Hot take: I think we should stop charging extra for a 'dry cut'

Last week in my chair in Austin, a new client asked for a dry cut and I charged my usual $10 upcharge. She got quiet and later posted a review saying it felt like a 'punishment fee'. Three years ago when I started, everyone in my salon did it, saying it's a special skill. But now I'm thinking, if we're good at cutting hair, shouldn't we be able to cut it dry or wet? The other side is that it does take more time and focus. Has anyone else dropped the extra charge and seen a difference in how clients feel?

3 comments

3 Comments

umar591mo ago

Ugh, that review sounds rough. My old boss made us charge extra too, saying it was a specialty. Honestly though, it just made clients feel nickel and dimed. I stopped doing it and people seem way happier now.

val9491mo ago

Actually, that's not quite how it works. A dry cut is a different service, not just the same cut done on dry hair. It's for a different shape and style.

johnson.faith1mo ago

Saw a stylist explain that on tiktok. They said wet hair stretches so cutting it wet can lead to surprises when it dries. A dry cut lets them work with your hair's natural texture and movement from the start.