How to Ask Stylist to Retouch Highlight Roots

So you just had your highlights done and you can already see your roots?

Not good.

Why not ask your stylist to fix it?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Willingness to be honest with your stylist

1. Evaluate your Highlights. Did the stylist not get close enough to the scalp when applying the highlights? Or did the color change after you washed it? Or is your hair just growing out fast? (Enlist the help of a friend to give you a second opinion, since it will help you to be more confident in your assessment.)

2. Get your Nerve Up. If you determine the color wasn't applied correctly, it means you did not get your money's worth on your last visit. But before you decide to find a new stylist, make up your mind to at least give your stylist a chance to make things right. Most will appreciate the chance to fix the problem (often at no charge!) rather than lose you as a client. The incident was most likely an honest mistake, but you DO need to get your hair re-colored. So, resolve to take a gentle, but direct approach when contacting your stylist.

3. Call the Stylist. Say something like, "I was just in x days/weeks ago for highlights, and they are growing out so fast, I can already see my roots! Maybe we didn't get close enough to the scalp before. If I make an appointment, is there anything you can do to help me out?" Now be quiet and wait for an answer, even if there is silence for a few seconds. (Recognize that you are actually bargaining at this point, and that you'll have more leverage letting the other person be the first to suggest a potential solution.)

4. Pursue Agreement. Listen to what your stylist says, and if you like the suggested solution, schedule an appointment to come back in. If not, here are some additional approaches you can try:
   1 - Be a bit more assertive. (i.e. "I'm not satisfied with the service I received, and I'd like you to make it right so that I can continue as a customer here...")
   2 - Elevate the issue by speaking with a manager (you can use verbiage similar to above)
   3 - Thank the person for his/her time and look for a new stylist

5. Re-Do Your Color. Go and have your color done again, either as a re-touch by your current stylist or by hiring a new stylist.

6. Enjoy! Now that your roots are no longer showing, congratulate yourself for 1) acting in good faith to resolve the problem and 2) getting your hair looking great again!

Tips & Warnings

• For a re-touch at no charge, it is still appropriate to tip for the service.
• Don't let your fear of confrontation stop you from contacting your stylist. You and your stylist will BOTH benefit if he/she can fix your color and maintain the relationship.

[40skydiver]

on 7/18/2009 A good stylist wants you to be happy with their work. Great tips on communicating what you expect! 5*

[ezyas123]

on 7/7/2009 Great article!