Credit: @emilyrosepytel/TikTok
Hairdresser Lists Four Things She Can’t Stand Clients Doing In Brutally Honest Rant
A hairdresser has sparked a huge debate online after sharing the four things clients do that instantly give her the ick while they’re sitting in her chair.
For many people, a trip to the salon is one of life‘s little luxuries.
Some see it as a chance to unwind, enjoy a coffee, and chat with their stylist while leaving with freshly cut or colored hair.
Others find the whole experience nerve-racking, worrying they’ll say the wrong thing, move at the wrong moment, or somehow annoy the person holding the scissors.
Now, one TikTok creator has revealed that there are, in fact, a handful of client habits that hairdressers secretly can’t stand, and her brutally honest list has left the internet completely divided.
While some viewers praised her for saying what salon professionals have apparently been thinking for years, others admitted the video had given them entirely new anxieties about booking their next appointment.
Her ‘salon icks’ immediately went viral
Cosmetologist Emily Pytel, who regularly shares behind-the-scenes salon content on TikTok as @emilyrosepytel, uploaded a video listing her biggest customer ‘icks.’
The clip quickly racked up millions of views, with thousands of people rushing to the comments to debate whether her complaints were reasonable.
The stylist later told Daily Blast Live that she never expected such a strong reaction.
“Some people took it the wrong way,” she explained. “I love what I do.”
But while Emily insisted the video was intended as lighthearted humor, many viewers confessed it had made them feel self-conscious.
“Not going to lie, this gave me more anxieties and insecurities around going to a salon,” one person wrote. “I am always worried they are judging me.”
Another admitted: “This is why I color my own hair. I don’t want to get judged for doing something wrong.”
So, what exactly made the list?
Arriving with dirty hair
Perhaps Emily’s most controversial opinion centered around clients turning up for appointments without washing their hair.
“When a client comes to me with super dirty hair… just no,” she said.
She explained that aside from stylists simply not wanting to handle excessively greasy hair, it can also affect the final results.
“We don’t want to touch your dirty hair, but it’s also not good for your color. It doesn’t take as well.”
The comment immediately divided viewers because many people have spent years being told the exact opposite.
Some believed hair should always be slightly dirty before a coloring appointment because natural oils supposedly protect the scalp during bleaching or coloring.
One confused viewer commented: “I was always told to get your hair colored with dirty hair.”
Others said their own stylists had advised washing it the day before.
“Day-old hair is only for styling,” one person wrote. “Otherwise come with it clean.”
In reality, many professional salons recommend arriving with hair that’s relatively clean but not freshly scrubbed immediately beforehand, although advice often varies depending on the treatment being performed.
Looking your stylist in the eyes during shampooing
Emily’s second salon ‘ick’ was far simpler – eye contact.
Specifically, making direct eye contact with your stylist while they’re washing your hair.
“Don’t do that,” she laughed. “It is awkward for everybody. Just close your eyes.”
The surprisingly relatable confession prompted countless comments from both stylists and customers.
Some admitted they’d never even considered where they were supposed to look during the shampoo stage of an appointment.
Others confessed they’d spent years deliberately staring at the ceiling to avoid accidentally making prolonged eye contact.
Turning up late – with a coffee
Emily’s third complaint wasn’t necessarily about lateness itself.
It was what sometimes accompanied it.
“When you show up late but you have a coffee in your hand and don’t have one for us,” she joked. “We love coffee too and we need the caffeine to do your hair.”
While the comment was clearly intended humorously, it became one of the video’s most debated moments.
Many viewers laughed and admitted they’d happily buy their stylist a coffee if asked.
Others felt clients shouldn’t feel responsible for providing refreshments.
“I’m not bringing coffee for someone I don’t know,” one viewer replied.
Another agreed: “Get your own coffee, but I get it is annoying when people are late.”
Salon professionals responding to the video generally agreed that punctuality matters far more than caffeine, explaining that running late can throw off an entire day’s appointments.
Constantly turning your head
Emily’s final ‘ick’ involved something many clients probably don’t even realize they’re doing.
“When you are in our chair and we turn our chair and the head looks back at the mirror,” she said.
“Please don’t do that because there is a reason we are turning your chair.”
Stylists often rotate chairs to achieve better angles while cutting or coloring hair.
When clients instinctively twist their necks to keep looking in the mirror, it can make precision work significantly harder.
Professional hairstylists in the comments backed Emily up, with several saying it happens ‘all the time.’
The internet couldn’t agree
Although Emily’s original TikTok was intended as a humorous glimpse into salon life, it quickly evolved into a wider discussion about customer etiquette.
Many hairdressers shared their own experiences, revealing similar frustrations they’d never usually say to clients.
Others thanked Emily for highlighting salon habits that customers simply don’t realize can make appointments more difficult.
However, plenty of viewers felt the video might unintentionally make nervous clients even more anxious.
Some said salon visits already feel intimidating enough without worrying they’re accidentally breaking unwritten rules.
Following the backlash, Emily reiterated that she wasn’t trying to shame anyone.
Speaking to Daily Blast Live, she stressed that she genuinely enjoys her work and loves her clients, explaining that the video was simply meant as relatable industry humor rather than a serious criticism of customers.
The discussion has continued well beyond the original upload, with Emily’s list still regularly resurfacing across social media as both hairstylists and clients weigh in on what proper salon etiquette should look like.
@dailyblastlive Emily Pytel (@emilyrosepytel), a hairstylist from Chicago, came on DBL Thursday to explain the ‘icks’ she shared when it comes to customers. Earlier this week we shared her ‘TikTok video that went viral over the four things she can’t stand when it comes to clients. One of those ‘icks’ was when clients show up with dirty hair. Heres why she said this. #hairstyle #hairstylist #tiktok #annoying #annoyed #annoyance #hairdresser #dirtyhair #chicago ♬ original sound – DBL
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