is filled to capacity and playing loud music. That said, it’s worth considering what kind of atmosphere would work best for you before booking your appointment – if possible.
If there are too many people around or the noise level is overwhelming, you might find yourself feeling exhausted after even a short visit.
To avoid this situation altogether, try looking up hair salons around in your local area online so that you can compare reviews and get an idea of how they operate before committing to anything.
Doing this ahead of time will help ensure that your experience at the salon won’t be any more stressful than necessary!
Check Out The Vibe In Advance, Both Online And By Visiting It
First off, take some time to check out reviews online about the salon before booking an appointment. This way, you’ll get an idea of what kind of atmosphere the salon has, which will help ease any anxiety or discomfort you may have leading up to the day of your visit.
You should also try visiting the salon in person if possible, even just for a few minutes, so that you can assess its vibe more accurately. Seeing how friendly and welcoming they are towards fellow introverts could put your mind at ease before your big haircut!
Schedule Wisely
Choose a time when the salon is less busy, such as early in the morning or during weekdays. This will help reduce the number of people you’ll need to interact with and create a more relaxing atmosphere.
Use Distraction Techniques
Bring a book, magazine, or download a podcast or audiobook to listen to during your appointment. This will not only help you pass the time, but it can also signal to your stylist that you prefer not to engage in conversation.
Close Your Eyes And Try To Pretend That Some Stranger Is Not Violating Your Personal Space And Touching Your Hair
To make this process easier, try closing your eyes and pretending that some random person is not touching you or your head or hair. It may seem silly but I have found that this helps me relax as I focus on my own mind rather than what is happening around me.
Consider Alternatives
If going to a salon still feels too overwhelming, look for alternatives like mobile hairdressers or stylists who offer in-home services. This way, you can receive the service you need in the comfort of your own home.
Reward Yourself
After your appointment, treat yourself to something you enjoy as a reward for facing your fears and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Is It Okay To Not Talk At Hairdresser?
Although it can feel like a pressure to smile and engage in conversation with your hairdresser, the truth is that introverts are completely allowed not to talk.
In fact, many hairstylists understand that their customers may be shy and prefer only minimal interaction while they’re getting their hair done. Recently, I decided to try out not to talk during my haircut, here’s a quick breakdown of the story.
When I arrived at the salon, I politely informed my stylist that I was an introvert and preferred not to engage in conversation during the course of my appointment. To my surprise, she was understanding and happy to accommodate my request.
With the stage set for a quiet experience, I focused on the relaxing aspects of the haircut. I enjoyed the gentle sounds of the scissors and the soothing scalp massage. I even found that my stylist seemed to be more focused on her work, as she wasn’t splitting her attention between cutting my hair and chatting.
At first, the silence felt slightly awkward, but as time went on, I became more comfortable with it. I realized that the pressure to make small talk was lifted, and I could simply enjoy the experience without any social expectations.
Once my haircut was finished, I checked my reflection in the mirror and was genuinely pleased with the results. My hair stylist really had done an excellent job, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the lack of conversation had allowed her to focus more on her craft.
Key Takeaways
The thought of going to the salon as an introvert can be daunting, but with a little preparation and self-confidence, it doesn’t have to be.
By taking into consideration the size of the salon, researching its vibe in advance, and defining your comfort level with conversation during the appointment, you can ensure that you have a good experience at the salon.
Remembering to speak up if needed is also important in order for you to get exactly what you want out of your visit.
I know firsthand how scary it can be when someone is so close to you working on something that is such a personal part of who you are.
However, by trusting yourself and being open-minded about trying new things, even an introvert like me can enjoy getting their hair done.
So don’t let fear stop you from having a great time at the salon! With some courage and preparation ahead of time, any introvert can survive their next trip to the hairdresser with ease.