Every stylist has encountered a client who swears by an old wives’ tale or a trendy but misleading hair tip they saw online. Whether it’s the belief that frequent trims make hair grow faster or that salon shampoo is just overpriced drugstore product in a fancy bottle, these myths can shape a client’s expectations—and sometimes even lead to hair damage. But how do you correct these misconceptions without making clients feel embarrassed or defensive?
Meet Misinformation with Empathy
Clients don’t hold onto hair myths out of stubbornness—they usually trust sources that seem credible, like social media influencers, family members, or even past stylists. Instead of dismissing their beliefs outright, acknowledge their concerns first. A response like, “I totally understand why that seems true; a lot of people believe that too,” creates an open, non-confrontational conversation.
Replace Myths with Science
Once you’ve validated their perspective, introduce the facts in a way that feels helpful rather than corrective. For example, if a client believes trimming their hair more often will make it grow faster, you could explain: “I wish that were true! Hair actually grows from the scalp, so trims don’t speed up growth, but they do help prevent breakage, which makes hair look and feel healthier.” Framing corrections around benefits rather than just negating myths keeps the conversation positive.
Use Visuals and Comparisons
Some clients are more receptive when they can see the logic behind the correction. For instance, if someone insists that brushing their hair 100 times a night will make it shinier, you could compare it to over-exfoliating skin—too much friction can actually cause more harm than good. Demonstrating with real examples or even showing how hair responds to different treatments can make your point clearer without sounding dismissive.
Offer an Alternative Approach
Instead of just debunking a myth, give your client a better solution. If they’re convinced that using coconut oil alone is the best deep conditioner, you could say, “Coconut oil is great for certain hair types, but it can also build up and block moisture from getting in. Let’s try a lightweight hydrating treatment that absorbs better and still gives you that soft, healthy feel.” This way, you’re guiding them toward an effective solution rather than just shutting down their idea.
Know When to Let It Go
Some clients will cling to their beliefs no matter what, and that’s okay. If someone insists on an ineffective or unnecessary routine but it isn’t harming their hair, sometimes it’s best to let them continue—after all, hairstyling is about making clients feel good, not proving a point. But when misinformation leads to actual hair damage, finding a gentle yet firm way to intervene can make all the difference.
Correcting hair myths is an art, not a battle. By using empathy, education, and tact, stylists can guide clients toward healthier habits—without making them feel like they were wrong in the first place.