We have all been there… saying “yes” to something, only to later realize we should have said “no.”
In the beauty industry, it has become increasingly common for stylists to require guests to sign photo release forms, digital consent agreements, and policy acknowledgments before their appointment even begins.
These documents often exist for understandable reasons, but the photo release has always been one I refuse to adopt.
While I absolutely value the role photography plays in showcasing transformations and artistry to grow a stylists business, I have decided it is best to have a "no" Photo release forms policy and do not require guests to sign a photo release form.
This choice is rooted in something deeper than marketing. It is rooted in trust, comfort, and relationship.
I was reminded why this matters during a recent guest transformation journey from black box dye to a level 7 cool natural blonde. If you are familiar with color corrections, you know they are neither quick nor simple, and this guest and I spent many hours together working toward her goal.
As someone who experiences significant anxiety, she had found comfort in my studio space and in our previous time together. The hours were filled with conversation, laughter, comfortable silences, and celebration of each milestone along the way.
When we finally reached her color goal, we were both thrilled with the result. As often happens during a transformation reveal, we documented her hair with photos to capture the process and celebrate the outcome.
With her permission, I shared those images on social media.
The following day, through considerable anxiety and fear of confrontation, she reached out and asked me to remove the post.
Thankfully, we had already established a relationship grounded in trust. She believed that I cared more about her well-being than I did about keeping a post online.
She was right.
The photos were removed immediately, without question. She later shared that although she had initially been excited about the photos, knowing they were “out in the ether” left her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Moments like this are exactly why I hold to a "no" Photo release forms policy. I never want someone to feel obligated, pressured, or locked into a decision that no longer feels safe or comfortable for them.
A signed document can protect a business, but at the heart of my business is human connection.
Hair services are rarely just about hair. Hairstyles carry identity, confidence, healing, and personal history. I do not take it lightly when I am trusted to be part of that space.
If you ever sit in my chair and choose to allow photos, please know this will always be true:
You remain in control of your image and your story.
Photography will always be optional in my chair. When guests agree to photos, it is because they feel excited and comfortable sharing their transformation story. If that comfort ever changes, they are always allowed to change their mind. No guilt. No awkwardness. No explanation required, because caring for the person behind the transformation will always matter more than sharing the transformation itself.
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