| Problem |
Solution |
| Squirmy kids |
Give them some kind of diversion. One of the best is to give
them a mirror to hold so they can see what you are doing. Having
small, cheap dolls and stuffed animals that you don't mind losing is also
nice. You can also get their parents to help...but do not have the
parent hold the child's head in place. This is cruel and usually
unnecessary. Patience is key here. |
| Parasites! |
If you spot lice, fleas, ticks, or other creepy crawlies on someone's
head, no matter how far you've gotten into the hairstyle, stop immediately,
and politely inform the patron. Many people have pediculosis and
don't know it until someone is closely examining their head, because they're
very clean otherwise.
After this, take everything that has touched their head, or touched
your hands straight after touching their head, put it in a sealable bag,
and throw it away. Don't try to save them no matter what they cost.
Wipe down the back of the chair they were in, with straight disinfectant. |
| Parasites II!
Someone asked for a style, and got a thorough explanation of it, but
after it's over, decides they're not going to pay, or want to pay only
a pittance, because they don't like it. |
Don't argue, but simply warn them never to come to you, and if they're
smart, anyone you know ever again. Refuse to take their money at
all. Remember their face. Warn other braiders that there is
a scam artist on the loose.
Take some time to cool off. |
| Bargaining
Someone is complaining loudly about the price, and trying to bargain
me down. |
Tell them that you can't come down on the price. They're already
low enough. If that doesn't work, then pointedly ignore them. |
| Comparing Prices
Someone is complaining that I'm too expensive, and that the last person
who did her hair was cheaper. |
Politely instruct them to find that benevolent soul again. |
| Bad Traditions
I'm doing someone's hair in Tijuana/Pakistan/Wherever, and she's tenderheaded,
and suddenly hits and curses me while I'm combing her hair. |
Stop what you're doing, and tell this person that you're a professional
and refuse to be treated like a slave, un-ass them from your chair, and
maybe throw some beads at them as they're running away. |
| Smoking too much.
While doing someone's hair, they're smoking like a chimney. I
can't work like this. |
Ask them politely to put out the cigarette. Explain to them that
it's the smoke getting in your eyes that's the problem. Even smokers
don't like smoke in their eyes. |
| I'm swamped!!!
I have 15 kids waiting in line for an individual braid with beads and
extensions, but the next person in line wants a full head of individuals. |
Ask the one who wants individuals if they will agree to return in an
hour. You can even write the line down on a notepad, and call each
person for their turn so they don't have to wait exactly around your stand. |
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