Can you be a hairdresser but be socially awkward?

[princessAlo]

Hi guys. Weird question I know. But I've always been really passionate about hair and wanting to become a hairdresser. I'm currently studying an accelerated course in level 2 hairdressing. But I feel really awkward when I do new people's hair. We have an open salon so currently practicing on randomers and I just feel a bit awkward. I've always been sort of socially awkward anyway. I am friendly and can chat and very polite but I feel a bit anxious and nervous at the minute, will this maybe go away when I get more experienced and know more what I'm doing? Thanks

Maybe you could offer quiet haircuts for other socially awkward types? Appreciate you'd still have to get through training etc first.

I know! It always makes me think is it right for me. I'm so interested In hair and colouring hair etc

I’m not socially awkward but I hate chatting when I have my hair cut so I’d book you! Maybe you could mske it your selling point? ‘The quiet cutter’

sorry - totally should have read the first comment which basically suggested the same thing!

Hahah I know maybe people would like that I don't talk much when cuttin or colourin there hair 🤣

You'll get more comfortable as you get more experience and confidence in your abilities. The chatting/ being personable is half of the job but you learn how to do that, just as your learn how to do the hair part

I don't like to chat when getting my hair cut. Prefer to zone out with a magazine. I will happily use you.

TBH I'd book you on the spot and then stick with only you doing my hair forever more.
One of my main pet hates in life is when hairdressers make inane small talk with me NON STOP throughout my hair appointment, and chat, chat, chat, ask question after question after question, then chat, chat, chat.....but it's all inane chit chat. Oh my fucking God. In my head I'm screaming "SHUUUUUT UUUUUUP!" but of course I'm polite and patiently smile and say yes and no in all the right places.
But Jesus Christ. When I'm getting my hair done, I want to switch off. Zone out. Relax. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Relish the me time. Make the most of having no demands on me for the time I'm in the hairdressers. I might want to sit quietly staring in to space. Or I might want to sit with my eyes closed. Or I might want to read a magazine with a cup of tea which I enjoy doing as I never get the chance to do that ordinarily. Or sometimes maybe I want to use the time to carch up on emails/texts etc. I sure as he'll don't want to have small talk with my hairdresser, or listen to my hairdresser chatting for the sake of chatting. It actually puts me off of going to the hairdresser sometimes.
Please, remain unchatty, only talk to your customers when you genuinely need to, and I promise you you'll get a long list of loyal, faithful, returning customers.

I’d book you. I’ve changed hairdressers recently. My new girl chats but isn’t intrusive. My last one drained the life out of me with her endless chat & questions.

Yes, 'drained the life out of me'. That sums up how chatty hairdressers make me feel.

There’s a Deaf, non-speaking nail technician at a salon near where I live, and I gather she’s very popular.

Hey, OP! I’m a hairdresser and I have ADHD and can be very socially awkward and shy. I found that it was awkward at first and when I was training I almost dreaded every client! I once had to run to the toilet to be sick before a client because I was so nervous. It was just a blow dry!

I’ve now been working as a Level 3 qualified hairdresser for over four years and I can honestly say I love it now! I think having the knowledge that I’m the expert in the situation and client is putting their trust in me, gives me a confidence that I don’t have in normal social situations.

I’ve learned how to read people - figuring out if they want to chat and if so which topics are best etc. I’m sort of a chameleon and change my personality to suit whoever is in my chair. In that way, I’m almost playing a role, so I don’t feel as exposed.

I'd book you forever if you promised not to talk to me. In fact my regular hairdresser and I don't share more than the basics in the same language, so there's no small talk. I love her

OP- What exactly makes you feel awkward with new clients? Is it touching their hair? Saying hello? Talking to them during the cut? Answering their hair questions about what style they want or something else? Like any new role, you will absolutely grow in experience and strength and answering questions becomes 2nd nature. Like learning to drive or walk or boil a kettle- you don't think about the step by steps now- its just natural and happens naturally.

I rarely get haircuts and always get a magazine to read when I do. I'm polite and make the small shit chat on style/cut/length, but don't need constant talk! I'm neurotypical (as far as I'm aware) but don't need to know about the hairdressers weekend plans, where he/she is going, what they are wearing etc. I'd prefer no excess chat, but that might not be what you are worried about with new clients?

You just learn to act. I have worked as a hairdresser and in other customer facing jobs and that’s what you do, act!

I go to a busy salon with lots of different types of people. I have been going so long l really don't care who blow dries my hair. I do for cuts. Some of the staff are very chatty and some are quiet. It doesn't matter to me. Just do my hair and let me off. As long as you are polite l don't care. Sometimes l am in no mood for chatting so it would be a relief. Don't let it turn you off your career.

I'd book you too ha hate the nonsense chat about nothing

I don't like forced chat either, so would prefer you to do my hair. You could make a specialism of it - as someone suggested above 'the quiet cutter' or something like that. In any case, I'm sure you will find your comfort zone with more experience. Good luck!

I second this! I really wish there was a menu option you could tick when you booked to say if you wanted to opt out of chatting.

My face says mild interest, internally I'm losing the will to live.

I also think a hairdressers that gave you the option to not be sat in front of a mirror and just view the end result when it's done would be popular too. That lighting does me no favours!

I realise it's a trust thing and often people will want to watch the process, but if you know your hairdresser knows the job and you don't need to observe it, then you could also be spared squaring up to your own reflection for the best part of an hour.

It's fine OP. I don't think anyone really enjoys chatting with the hairdresser either. They probably feel just as awkward! Just greet them and get on with your job. If they want to talk let them initiate it.

I think you just need to practice a few stock questions/conversational openers. Some of your clients will be like the posters above but I suspect the majority could talk for England given an appropriate opener and the occasional encouraging comment to keep them going.

When you start to get repeat customers, you might want to remember the names of their other halves, children or pets and ask about them the next time. It helps to build rapport, that is if they like to talk about them.

I never remember these things, so will make quick personal notes in my contacts and refer to them before the next appointment.

You don’t need a ‘menu option’, though. Just tell your hairdresser you’re going to read today, or aren’t up for talking. I like my regular hairdresser, but I always bring my Kindle or a book and read after asking how she is and how things are going in her house hunt.

The only hairdressers I enjoyed chatting with were animal lovers, like me. So finding a shared interest could be a way in, if you need one. Otherwise, developing a sensitivity to the cues of non-chatters (of which there are many) could be a good goal for you.

Yeah I am chatty but with pampering things I want quiet, it's one of the reasons I haven't been to the hairdresser in over 10 years. I don't want the pointless small talk, I want to enjoy it! I would love you.
It's why I get my nails done at salons where they aren't english

It's why I get my nails done at salons where they aren't english

😂😂😂

Great idea! I put my earbuds in (performatively) if I’m getting too much chat.