In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down a policy almost no one thinks to write until it is too late: a salon etiquette policy. If you have ever had a client bring negativity, controversial topics, or disrespectful behavior into your chair and you froze because you did not know what to say, this episode gives you a simple way to prevent those situations before they start.Hunter explains why the goal of policies is not punishment. It is prevention....
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down a policy almost no one thinks to write until it is too late: a salon etiquette policy. If you have ever had a client bring negativity, controversial topics, or disrespectful behavior into your chair and you froze because you did not know what to say, this episode gives you a simple way to prevent those situations before they start.
Hunter explains why the goal of policies is not punishment. It is prevention. When clients are required to review and sign policies regularly, you reduce the chances of uncomfortable conversations happening in the first place, and you also create a clear foundation if you ever need to enforce a boundary. You will hear what belongs in a salon etiquette policy, how much discretion you can build into it, and how to handle the hard part: addressing behavior in real time without turning the appointment into a confrontation.
Key Takeaways:
🧾 A salon etiquette policy is a preventative tool
Policies are not just for cancellations and no shows. An etiquette policy helps reduce uncomfortable behavior and gives you backup if you need to enforce boundaries, because the client already agreed to the expectations.
✍️ Write it with clear standards and clear discretion
Hunter talks about the importance of stating that definitions and enforcement are at the stylist or salon’s discretion, so you are not forced into debating whether something “counts” as disrespectful or harmful.
🚫 What to include beyond conversation topics
This episode covers common categories stylists can address upfront, including discrimination and hate speech, politics, children in the salon and behavior expectations, and refusing service for intoxicated or unsafe behavior.
🗣️ How to handle it in the moment without escalating
You will hear a real framework for what to say, starting with a casual redirect, then a direct but kind boundary, and how to give a clear warning when needed.
🏢 Why this matters even more in team environments
If you run a salon with multiple stylists, etiquette is not only personal. It impacts staff and other clients in the room, which is why this policy should be tied to your core values and communicated before someone joins your team.
Why You Should Listen:
If you want a calmer chair experience, stronger boundaries, and a salon culture that feels safe for you, your team, and your clients, this episode gives you a practical way to set expectations without sounding harsh. You will leave knowing what to put in a salon etiquette policy, how to roll it out to existing clients, and how to speak up when a conversation or behavior crosses the line.
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