I can’t count the number of times I’ve spent an entire hair appointment wondering if I’ve broken some unspoken rule of salon etiquette.

Here’s a small sample of my typical internal monologue:Oh God, am I making enough conversation? Is it rude if I start reading a magazine now? My coffee’s going cold but if I reach over to grab it, is that going to end in disaster?

The reassuring news is I’m not the only

neurotic

one out there.

The Glowteam came up with a comprehensive list of the awkward salon etiquette questions we’ve always wanted to ask, but never dared to, and took them to two Aussie hairdressers: ELEVEN Australia co-Creative Director and three-time Hairdresser of the Year Joey Scandizzo, and Togninis Premier Colourist David Martin. They didn’t hold back.

1. Talk to me.

Q:How much conversation do you generally expect from a client? Do you find it offensive if they don’t really want to chat?

Joey Scandizzo:“Not at all! I love being able to concentrate on what I’m doing, and I totally understand it’s a great time for my clients to chill out and read a magazine, which most people don’t get the luxury to do these days. As long as we have a good chat at the beginning and both of us know exactly what’s going on with the haircut or style, I am happy for the client to sit back and relax. I’m pretty sure they are happier when they see me focussed and not just there for a chat.”

David Martin:“It’s all about the client and their visit to the salon. Bottom line is: if a client requires some chat time or quiet time it’s their visit, and it should never be taken personally or as though the client is being rude. Sometimes it’s nice for the hairdresser, too.”

L-R: Joey Scandizzo and David Martin. (Images supplied)

2. The blow-dry issue.

Q:What about talking while blow-drying — should there just be a blanket 'no talking' rule?

Joey Scandizzo:"That rule would be awesome; you feel really bad when you can see your client's lips moving and you can't hear a thing they are saying. And it's not great for the clients sitting next to you to have two people yelling at each other over the noise of the dryer. The worst is when a client is in the middle of a big story, yelling over the dryer, and all of a sudden I stop the blow dryer and everyone hears them screaming."

David Martin:"This can be a challenge, especially if the client is softly-spoken or they are trying to talk about private matters. The best way to get around this is to learn to lip read in the mirror ... everyone wants to say, 'What? Speak up! I can’t hear you!' but no one does that. Instead, if we don’t hear something correctly we just smile, nod and say, 'Yes, absolutely' and hope for the best."

Watch: Mia Freedman's hairdresser Byron Turnbull explains how to get the haircut you want every single time. (Post continues after video.)

3. Eyes wide shut.

Q:During the hair washing, it's OK to lie there with closed eyes - right?

Joey Scandizzo:"I think that’s the best! It shows the hairdresser you are enjoying it, and I think you have more of a chance of getting a longer head massage if the stylist thinks you are relaxed and loving it. Plus, clients don’t realise how loud they sound when they chat at the basin as they are trying to talk over the sound of running water, plus everything echoes... it can be quite funny sometimes listening to people."

David Martin:"Clients are supposed to relax at this stage; it’s been described as 'the best bit' for a reason. Please feel free to close your eyes, relax and even have a snooze — this is actually a compliment. Trust me, if you want to freak out a hairdresser drop your head back, open your eyes and stare at them. Awkward."

4. Show me the money.

Q: Is it OK to ask what the price will be for each element of the appointment (eg. treatments, blow-dry) before you agree to getting anything? Do you ever think a customer is being stingy if they do so?

Joey Scandizzo:"I don’t think it is stingy at all; people have the right to know what they are paying for. I think the best way would be to ask what the total price is for your complete service and then maybe ask what exactly that includes."

David Martin:"Unless they're Beyoncé and can make it rain cash, most clients are on a budget or just like to know where their money goes. It’s never rude to ask for a breakdown. Clients need not be shy and nor should hairdressers; communication is the key. Let’s face it, everyone loves an expensive surprise — unless they’re the one paying for it."

5. A challenge.

Q:If a style/cut/colour doesn't come out how the customer wanted it to, can they challenge it? At what point of the process should they speak up?

Joey Scandizzo:"No service should start if both parties are not 100 per cent on the same page with what the outcome will be, especially if you're having a big change. A client should speak up at any stage they are feeling nervous about an element of their service, they certainly shouldn’t wait to the very end. If you have a million questions, go for it! It's your hair, and your stylist should want you to look your very best and they should always want to do their best work. You are walking advertisement for them."

David Martin: "Please speak up as soon as possible. The last thing a hairdresser wants is something going wrong or a client not happy. A client should never feel as though they can’t raise a concern or talk to the hairdresser about the end result." (Post continues after gallery.)

The best colour melting looks.