MENU
SEARCHBeing nervous about getting a haircut or coloring your hair, especially with a new hairdresser, makes sense. Carlos explains why "Coiffeurphobia" is a thing.
Regardless of Coiffeurphobia, clients don't always communicate what they want.
Photo: Carlos Valenzuela
My mother would visit the beauty salon every Friday for her regular wash and set. I remember her being cautious around her hairstylist, who had a reputation for being temperamental. She worried about how her hair might turn out if she ever upset him.
This memory made me ask my friends if they ever feared going to the salon or barbershop. I discovered that Coiffeurphobia is a thing. It's the term used to describe the fear of hairdressers, combining coiffeur," the French word for hairdressers, and "phobia," signifying fear--just in time for Halloween.
In all my years of hairdressing, I never once thought, "Are you afraid of me?" when greeting a client. But I should have thought of it. Being nervous about getting a haircut or coloring your hair, especially with a new hairdresser, makes sense. Regardless of Coiffeurphobia, clients don't always communicate what they want. They either don't know or can't express it. Not knowing what a client wants, you might unintentionally give them something they don’t like. Not everything your clients convey is spoken. In many cases, especially with male clients, preferences remain unspoken.
Only 7% of the message's meaning is attributed to spoken words. The tone of voice, pitch, speed, and intonation accounts for 38% of the meaning. The remaining 55% of the meaning is attributed to nonverbal cues, which include body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other non-verbal behaviors.
Here is what every client expects from their visit to you and often won’t communicate:
They want the service to begin and end on time.
Impeccable cleanliness and sanitation.
Your attitude and energy make them feel welcome.
They want to feel heard, appreciated, and valued.
They need to see tangible action taken regarding their requests.
They want the process to feel easy and happen without friction.
The result should make them feel better about themselves.
They need to think that you would like to see them again and again.
Unhappy clients won't necessarily communicate it to you. They quietly walk away, holding in their disappointment, and never walk back; often, you never know precisely why. This silent behavior is why you must track your client retention numbers. They are an excellent indicator of your abilities as a hairdresser.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty
