The alarm goes off at 6:30 a.m., and I hop in the shower to prepare for my hair appointment—a protective style for my upcoming vacation. As I sip my coffee, I get a text ping. It’s the hairstylist. The message preview reads:
“Hey, love …”
Instead of going through the usual stages of last-minute cancellation grief—which typically begins with rage—I skip straight to the final one: acceptance. I quickly type out a response and head to the closet, where I keep my wig collection. With a deep sigh, I choose a low-maintenance, humidity-friendly, curly half-wig, while coming to terms with the fact that swimming isn’t in the cards for me on this trip.
Shit happens and just like many of us need a day off to nurse a cold or take care of a sick kid, our hairstylists deserve grace too. But it has become all too common to scroll through Black women’s corners of the internet and stumble upon a storytime video about a hairstylist who ghosted and kept the deposit, or a makeup artist who canceled the night before a wedding. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, exorbitant pricing that doesn’t match the service, outlandish booking policies that often don’t protect the consumer, constant lateness, shit’s getting out of hand, and baby, we are tired.
@shesjustshan #hairhorrorstories ♬ original sound – Shannon 🫶🏽
@theshaderoom Whew! This bride shares that her makeup artist cancelled on the day of her wedding to do JT’s makeup. 😩 What would y’all do in this situation?! 👀 #TheShadeRoom #JT #AtlantaMUA #viral #fyp (🎥: @Akira ) ✍🏾: #TSRStaffBD ♬ original sound – The Shade Room
AUNTIE spoke with Tasha Johnson, a 30-year veteran hairstylist and owner of TJ Styling in Beaufort, South Carolina, who shared insight into why unprofessional behavior seems to be on the rise. She also offers insights into choosing a service provider and tips to protect your special moments from being ruined by a flaky stylist.
View this profile on Instagram
Social Media Is A Blessing And A Curse
Johnson believes social media might contribute to the increase in unprofessional shenanigans among hairstylists. Well-curated Instagram pages have enabled folks to present themselves as professionals, even if they lack proper training or certification. Johnson states that this allows some business owners to operate more like hustlers than legitimate enterprises.
Potential clients may be more likely to lean towards service providers with a strong social media presence or aesthetically pleasing content, but this doesn’t always reflect the quality of their work of their work ethic.
The Suite Isn’t Always Sweet
Although Johnson currently works out of a salon suite, she recalls the days when open-floor salons with booth rentals were more common. The salon environment allowed newer stylists to learn both technique and business skills from experienced professionals. Although suites have empowered stylists to open their salons right out of cosmetology school, Johnson believes this may also lead to a decline in professional development.
“Everyone is just kind of picking up stuff here and there off of YouTube and Instagram, and they’re building their business off of that, and they’re not even understanding why they’re operating the way they operate,” the veteran stylist said.
So how can you find a beauty professional that meets your needs without stressing you the hell out? Here are some tips.
Research And Then Research Some More
When looking for a stylist that fits your needs, social media is a good starting point, but it shouldn’t be the only step. Take a close look at those TikTok accounts. Do you see many repeat clients? Are they discussing hair care or just posting the finished looks? What are their specialties? Don’t assume a stylist who excels at a pixie cut can also deliver a perfect Beyoncé blonde. If you have specific needs—like thinning hair or health concerns—find a stylist who specializes in those areas. Schedule a consultation to ask questions and see if they are a good fit for you. If they don’t offer consultations or only communicate through DM or text, that could be a warning sign.
Ask Around
If you see a sister with a banging hairstyle, ask her who did her hair. Chances are, she’ll rave about her stylist and might even share helpful tips, like needing to book appointments three months in advance. On the flip side, if she’s had a bad experience, sis is probably going to warn you.
“Word-of-mouth is still the best form of advertising, so definitely go by what you hear from other people,” Johnson advises.
Advocate For Yourself
Ask yourself: are you flexible enough to work with a stylist who does great work but is always late, or is their tardiness constantly messing up your day? If it’s the latter, say something. Bringing it to their attention might lead to a change, or you might realize it’s time to find a new stylist. Either way, it can save you stress in the long run.
Finding the right stylist is about more than just hair—it’s about building trust and making sure your needs are met. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience, need more flexible scheduling, or require expertise in specific hair concerns, taking the time to vet your stylist is key. Don’t settle, sis — you deserve the best.
5 Black-Owned Bundle Brands That Will Make You Flip Your Wig
