Are You Being Fake or Just Really Good at Your Job?

Have you ever sat in another stylist’s chair, or even been at a coffee shop, and caught yourself wondering, “Are they really this nice, or is this all just an act?” It’s a totally valid thought—and one that gets thrown around a lot, especially in the beauty industry. The truth is, it’s not as black-and-white as “fake” or “real.” Let’s dig into this, Hair Nerd to Hair Nerd.

Is It Fake If It’s Your Job?

Here’s the thing: being good at customer service doesn’t mean someone is pretending to like someone else. Sure, stylists are trained to keep things upbeat and make people feel good about themselves—that’s part of the gig. But that doesn’t mean they’re not genuine about it. Complimenting a clients haircut goals or asking how everyone’s week has been? That’s less about faking it and more about creating a moment where people are the center of attention.

It’s like when you’re hosting friends at your place. Maybe you’re exhausted from work, but you still light a candle, put on a playlist, and bring your A-game to make everyone feel welcome. Are you being fake? Nah. You’re just showing up with the best vibes you’ve got in that moment. Same thing for stylists.

The Professionalism Balance

Here’s the thing about professionalism in our world: it’s not black and white. What’s considered professional isn’t some hard-and-fast rule—it’s entirely dependent on the brand you’ve built, the vibe of your space, and the experience you’re crafting for your clients.

Maybe your salon leans edgy and casual, or maybe it’s more polished and luxe. Whatever the case, your level of professionalism has to match the tone of the environment you’ve created. But here’s where it gets tricky: professionalism doesn’t mean you’re emotionless or robotic. It just means understanding what your clients expect from you while still staying true to the brand’s vibe and culture.

If your brand is relaxed and fun, professionalism might look like cracking jokes and keeping the energy light. If your brand is more high-end, it might mean speaking with a calm tone and focusing on creating a luxury experience. Either way, the balance is about showing up with purpose and intention, not oversharing or letting personal distractions take over the service.

It’s a gray area, for sure. But the real secret is to stay consistent with your brand while making your client feel like the most important person in the room. That’s the kind of professionalism that sticks. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present and aligned with the environment you’ve worked so hard to create.

Here’s a tip:

Clients know when you’re not feeling it. The trick isn’t to force some fake personality—it’s to find a version of yourself that fits the moment. Maybe you’re feeling low-energy but can still be kind and attentive. Maybe you’re riding a caffeine high and channeling full-on cheerleader vibes. Whatever it is, just make sure the focus is on your client.

And boundaries? They’re your best friend. You don’t need to spill your guts to connect with someone. Being warm and professional doesn’t mean being everyone’s BFF.

So, are you being fake? Nah - probably not. Most of the time, we’re just hairdressers doing what they’re really good at: creating a moment that feels good for people. It’s not about faking a smile; it’s about choosing to show up as your best self, even when it’s hard.