how to pass the time at the hair salon

Do you visit the hair salon regularly?

I haven’t been to one in more than a year now (gasp!). It’s not that I’m too lazy to go, I just haven’t found a salon I really like. Either the hair stylist’s skills didn’t impress me or the atmosphere at their salon was so standoffish. You know what I mean, right?

But the main reason is another: I get bored easily. Having your hair cut, dyed or whatever can take a couple of hours. Just the thought of being in there for so long is enough to make me feel really stressed…

That got me thinking… What could I do to make a trip to the salon the relaxing and pampering experience it should be? Here’s what I came up with and how I plan to pass the time at my next salon trip (yes, it’s all booked):

1. Read

I’ve always been an avid reader, but as I get older, I seem to have less and less time for books. These days, I mostly read on weekends, but somehow, that doesn’t seem to be enough to put a dent in the massive pile of books on my desk… or the ones stacked on my nightstand… or the ones that keep magically appearing in my Amazon cart.

So, I’ve started bringing a book everywhere… doctor’s appointments, flights, train rides, you name it. Why not the hair salon too? I know they have magazines, but unless I suddenly develop a deep interest in celebrity breakups or the latesttrend in eyebrow shaping (spoiler alert: it’s always “bushy but sculpted”), I’d rather lose myself in a good book.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to haul a giant hardcover around, download an audiobook or an e-book. That way, you can still enjoy your story even if your hands are occupied or covered in foils.

Related: Why I Don’t Read Women’s Magazines Anymore

2. Do Crossword Puzzles (Or Other Brain Games)

If reading isn’t your thing, no worries. There are plenty of other ways to keep your brain entertained while your stylist works their magic.

Crossword puzzles are a classic choice. My sister and mum are obsessed with them, and I enjoy doing them too sometimes. They’re fun, plus they make you feel smart. Who doesn’t love that moment when you finally crack a tricky clue and get a little mental fist-pump of victory?

If crosswords aren’t your thing, try Sudoku, word searches, or even brain-training apps. You’ll be working your brain and killing time. Two birds, one stone.

3. Sleep

Okay, hear me out: I personally can’t do this. I wish I could, but I just cannot sleep outside my bedroom. Planes? Nope. Trains? Not a chance. Buses? Absolutely not. But if you can, a hair salon nap is actually a genius idea.

You’re already in a reclining chair, you’re not expected to do anything, and if you have a long appointment (coloring, treatments, extensions), there are definite stretches of downtime where you could just… close your eyes and drift off for a bit.

Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend falling into a deep sleep (imagine waking up to a pixie cut when you only wanted a trim – yikes), but a little light dozing? Yes, please. Plus, I’ve read that those short “power naps” can actually make you feel more refreshed than a long, groggy sleep session.

The key here is trusting your stylist. If you’re at a new place or still figuring out if they understand your hair, maybe keep one eye open.

4. Gossip

Some people are naturally chatty and love to swap stories with their hairstylist. They’ll sit down and, within five minutes, be deep into a convo about their love life, their coworker’s latest drama, or their upcoming vacation.

Me? Not so much. I change salons so often that I never really know my stylist well enough to spill my life story. And while I wish I had that effortless “gift of the gab” that some people have, I don’t.

But if you do, lucky you! Chatting with your stylist can make the appointment way more fun. They probably have wild stories from other clients (though they might not be able to spill the tea too much, depending on how professional they are). Still, light conversation can be a great distraction from the endless mirror-staring.

5. Plan Your Day/Week/Month

One thing I recently started doing at appointments? Using the time to think.

We’re all so busy, running around with to-do lists a mile long, that sometimes we don’t get a chance to just sit and process.

A salon visit is actually the perfect time to:

  • Mentally organize your upcoming week
  • Brainstorm ideas for a project or hobby
  • Write (or voice record) notes for a blog post or content (guilty!)
  • Make a mental shopping list for dinner
  • Reflect on life stuff (deep, I know)

If you bring a notebook (or just use your phone), you can even jot things down so you don’t forget your brilliant mid-haircut epiphanies.

6. Treat Yourself

  • Why not lean into the self-care vibe and make your appointment feel extra luxurious?
  • Bring a fancy coffee or smoothie with you. (Some salons offer drinks, but if yours doesn’t, BYO!)
    Wear comfy clothes so you feel cozy during your appointment.
    Bring a nice-smelling hand cream or cuticle oil and give yourself a mini spa moment.
    If your salon allows it, pop in your earbuds and listen to a chill playlist or a podcast.

If you’re going to spend hours in a salon chair, might as well enjoy it, right?

The Bottom Line

I know a salon visit can feel like a drag sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. If you go in with a plan – whether it’s catching up on a book, working your brain with puzzles, taking a power nap, or just treating it as a self-care break – it can actually become something you look forward to rather than dread. Now, I just have to find a salon I actually like…

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.