Since you are here and reading this post I guess you are the kind of person who is not so fond on going to the hairdresser because of the dreaded small talk? Is your day considered already ruined because you have an appointment at the hairdresser? Do you find yourself nervously sitting in the chair, wondering how could possibly avoid the small talk with the person wielding the scissors? Let me share a few tips and tricks I have gathered and tested throughout the years. Here is the Survival Guide for Introverts at the Hairdresser:
Small Talk for Men
Alright, guys, let’s face it, you are the most disadvantaged. Especially if you keep your hair short, you have to go to the hair salon at least once a month. I guess you have already tried during the pandemic to cut your own hair but unfortunately, nothing beats a good haircut from the professional, so you need to to keep your appointments on the calendar. On the plus side, remember that your appointments last from ten to twenty minutes if you just want a trim. So small talk will indeed small talk and you will be out of there in no time.
One trick that I have learnt and is often working is to be the one that will start the small talk and let the other do the talking. Be attentive and try to remember few key points of your conversation so the next time you are there, you can ask follow up questions. Also, try to learn their hobbies and if there is a hobby you do as well, ask them questions and advise. A person passionate for something will definitely want to share as much as possible and probably will monopolise the conversation. You just keep asking questions.
Small Talk for Women
Things are a bit different for women. Although, I know that for a group of women getting their hair done can be a social event, however for us introverts, it can be a nightmare. Usually women hair require a lot more time to take car of so sometime you will need to spend for than an hour in the hair salon. Here are some tips on how to survive:
- Follow our guide for small talk: Conversation Tips & Topics to Keep You Comfortable and Engaging in Social Situations
- Pretend you are in a online meeting the whole time. You can stream a fake youtube video and pretend you are in a meeting with your headphones on the whole time. Do not forget to talk from time to time to show you are participating!
- As written above you can start a conversation by being the one that asks the questions. You can ask your hairdresser if they’ve ever had any hair disasters. If they have, you’re in for a good laugh. Alternatively, you can talk about your favourite TV shows or the latest celebrity gossip. Just be sure to avoid politics or you might end up with a haircut you never asked for.
- Bring a book with you, preferably on a ebook reader or on your phone. This way you send the message that you do not want to be bothered. If they ask you what you are reading say something that is not so popular to avoid follow up questions.
Regardless of your gender, you should also remember that your hairdresser is a professional and is used to making small talk with their clients. They won’t judge you for being quiet or introverted, maybe they will prefer it!
Extra Tip: Always schedule your next appointment when you are leaving so you do not have to call the next time.
In conclusion, getting a haircut can be an anxiety-inducing experience for introverts. However, with the few tips and tricks you learnt today, you can make the experience a bit bearable without losing your mind.
