Where Knowledge Rules

Style & Beauty:

Hair

Get a Widget for this title

Understanding the aversion of some to haircuts

Some people are afraid to go to the doctor or dentist, but for others a trip to a hair salon causes even more anxiety. There are several factors that can make a person avoid having her haircut.

1. Bad Haircuts in the Past

Most often, people who fear haircuts have had bad experiences with them in the past. Bad haircuts affect a person's confidence and cause anxiety. In some cases, it may be difficult to disguise a bad haircut and it may take several months for the hair to grow back out.

Until a bad haircut grows out, a person may be embarrassed to socialize. She may also feel that the stylist betrayed her trust or may blame herself for choosing a style that now looks awful. There could be feelings of anger, embarrassment, depression, anxiety, and self-doubt.

After coping with a very bad haircut and waiting for the hair to grow back out, it is understandable that a person would be afraid of having another bad experience. This anxiety may lead a person to avoid haircuts for some time in the hopes of eventually finding a stylist that can be trusted.

2. Intimidating Hair Salons

Hair salons, particularly upscale salons or spas, strive to be fashionable. They often have a stylish decor and may have an impressive reception and waiting area. Hair stylists and receptionists are often dressed well and have fashionable hair and makeup. The service menu may describe unfamiliar services and list starting prices or a range of prices without explicitly listing the price for each stylist.

All of these factors can come together to make a hair salon feel intimidating. Even the full service treatment that some salons offer, such as offering wine or coffee, may make some clients uncomfortable if they are not used to that level of service.

Remember that no one is born knowing the ins and outs of any new situation. Be polite and friendly and never be afraid to ask specific questions about the exact cost or other details regarding the services provided by your particular stylist.

3. Worries about Salon Etiquette

Some people worry about appropriate behavior in a salon, most often when it comes to payment and tipping. Common questions regard who to tip, how to give the tip, and when to give the tip. But some women worry about other salon behaviors as well, such as keeping their purse with them or changing clothes before a cut or coloring.

In general, it is customary to give stylists a 10% tip. Do not tip salon owners who cut your hair themselves. Some salons may provide small


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Understanding the aversion of some to haircuts

  • 1 of 5

    by jane loaoal


    While many of you are completely unaware that you host a phobia of haircuts, there is an actual name for your fears. Tonsurephopia.

    read more

  • 2 of 5

    by Michelle Walters

    This is a very interesting subject for me,because I have course hair that will never behave the way a stylist thinks that

    read more

  • 3 of 5

    by Susan Quilty

    Some people are afraid to go to the doctor or dentist, but for others a trip to a hair salon causes even more anxiety. There

    read more

  • 4 of 5

    by Verity Eunson

    It's not surprising that some people have a fear of haircuts. I know very few people who have not looked into the mirror

    read more

  • 5 of 5

    by Casey Modert

    Most people go to their barber or stylist with "the usual" already planned. They get their normal style, and then 2-4 down

    read more

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the aversion of some to haircuts?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Should you go gray naturally or dye your hair as you age?

Click for your side.

91914

Featured Partner

Northwoods Wildlife Center

Northwoods Wildlife Center has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Northwo...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA