Hairdressers are pros at making us look and feel amazing, but they notice everything when it comes to what you’re doing with your hair between appointments.
While they’re too professional to say it out loud, there are definitely a few things they secretly judge their clients for. Here are just a few of the things they might be picking up on while you’re sitting in the chair.
1. Showing up with a week’s worth of dry shampoo build-up
Your hairdresser can tell if you’ve been living off dry shampoo and haven’t seen a bottle of actual shampoo in a while. It makes their job harder, but don’t worry—they’ve seen worse. They’re probably also wondering how your scalp is surviving under all that product.
2. Cutting your own bangs
They know the temptation was strong, but the crooked DIY fringe you tried to fix right before your appointment isn’t fooling anyone. They’ll smile and fix it, but inside, they’re begging you to leave the scissors alone next time. They’re also mentally adding “bang repair” to their growing list of salon specialities.
3. Saying “I want something totally different!” but not meaning it
You walk in full of energy, talking about how you’re ready for a *big change*, only to settle on your usual trim by the end of the consultation. They’ll roll with it, but they definitely noticed the panic in your eyes when they mentioned layers. They’ll still make it look great, even if it’s the exact same cut you’ve had for years.
4. Showing up late with a Starbucks cup in hand
If you stroll in 15 minutes late with an iced latte, your hairdresser is probably side-eyeing that caffeine run. They’ll still take care of you, but they’re definitely thinking about the next client whose appointment might get delayed because of it. Plus, they’re calculating whether they’ll need to skip their own coffee break to make up the lost time.
5. Asking for “just a trim” when you really need a full cut
Hairdressers know when your idea of a “trim” is actually 4-5 inches of dead ends begging to be removed. They’ll delicately suggest cutting more to make your hair look healthy, but trust—they’re judging your split ends just a little. They might even be quietly wondering when your last haircut actually was.
6. Bringing in unrealistic inspiration photos
That picture of a celebrity with perfect beach waves and professional lighting? Your hairdresser knows it’s not happening exactly like that. They’ll do their best to translate it into something realistic for you, but they’re definitely laughing at the Photoshop expectations. They also know you’ll probably forget how different your hair texture really is.
7. Lying about your hair history
“Oh, this colour? It’s natural!” Spoiler: they know it’s not. Hairdressers can spot years of box dye or bleach damage from a mile away. Just be honest—they’ve seen it all and are here to help, not judge (too much). They’re also mentally prepping for the hours it might take to fix whatever you’ve done.
8. Not knowing what you want but saying, “Just do whatever”
While some clients mean it, most don’t, and your hairdresser knows they’re walking into dangerous territory. They’ll tread carefully, but they’re bracing for you to hate the bold choice you told them to make. Deep down, they’re hoping you’ll give at least a little direction to avoid regret.
9. Coming in with matted or tangled hair
If it takes 10 minutes to detangle your hair before they can even start, they’re quietly wondering if you own a brush. They’ll work through it like a pro, but deep down, they’re wishing for smoother hair to make the process quicker. They might also be questioning what your morning routine actually looks like.
10. Asking for impossible timelines
“Can you take me from jet black to platinum blonde today?” Your hairdresser is probably internally screaming. They’ll explain the process with a smile, but they’re definitely judging the lack of understanding about how hair actually works. They’re also mentally preparing the speech about why rushing the process could ruin your hair.
11. Showing up sick to your appointment
Hairdressers are polite, but they’re silently praying you don’t sneeze on them while they’re cutting. If you’re sniffling and coughing, they’re judging you for not rescheduling—and probably washing their hands twice as much. They’re also mentally adding your chair to the top of their post-appointment disinfecting list.
12. Not tipping—or tipping poorly
They just spent an hour (or three) making you look fabulous, and if you leave without tipping, they’re going to notice. Hairdressers rely on tips, and skimping on it is bound to leave an impression—just not the one you want. They’re likely doing quick mental maths on how many unpaid hours that haircut just became.
13. Touching your hair constantly during the process
Your hairdresser just brushed it out perfectly, but you can’t resist running your hands through it mid-cut. They won’t say anything, but they’re quietly begging you to leave it alone until they’re done. Every time you touch it, they’re wondering if they’ll have to start that section all over again.
