Maximize impact with this essential truth: if you work long enough behind the chair, in the waxing room, or at the nail station, you will find something in a client’s hair that makes you pause, blink, and think, “Well, I did not have ‘extracting a LEGO® from a scalp’ on my cosmetology school bingo card.” We’ve collected some of the most memorable, hilarious, and occasionally concerning items our community of pros has discovered. This isn’t just for laughs – it’s a masterclass in maintaining your professionalism, ensuring client comfort, and protecting your salon’s hygiene when faced with the unexpected. From the gritty to the downright puzzling, here are seven of the wildest things found in hair and the pro-tips for handling them without missing a beat.
The stories we share come straight from the trenches of salons, spas, and barbershops nationwide. They remind us that our job is equal parts artistry, therapy, and sometimes, archaeology. While we navigate these surprises, having the right tools and supplies on hand is what separates a flustered moment from a flawless recovery.
1. Sand, Glitter, and the “Just Back from Vacation” Special
This is the classic. You run your fingers through a client’s hair and feel the distinct, gritty texture of sand. Or you see the tell-tale sparkle of craft glitter that has somehow migrated from a child’s art project to a grown adult’s roots. Vacation debris is common, but it can be abrasive to your tools and a nuisance to clean up.
The Pro Move: Always start with a thorough pre-wash brush-out using a durable professional detangling brush. For stubborn sand, a pre-treatment spray can help loosen particles. Keep a powerful salon vacuum handy for quick cleanup at your station to prevent glitter from becoming a permanent (and sparkly) part of your workspace.
2. The Mystery of the Miniature Toy Car (or Action Figure)
Yes, this really happens. Stylists report finding everything from Hot Wheels® cars wedged at the crown to small plastic dinosaurs nestled behind an ear. Usually, this is the handiwork of a client’s young child who thought mommy’s hair made a perfect garage. The challenge is removal without causing discomfort or breaking the toy.
The Pro Move: Patience and lubrication are key. Apply a generous amount of conditioning oil or detangling serum to the surrounding hair to create slip. Using a fine-tooth comb or even a tail comb, gently work to loosen the object. If it’s truly stuck, don’t force it – carefully cutting the few hairs trapping it is better than pulling the client’s scalp. This is where a steady hand and a great pair of professional shears are worth their weight in gold.
3. “Is That... Gum?” The Sticky Situation
Perhaps the most dreaded discovery. Gum entangled in hair is a sticky, tense predicament that can make a client feel deeply embarrassed. Your reaction sets the tone.
The Pro Move: First, assure your client it’s no big deal and you’ve got this. Do not use water or heat, as these can make it worse. The classic trick is to use an ice cube to harden the gum, making it easier to break apart and peel away. For a more modern solution, many stylists swear by applying a small amount of oil-based remover or even a dab of creamy hard wax (cooled, of course) to the gum; the oil breaks down the adhesives, allowing you to slide it out. Follow with a clarifying shampoo.
4. Craft Supplies: Glue, Crayon Wax, and Play-Doh®
Parents and creative professionals, we salute you. But sometimes, your hobbies come with you. Non-toxic glue, crayon marks, or dried modeling clay can create weird textures and stains in the hair.
The Pro Move: For wax-based substances like crayons, the ice cube trick works again. For dried glue or clay, saturating the area with a hot oil treatment can soften it for gentle removal. Always follow up with a deep-cleansing shampoo. Having a versatile cleaner and disinfectant at your station is crucial for cleaning your tools after these encounters.
5. The “I Forgot It Was There” Hair Accessory
This one is more common than you’d think. A client comes in for a color service, and as you section the hair, you find a small, clear elastic band, a bobby pin, or a hair clip that has been completely forgotten and grown over. Sometimes, it’s even a thread from a hat.
The Pro Move: Gently clip away the hair above the object to isolate it. Using pointed tweezers from your spa tools kit, carefully snip the accessory and remove it piece by piece. Communicate with your client throughout—they’ll likely be amused by the discovery!
6. Nature’s Souvenirs: Twigs, Leaves, and Burrs
For the adventurous client who loves hiking or gardening, bits of the great outdoors can become part of their hairstyle. These are usually easy to see but can be tricky if they’re tangled.
The Pro Move: A careful visual inspection and manual removal before any washing is best. For stubborn burrs, work a generous amount of conditioner into the area to provide slip and gently untangle. A wide-tooth comb is your best friend here. This process underscores the importance of a comfortable shampoo chair where the client can recline fully for your inspection.
7. The Unidentifiable Clump: A Lesson in Discretion
Sometimes, you encounter something you simply cannot and do not want to identify. It’s matted, it’s mysterious, and your only goal is to remove it hygienically and with zero commentary.
The Pro Move: This is the ultimate test of your professional poker face. Do not react, do not ask questions. Simply put on a fresh pair of nitrile gloves, gently isolate the section, and remove it with your tools directly into a disposable waste bag. Sanitize your tools and station immediately afterwards. Your discretion will earn your client’s eternal gratitude and trust.
Building Your Salon’s “Surprise Protocol”
Being prepared turns a potentially awkward or unhygienic situation into a demonstration of supreme capability. Here’s how to build your protocol:
1. The Hygiene Toolkit: Every station should have a kit containing single-use gloves, sanitizing wipes, a dedicated pair of removal tweezers, small snipping scissors, and disposable apron. We recommend a UV sterilizer for tools for ultimate client reassurance.
2. Communication is Key: Develop a kind, non-judgmental script. “Oh, look what we’ve found here! No worries at all, I can have that out in just a moment.” A light, humorous tone can dissolve embarrassment.
3. Post-Removal Care: After removing a foreign object, the hair and scalp may need attention. A soothing scalp treatment or a moisturizing hair mask can be a wonderful way to reset the experience on a positive, pampering note.
4. Manage Your Environment: If clients occasionally bring young children who may be the source of some of these surprises, having a clear, compassionate policy is wise. For tips on this, see our blog on managing clients who bring children.
At the end of the day, these stories bond us as professionals. They’re the tales we tell after hours that highlight the weird, wonderful, and deeply human nature of our work. By being prepared with the right products—from pre-wax cleansers to hospital-grade disinfectants—you can handle anything from sand to small toys with grace, humor, and impeccable skill. Now, go check that client’s hair for straggler LEGO® bricks. You never know!
.%207%20Unbelievable%20Items%20and%20How%20to%20Handle%20Them%20Like%20a%20Pro){kind=link}