01 Trying to Find A ‘Good’ One That’s Nearby

For some of us, gentrification* is pushing out the local beauty supply owners and putting the larger chain brands in their place, making it difficult to find a dependable one. And when you do find a ‘good’ one, it’s often nowhere near your house and requires you making a long trip. Oh, the struggle!

* Gentrification: the process in which capital and higher-income residents move into traditionally local neighborhoods, often displacing long-standing residents and small businesses.

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Customers want a store close to home—one that reflects the taste and sensibility of people like themselves and feels easy to communicate with. A beauty supply store should naturally embody the character and preferences of its neighborhood.

 02 Buying Random Things to Meet the Credit Card Minimum

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to pay for a random $3 beauty item with a credit card, only to realize the minimum is $5. That’s when you throw in random (cheap) things, like eyebrow razors and lip gloss, so you can swipe.

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While minimum card purchases are tied to processing fees, they can feel inconvenient to customers. Bundling low-priced essentials or offering a small cash-payment perk can ease friction at checkout.

03 Picking Up Knockoff Slippers for Errand Runs

 These designers have lost their minds charging thousands of dollars for a pair of slippers you know good and well cost $5 at the beauty supply. Not only are they late on the trend, but they’re also pretty disrespectful for that up-charge. It’s cool though; the beauty supply will keep you on “trend” for the low.

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 A beauty supply store should be both practical and trend-aware—offering items that deliver “that look for this price.” Curating affordable trend-driven products is key.

04 Sneaking Selfies in The Wig Section

 Sometimes, the sign says, “NO PHOTOS,” but do they really believe you’re going to go in and try on a bunch of wigs and NOT take pictures to send to your friends? Or that you’re NOT going to take pictures of different hair, then go home and do research before making a commitment? How else would you know which one to get?

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Photo restrictions often exist to protect brands or prevent resale issues. Still, since comparison and sharing are natural steps in the purchase journey, stores may benefit from thinking about how to guide—rather than outright block—this behavior.

05 Not Knowing How Many Hair Packs You’ll Need

For some styles, you may only need one pack of hair and for others you may need 2 or 3. Sometimes, how much hair you need also depends on the brand, thickness of the wefts and so much more. Since the beauty supply store usually has a strict ‘no returns’ policy, you don’t want to buy more than you need, but at the same time you don’t want to make the trip back for more.

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 While exact guidance can be difficult, sharing commonly used benchmarks—based on length or style—or referencing popular tutorials can help customers feel more confident in their purchase.

06 Having to Double Check Your Receipt

Sometimes, it seems like they’re just typing numbers into computer. Did she even look at the price tag? They can’t possibly remember the price of every item in the store.  Are they charging you whatever they feel like? No, no, no. That’s when you have to do a quick sweep and compare the prices you were charged to what the sticker or sign says.

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Receipts showing only prices can unintentionally invite doubt. Including item names or briefly confirming the total can reduce unnecessary suspicion and discomfort.

07 Making It Before They Close

This especially sucks when you’re running last minute errands, leaving work late or rushing for a hair appointment on the same day. Nooooooo!

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 Consistent opening and closing times—and making sure they’re accurate on Google—are essential, as this is often the first-place customers check.

08 Having To Ask Employees to Unlock Items

 We get that they’re trying to prevent theft and all but having to ask employees to unlock seemingly basic things like edge control, faux buns and hot combs is pretty annoying; especially when you’re ready to check out.

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Locked displays may be unavoidable, but minimizing disruption is key. Call buttons, thoughtful staff placement, and a calm, pressure-free attitude—even when a purchase doesn’t follow—make a difference.

09 You’re Not Too Sure Which Color You Need

Hair color is tricky. Whether you’re not sure which box dye color will be exactly what you’re looking for, or which color number extension you’re going to need, trying to find the perfect hue can be a real struggle. We’ve all spent plenty of time in the aisle going back and forth about which one would be perfect.

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Rather than recommending specific shades, offering color samples or simple tools near mirrors—like basic personal color guides—can help customers decide more comfortably.

 10 Discovering New Makeup and Hair Products

Despite the many struggles, it’s still exciting to discover new products that actually work. Don’t sleep on the eyeshadow palettes, lip sticks and false lashes available in the aisles. They’re also available at a more affordable price, compared to those found at the department store.

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Being a place where customers can casually browse and discover “gem-like” items at accessible prices is a strength retailers should confidently embrace—and a unique pleasure only offline stores can provide.