Over the years, there have been a few gray-hair inducing moments when

I realized why sleep schedules matter.  Many people are not sleeping enough.  Their schedules are intense and this is resulting in them often feeling tired and falling asleep while in the chair!

Age is not a great factor  in who exhibits this behavior.   It’s mostly people working to pay bills and make a

life that make up this demographic.  They work shifts and usually hold multiple jobs to provide for their families.  It should, therefore, not come as a surprise that they need more rest.

These are some of the reasons why sleep schedules matter:

• Clients who are waiting for a process to complete and nod off.  You have to be strategic and not wait until exactly the time to wake them or you will greatly exceed the timing and run the risk of the hair being over processed. 
• While braiding, using a hot iron or cutting the hair, the clients nod off.  You are not aware and suddenly the head snaps back – narrowly missing a crisis.
• The client comes in early and while waiting in the reception area starts snoring.  
• A client calls at the time of their appointment and says they are not well but you can tell they just woke up.  Perfectly human thing that happens but some will make up elaborate stories – I am happy to know early so I can try to fill the empty spot fyi. 
• Your first or last client sits down and falls asleep.  They are so exhausted you let them because you have the time.

Ideally, you want your appointments going on time but there will always be days where people have challenges figuring out why sleep schedules matter.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head” & “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest”.