Neck Strip and Hair Cutting Cape

Hair salon client wearing a cutting cape and neck strip — Photo: Bigstock

Q: Some hairdressers put a white strip around my neck before caping me, and others don’t. Why is there a difference? Why do some hairdressers only use a cape without the strip?

A: This is usually something that depends on personal taste on the part of the stylist, as well as where you have your hair cut. These neck strips are actually required in the salons of some states due to hygiene reasons.

Then again, in most of the salons that I have worked, the stylists prefer to cover the neck and shoulders with a clean and thick towel before putting over the cape. A new towel is used for each client, and each towel is washed after a single use. You’ll be surprised at how many towels are used by even a small salon every day. The washing of a salon is a huge task.

Anyway, the purpose of the white strip is to the hair that falls to the ground after it is cut to get into your collar and clothes. It also absorbs perspiration of the neck and even water drops that drip down from your wet hair. The reason that I don’t like using theses strips is because I find it really inadequate to catch all the hair and moisture that falls/drips down.

I find that using a thick and fluffy towel works much better and is more comfortable for both the stylist and the client. The towel is tucked into the collar of the client, making it almost impossible for stray hair to get into the shirt or top that the client is wearing.

The material of the towel is also super absorbent, meaning that any moisture from the wet hair or even perspiration from the neck is immediately and effectively absorbed much better than the strip. Then again, this is really my personal opinion and the technique that I have been trained in from the beginning. It’s just the way that I prefer to conduct my preparation process before actually starting the cut or color. Other stylists will of course prefer their own ways.

If you prefer having the stylist use the neck strip technique, you should pick your favorite stylist that prefers this way and stick to him or her. You can also give them a compliment concerning their usage of the strip to ensure that they use a white strip when cutting your hair in the future. Not only will this make you more comfortable when you’re having your hair done at the salon, but it will also be a pat on the shoulder for the stylist.

Hairdressers tend to have a very interesting fusion of perfectionistic and creative talents when it comes to their profession, and it’s always cool when a client picks up on the little things that make a big difference.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Hair cutting capes

How to remove a salon cape

How to avoid the itch after a haircut