I cannot understand this at all. Like the other commenters why would you be there if you weren't ok with a hairdresser touching your hair?!

I would think it so weird if my hairdresser asked if they could touch my hair. Like, that's what I'm here for?? Also, just to understand: Pronouns are for talking ABOUT people, not to them. So to talk to my client I don't need their pronouns?

There are times as a ski instructor when I may be able to demonstrate something better by touching someone, and others where a helping hand to a part of the body other then their hands may be good, to help somebody stand up after a fall for instance and of course one would always ask permission, or in a more urgent case simply say what you're going to do (I'm moving your leg to help release the ski, to stop you screaming in agony). It's a physical activity and sometimes the touching may be needed in the most inappropriate of places so it's essential that they understand. On the other hand I wouldn't normally ask permission to take their hand, or even their elbow, at times. It's all about what is accepted as normal without needing to be stated, boundaries depend on circumstances. But a hairdresser? Naah, it's implicit. Unless they're touching somewhere other than the clients scalp, of course...

Well meant but maybe a bit much. I think it’s safe to assume touching my hair is okay if I am there for a cut. The pronoun thing, eh, nice to know so I don’t screw up.

Perfect example of someone who writes for BP having the inability to fully watch or read something. It's a skit. She wasn't legitimately asking.

Total set up by the super sensitive embies who need validation by their suck up followers. I mean, seriously...🙄

The hair touching is a bit unnecessary. Also, the hairdresser should ask if the client wants to chat/have a quiet session.

No, I came here so you can look at my hair, not touch it. Obviously

Pronoun exchange. Fine. But asking to touch someone? While getting their hair done? Weird. Just say "hey I'm going to touch your hair now" if you really feel the need to but if they're not okay w/ it then why are they there? Wtf

it's a conversation between two random people, why do you guys care so much?

Oof the number of commenters in here who absolutely cannot fathom how different people can have different preferences and are friggin offended at the idea that a sensitive stylist might be helpful to some. I personally would LOVE this. I am a cis woman of a certain age but when i go to the stylist (RARE, I cut my own hair most of the time because I am very shy and get anxious) this would be so amazing. Having the stylist take the lead and really dive in to expectations would be SO helpful. As to the people who are like "if you make an appointment that is consent" how very wrong you are. Sitting in a chair and having a stylist just grab a hunk of my hair and start fiddling would be SO startling. I interpret that as "can I touch your hair at this moment" which is like giving a lil warning that you're going in there. Like when I go for a vax I expect to get stabbed but I am so appreciative when the tech does the alcohol swab bit and says "ok ready?" before actually doing the stabby bit.

I think the implied consent was still there. However, some people (maybe trauma, maybe neurodivergent, maybe something else) need to know when the touching shall begin. One could say, “Okay, I’m going to start now,” but that’s using one’s agency to tell another what they’re going do to them. If you’re already going to clarify when contact will begin, why not allow the other person’s agency to determine that? Hence, “Is it ok if I *begin* (the concept was precisely implied so no need to ask “if” ask “when”) to cut your hair?” I imagine this could be exhausting on both ends, especially given the implication by the very nature. Yet, when there is consideration it may be beneficial, just ask. Now on the flip side, how would a surgeon use the patient’s agency to commence touching??? Asking for consent when it’s already implied is nuanced; not a strict practice.