Let’s get something straight right out of the gate: “doing the hair” is about so much more than just applying color or cutting a shape. If you think your job starts when you pick up a brush or a pair of shears, you’re missing the point—and honestly, you’re probably missing out on the best parts of this career.

This isn’t just another technical how-to. This is about the real work: the connection, the planning, the honest conversations, the little details that separate a good stylist from a great one. So, let’s break down what it actually means to “do the hair”—from the first hello to the final blowout, and everything in between.

The Consultation: Where It All Begins

You know what’s wild? The most important part of your service happens before you even touch a strand of hair. The consultation is where the magic starts. It’s not just, “What are we doing today?” It’s about digging in, asking the right questions, and—most importantly—actually listening to the answers.

Don’t just take “I want to be more brown, like a chocolatey color” at face value. Your idea of chocolate and your client’s idea of chocolate might be night and day. Keep the conversation going. Show them pictures, ask for references, and make sure you’re both seeing the same thing in your heads. And if they come in with a technical term or a formula they found on TikTok, don’t assume you’re on the same page. Keep clarifying until you’re both genuinely excited about the plan.

And here’s the kicker: the consultation doesn’t end when you start mixing color. Keep talking, keep checking in, and make sure you’re both still on the same page as you go. The more you communicate, the fewer surprises you’ll have at the end.

Formulation: It’s Not Just Science, It’s Personal

Let’s talk about formulation. Everyone wants the magic formula they saw on Instagram, but here’s the truth: there is no one-size-fits-all. Every head of hair is different. Underlying pigment, hair texture, skin tone, lifestyle—all of it matters. You have to look at where you’re starting, where you want to go, and what’s in between.

Think of it like a math problem. What’s your starting point? What’s your end goal? And what’s the “problem” in the middle that you need to solve? Sometimes you can do it all in one step.

Sometimes you need to break it up, see how the hair responds, and adjust your plan. Don’t assume that just because a client has always used the same toner, it’ll work the same way every time. Hair changes. People change. Medications, lifestyle, even the weather can affect the result.

And don’t get me started on inspiration photos. That gorgeous, dimensional color on Pinterest? It might look totally different on your client, depending on their hair and how they style it. Be honest with your clients about what’s possible, and explain why you’re making the choices you are. Personalize everything—developer, product, technique—based on their needs and goals.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your client is to say “no.” If someone brings in a picture of a dimensional, curled, Instagram-perfect color but has short, fine, straight hair, you owe it to them to explain what’s possible—and what isn’t. Be honest about what you can achieve, and why. Clients appreciate transparency, and it builds trust.

Partings Matter—Way More Than You Think

Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention: partings. I know, it sounds basic, but your partings matter in everything you do—sectioning, foiling, color application, cutting. Clean, intentional partings make your life easier, your work cleaner, and your results more consistent.

Think about it: the way you section the hair determines how the color blends, how the cut falls, and how easy it is to work. Horizontal vs. vertical partings, diagonal forward or back, following the shape of the head—all of these choices change the final look. Even if you think you’re just doing a simple touch-up, the way you part and section can make or break the result.

Clean partings help you stay organized, avoid missing spots, and keep the client comfortable. They also make it easier to explain what you’re doing, which builds trust and confidence.

Your partings aren’t just about keeping things tidy. They actually affect the outcome of your work. Vertical partings can create softness and dimension, while horizontal partings can create bold, high-contrast looks. The angle of your parting can change the way the hair falls, the way the color blends, and the overall shape of the cut.

Every client is different. Some wear their hair up, some wear it down, some part it in the middle, some on the side. You have to adapt your partings and sectioning to fit their lifestyle, their preferences, and their hair type. Ask questions, observe, and be willing to adjust your plan as you go.

The Technical Side: Cutting, Coloring, and the “Why” Behind Every Move

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. There are a million haircuts out there, each with a name more ridiculous than the last (seriously, who comes up with these?). But at the end of the day, it all comes down to a few basic principles: adding weight, removing weight, maintaining length, shortening length, creating an angle, or softening a line. That’s it. The rest is just combinations and variations.

If you know what each tool does—straight shears, texture shears, razors—and how elevation and the shape of the head affect the result, you can do anything. The key is understanding the “why” behind every move. Why are you cutting it this way? Why are you using this product? Why are you choosing this color? If you can explain it to your client, you’ll feel more confident, and so will they.

And don’t forget: shorter pushes longer. If you want to maintain length at the perimeter, pull away from what you want to keep. It’s geometry, it’s science, and it’s art—all rolled into one.

Connection: The Real Secret to Client Retention

Here’s the bottom line: connection is what keeps your books full. When your clients feel heard, understood, and cared for, they come back. They send their friends. They forgive the occasional “growing out” phase or color correction. And honestly, it makes your job a whole lot more fun.

Connection doesn’t stop once you start mixing color or picking up your shears. While you’re working, keep talking. Learn about your client’s lifestyle. Are they always pulling their hair back? Do they have a big event coming up? Are they the type who wants to change things up every appointment, or do they crave consistency? These details matter. They help you recommend the right cut, color, and products—and they make your client feel seen and heard.

It’s not just about filling the silence. It’s about building a relationship. When you remember that your client’s daughter just started kindergarten, or that they’re training for a marathon, you’re showing them that you care. And that’s what keeps people coming back.

Education: Teach, Don’t Just Tell

If you know what you’re doing, you should be able to explain it to your client. The more you know, and the more you can share, the more comfortable your client will feel—and the more confident you’ll be in your own skills.

Clients will ask questions. Why are you using this product? Why are you cutting it this way? Why does my hair look different at home? Don’t brush them off. Take the time to explain. Show them how to style their hair, recommend products that actually work for their needs, and be honest about what’s worth the investment and what isn’t.

And don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Be honest, and then go learn it. The more you can teach and explain, the more your clients will trust you—and the more likely they are to come back.

The Business Side: Planning, Pricing, and Setting Expectations

Let’s talk business. Planning your appointments is just as important as the technical work. Know how long something is going to take, and be honest with your clients about what’s possible in one session. Don’t overschedule yourself, and don’t be afraid to break big projects into multiple appointments.

And when it comes to pricing, be upfront. It’s easier for clients to pay for a few shorter appointments than one marathon session. They’ll feel like they’re getting more value, and you’ll feel better about charging what your work is worth.

Set realistic expectations. If a client wants to go from black to platinum in one day, don’t promise the impossible. Surprise them with how much you can achieve, but never overpromise. It’s better to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around.

Posture and Self-Care: Take Care of Yourself, Too

This job is physical. Standing all day, bending, reaching, blow-drying—it takes a toll. Pay attention to your posture, your balance, and your body mechanics. Use the tools and equipment that help you stay comfortable and healthy. Take breaks, stretch, and don’t be afraid to invest in your own well-being. The better you feel, the better your work will be.

The Big Picture: Why All of This Matters

At the end of the day, “doing the hair” is about so much more than just the technical skills. It’s about connection, communication, education, and care. It’s about understanding your client, their needs, and their goals—and working together to achieve them.

You can be the best marketer in the world, have the most Instagram followers, and take the best photos. But if you’re not connecting with your clients, listening to them, and making them feel seen and heard, you’re missing the point.

So, keep learning. Keep growing. Keep asking questions—of yourself and your clients. And never forget that the real magic happens in the connection.

That’s what it means to truly “do the hair.”

Doing the Hair: Beyond Technique—A Real Talk Guide to What Actually Matters in the Salon