Setting Boundaries For Stylists – SexyHair
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Setting
Boundaries
For Stylists

Boundaries are important because they help people feel in control and able to focus on what’s important to them. In a salon, clear boundaries make the atmosphere positive, reduce burnout and stress, and make the job more satisfying. By showing what’s okay and what’s not, boundaries create a way for people to respect each other.

Speaker 1: I take care of my mental health by saying no

Speaker 2: put up boundaries and say no

Speaker 3: saying no as a stylist it’s okay to set your boundaries

Speaker 4: always putting you as a priority

Speaker 5: yeah

Speaker 4: and understanding what what feels better for you at the time

Speaker 6: knowing that you can’t always say yes to everything

Speaker 7: balancing my personal life and my work life

Speaker 8: taking care of yourself first and being there for you

Speaker 2: and take care of yourself

Speaker 9: eat we need to take time to eat

Speaker 7: making sure I book out my lunch breaks and making sure that I eat

Speaker 10: not feeling guilty for taking a day off

Speaker 11: a day for yourself at least one day

Speaker 12: be sure to take time for yourself take time away from work

Speaker 13: I make sure I take time off

Speaker 14: take time away from being behind the chair

Speaker 15: vacation

Speaker 16: take that time off

Speaker 15: take vacation

Speaker 17: this is your reminder to take a break because you deserve it

Personal Boundaries
vs. Workplace Boundaries

Personal boundaries are about what each person prefers, what they’re comfortable with, and what they value. They include things like how close people can get to you, how much you share about your feelings, and when you need time for yourself.

Workplace boundaries, on the other hand, are rules set by professional standards, company policies, and how the salon operates.

Knowing the difference between personal and workplace boundaries is important for balancing life at work and life outside of work.

Setting
Boundaries

To know your personal boundaries, you need to understand yourself and think about what makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed. It’s about knowing when you need to say no or when you need to compromise. Committing to your boundaries means standing up for them when they’re challenged and taking steps to make sure they’re respected.

This might mean making time for yourself, speaking up for what you need, or asking for help when you need it. If you want more help with self-care and understanding yourself, visit our Incorporating Wellness section.

Here are some things to think about as you work on setting boundaries. Expand each to learn more.

Reflect on personal wants and needs, prioritizing them accordingly. Think about how you’re spending your time. Know what types of requests you want to say “yes” to and what you don’t have space for right now.

Be proactive to prevent misunderstandings. Don’t wait until someone crosses a boundary to say something – that’s too late to protect yourself and can leave the other person feeling confused. Try to speak up in the moment so that the boundary is clear and not crossed in the first place.

Just say it. Use simple and direct language to establish a boundary. Don’t dance around what you’re trying to say or expect other people to read your mind.

Offer relevant explanations and solutions. You don’t owe anyone an explanation of your boundaries if you don’t want to share, but giving some context can help others better understand where you are coming from.

It’s important to understand that certain situations unique to the salon environment may challenge your boundaries in various ways.

Here are some things to consider. Expand each to learn more and find additional resources.

Being a stylist means having a strong desire to help people look and feel their best, and sometimes that leads to overbooking or overpromising. When you set boundaries on your time and expectations of what you’re able to realistically achieve, you and your clients will end up feeling better about the amount of attention you were able to give and the result they leave the salon with.

We’ve all encountered them – the people who walk into the salon and immediately change the energy of the room…for the worse. It’s important to identify who these people are and prepare yourself for how much energy you invest in your interactions with them.

This can look like saying no to clients who make unreasonable demands or adjusting your schedule so there is minimal overlap with a coworker who stresses you out. Mental Health America’s “Eliminating Toxic Influences” worksheet can help you think through the boundary-setting process.

Hair stylists (along with bartenders, nail technicians, and others) are often treated like life coaches or therapists by their clients. Odds are, at some point, someone has crossed the line and unloaded so much emotional baggage that you were exhausted by the time their services were finished. It’s possible to set boundaries and still be supportive. For example, you can validate your clients’ feelings about their situation but choose not to share any of your own experiences that feel similar. Or, you can shift the topic of conversation if you don’t have the emotional energy to invest in the direction they are going.

Re-establishing
Boundaries
When Broken

While it’s normal for boundaries to shift as relationships evolve, redefining and re-establishing boundaries when they have been broken communicates expectations about yourself, the services you provide, and the behavior you expect from clients.

If you find yourself in a broken boundaries situation:

Setting and maintaining boundaries is an ongoing process that requires patience and self-compassion. Be willing to adjust or modify boundaries as needed based on changes in the work environment or personal circumstances.

Be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. Asking for help from others can be tough, but people are often eager to give advice based on their own experiences and enjoy feeling helpful. Mental Health America has information and tips you can use to receive or create support.

Establishing and enforcing boundaries is essential to achieving a balanced work-life dynamic, preventing burnout, and cultivating positive relationships. If you find yourself struggling at work, consider visiting the “Learn More About Mental Health” section of the Beauty Starts Within campaign page or completing a free mental health test.

HOW’S
YOUR
MOOD?

Sometimes we don’t even realize that we’re struggling or can feel better – ​Check your mental health and find support through MHA Screening. Anonymous, free, and scientifically validated, it provides immediate results and valuable resources for your well-being.

START TEST

MORE RESOURCES

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