From A Barber, On Bad Haircuts, How To Avoid Them.

[laundry_queen]

35. Thanks for your reply

I can see how there could be a difference between the customers of a barber and a hairstylist. As for not being good with people - that comes with practice. Seriously. I'm not good with people either and I suck at reading them too (I went out and bought a ton of books about reading people after my ex turned out to be a sociopath -how could I have missed that?!?), but I am a very observant person and I emulate what I see in people who I admire that are really good communicating with people. And I've found being up front and honest helps too. If someone looks at you like you must be a novice to ask so many questions, you simply tell them, "I'm asking all these questions to make sure I know exactly what you want and that your happy - that is my number one goal, that you are happy with your haircut." I understand though, how pressed for time you are. Could you perhaps have a book of photos of the most popular cuts and ask them to point to one?

It sounds like you are pretty frustrated with your situation. It's not easy to deal with customers constantly (I get it - I went from a job at a bank in customer service to an accountant with my face in a computer all day and I'm so much happier). I've had bank customers before who thought they were my friend, or that I should remember that they got a mortgage in April of last year with a $900 a month payment without looking it up ( ) There are a ton of narcissists in this world, or simply very thoughtless people and I've found the best way to deal with those types is to tell them what they want to hear (ignore previous 'honest' advice, lol, narcissists break those rules). You're right - it's not about the hair or logic, it's about gaining narcissistic supply. And those people who are fearful of you selling their information - people like that are so frustrating - they have no idea how much of their info is already out there. I guess you have to sell it to them - let them know the system is in their best interest. No matter what you do though, there will always be annoying people to deal with in any job. Some people are just like that. By the way, welcome to DU.