Let’s talk about that client—the one that made me question my entire career, my patience, and whether I needed a shot of tequila after the appointment. Every stylist has one (or several), and if you haven’t yet, trust me—it’s coming.

In Episode 114 of The 5-Minute Podcast, I spilled all the details about my worst client ever—the warning signs I ignored, the intrusive thoughts I had to push down, and how I kept it professional when all I wanted to do was pack up my tools and run. But here, we’re diving even deeper. If you’ve ever had to deal with a difficult client, this is for you.

🚩 The Red Flags I Ignored (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Looking back, the signs were all there. The energy was off from the beginning, but I brushed it off. Here’s what I should have paid more attention to:

✔ Too Many Questions Before Booking – Asking about policies is normal, but when a potential client is challenging every single policy before they even sit in your chair? That’s a red flag. If they’re already pushing boundaries, imagine what they’ll do once they get in your chair.

✔ The “Can You Just” Client – “Can you just fit me in?” “Can you just do it for this price?” “Can you just add [insert extra service] real quick?” If you hear too many of these, run. A client who doesn’t respect your time, pricing, or schedule will never be a good fit.

✔ Negative Energy & Past Complaints – If they start their consultation with “My last stylist didn’t know what they were doing,” don’t assume you’ll be the hero. Some people are just impossible to please.

✔ The Gut Feeling – Listen to your intuition. That off feeling is usually right.

🤯 Intrusive Thoughts vs. Professional Reality

Look, we’re human. When a difficult client is sitting in our chair, we all have intrusive thoughts. Mine ranged from:

• “I should stop mid-style and walk out.”

• “Would anyone notice if I ‘accidentally’ spilled this bowl of color?”

• “How fast can I get this done so I never have to see her again?”

But professionalism matters. No matter how badly you want to react, you have a brand, a reputation, and a business to protect. That doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you, but it does mean you handle things the right way.

🛑 How I Stayed in Control & Handled It the Right Way

If you’re dealing with a nightmare client, here’s how to take control of the situation without losing your cool:

1. Stick to Your Policies – Policies exist for a reason. If they challenge your cancellation, pricing, or service structure, kindly remind them that your business runs with set guidelines.

2. Set the Tone Early – If you let them get away with small things (like being 15 minutes late or talking down on your expertise), they’ll push for bigger things. Start strong with clear boundaries.

3. Keep Your Responses Short & Direct – When a client is being difficult, less is more. Instead of engaging in a back-and-forth, use neutral responses like:

• “I understand your concern, but I follow a structured pricing model.”

• “Unfortunately, I can’t accommodate that request today, but here’s what I can offer.”

• “Let’s focus on achieving the best result with what we discussed in the consultation.”

4. Know When to Fire a Client – Not every dollar is worth the stress. If a client is disrespectful, demanding, or impossible to please, it’s time to let them go professionally.

• Pro tip: Instead of engaging in an argument, say something like:
  “I don’t think I’m the right stylist for you, but I’d be happy to refer you to someone who might be a better fit.”

💡 Lesson Learned: Protect Your Peace

Difficult clients will always exist, but how you handle them will determine how much they impact you. The key? Set boundaries, trust your gut, and remember—you don’t have to take every client.

Want to hear the full story of my worst client ever and how I handled it? Tune into Episode 114 of The 5-Minute Podcast now:
🎧 Listen Here: https://youtube.com/@thestylistcorner?si=zVfB0aHEaLOhp5Qq

Stay booked, stay blessed, and stay far away from red-flag clients! 

Warm regards,

Danie Wilks

The 5-Minute Podcast Host and Mentoring Coach