236: Creating a Politics-Free Salon Experience

What if you could transform your salon into a haven of tranquility, free from the stress of political chatter? Join me as I reveal the art of maintaining a neutral and serene environment in your salon, even when political conversations threaten to heat up. With over 30 years of experience as a stylist, educator, and salon owner, I share tried-and-true strategies for navigating these tricky waters while keeping your clients' experiences top of mind. From setting proactive boundaries to mastering the art of noncommittal responses, learn how to skillfully redirect conversations back to lighter, more enjoyable topics.

In this episode of "All About Hair," we tackle the sensitive issue of political debates cropping up in the salon chair. Discover how to effectively establish a culture that prioritizes relaxation and personal connection, ensuring your space remains a politics-free zone. I offer practical techniques to help you gracefully steer conversations away from divisive topics and maintain control of the energy in your salon. Embrace your role as a beauty professional focused on exceptional service, and leave each client feeling valued and refreshed, ready to face the world with a fresh perspective.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:03

Today we're tackling a topic that's been popping up more and more politics. But we're not talking about the news or what's happening in government. We're talking about political discussions that's happening right in your salon chair. As hairstylists, we often find ourselves in deep conversations with clients, but when those chats turn to politics especially during an election year things can get a little tricky. So what should you do? Should you engage, stay neutral or steer the conversation away altogether? Today, we're diving into how to handle these moments with professionalism and confidence. I've got a few tips and some practical strategies for my salon owner, friends and stylists. So let's get started. Welcome to All About Hair, the podcast for anyone who loves the hair industry. I'm your host, denise Kylitz, a former stylist educator and owner of four award-winning salons with over 30 years of experience. Whether you're refining your skills or expanding your hair knowledge, you're in the right place. Join me for expert tips, industry insights and practical advice to help you thrive in the world of hair. This is All About Hair.

Speaker 1: 2:23

The first tip is all about setting boundaries before the conversation even starts. In an ideal world, you could prevent political conversations from ever becoming a problem. This means being proactive. As a stylist or a salon owner, you can establish a culture in your space that minimizes these potentially heated conversations. Now how do you do this? You could let clients know from the beginning that your salon is a politics-free zone, focusing instead on creating a relaxing, stress-free environment. This might be as simple as having a casual conversation at the start of an appointment where you set this tone, something like hey, we love to keep things light and fun here. What's going on with your hair goals today? You're just not doing this for your sanity, but for the client's experience as well. People come to the salon to escape their daily stress, and hearing about heavy topics that might ruin that experience for them. Establishing boundaries early makes it clear that your salon is a safe, welcoming place, free from division or polarizing conversations. Now, let's say, a conversation about politics does start to bubble up. What then?

Speaker 1: 3:45

The second tip is to stay neutral. Remember, as a stylist, your main role is to provide great service and a relaxing experience. Political debates rarely foster that kind of environment. It's essential to maintain your professionalism at all times. If a client brings up something political, try responding with neutral, noncommittal phrases like a simple, oh interesting, or I hadn't thought about. That can keep the conversation from escalating, while also showing that you're listening. Remaining neutral also protects you from alienating clients who may have different views. Your clients don't come to you for a political debate. They come to you for your expertise and your skills as a beauty professional.

Speaker 1: 4:33

If a conversation is getting too political, gently steering it to the topic back to their hair, beauty treatments or other light topics can be a lifesaver. Sometimes, though, you might find yourself in the middle of a political conversation before you even realize it. This is where setting boundaries mid-conversation becomes crucial. If things start getting heated, you'll want to draw a clear line, but you can do this without being confrontational. Clear line, but you can do this without being confrontational. You could say something like you know, I've heard so many different perspectives on that, but I like to keep things relaxed in here. Let's switch gears and talk about your plans for the weekend instead. This way, you're acknowledging the client's opinion without diving deeper into the subject. Setting these types of boundaries ensures you maintain control of the conversation and the atmosphere of your salon. If the client continues to push the topic, it's okay to be more firm in your boundary. Remember you control the energy in your space, politely letting them know that you'd rather not discuss politics in the salon is perfectly reasonable, especially if it's going to disrupt the vibe for you, your client or anyone else in the salon.

Speaker 1: 5:55

This brings us to tip number four. Don't try to change anyone's mind. Let's be honest. When people start talking politics, they're rarely looking to have their beliefs changed. In fact, most people have their views deeply entrenched and trying to sway them is usually a losing battle. As a beauty professional, your energy is better spent focusing on your craft rather than engaging in a back and forth. It's probably it won't change anything. Plus, trying to change someone's political views in the middle of a haircut, that's just asking for an uncomfortable situation. Instead, protect your peace, focus on delivering the best service you can and keep things light. It's okay to let a client express their views without feeling like you need to engage or persuade them. Sometimes, just listening and nodding is enough.

Speaker 1: 6:52

Now let's talk about what happens when you're feeling uncomfortable or even overwhelmed by the conversation. Tip number five is simple it's okay to exit the conversation If things get too heated or you find yourself getting worked up. It's perfectly fine to remove yourself from the situation. As a stylist, you're allowed to protect your mental health and your space, whether that means politely excusing yourself to get more supplies or shifting the conversation back to the client's hair goals. Know that stepping away is always an option. If a client is being persistent or the conversation has just gone too far, you might need to be direct. You can say I really value our time together, but I'd prefer to keep the conversation on something light. Today, most clients will understand and appreciate that you're trying to keep things positive and relaxed.

Speaker 1: 7:52

Next up is a fun one Humor. Sometimes just using a little humor or distraction can diffuse a tense situation. If things are getting political and you sense that things just might turn awkward or tense, crack a lighthearted joke or shift the focus with an unrelated question. For example, if a client's talking about a stressful political event, you can respond with something like oh wow, that sounds intense. But speaking of intense, have you seen the latest hair trends for this fall? I think you'd love this new look I've been working on. See what I did there. By directing the conversation in a positive way, you can steer clear of the political minefield while keeping things professional.

Speaker 1: 8:42

Finally, let's talk about self-regulation. As a stylist, you're in a people-facing job that can sometimes be emotionally draining, dealing with. Heated conversations political or not, can take a toll on your mental health. That's why it's so important to practice self-care. If you're feeling stressed after a tough day, take a few minutes to decompress. After your shift, this could mean stepping outside for fresh air, grabbing a calming tea or even doing some deep breathing exercises. Keeping yourself calm and grounded will help you handle future conversations with ease. When you prioritize your own well-being, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with the job, including those difficult conversations. So there you have it seven practical tips for handling political conversations in the salon without losing your cool or your clients.

Speaker 1: 9:42

The main takeaway here is to maintain the vibe of your space. As hairstylists, our job is to create a welcoming, positive environment for our clients. Whether that means setting boundaries, staying neutral or stepping away, it's all about protecting the atmosphere that keeps your clients coming back to you. Remember, it's not about avoiding the hard topics altogether, but knowing how to navigate them professionally and with care. So next time you find yourself in a tricky conversation, you'll know exactly how to handle it. And remember when you know better, you do better. Thanks for tuning in to All About Hair. Here's what I'd love for you to do next? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on your Instagram stories. Tag me at Denise Keilitz so I can see you're listening. Sharing helps more people discover the podcast and if you're really enjoying the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find us. Thanks again, I'm Denise Kylitz, and remember when you know better, you do better. See you next week.