Visiting the hairdresser should ideally be a simple task, but there are so many considerations that it often becomes a nerve-wracking experience.

From the neck strain during shampoo and conditioner treatments, to the fear of ending up with a bob instead of a trim, and the claustrophobic feeling of the capes, it can be overwhelming.

Having someone so close to your hair can make you anxious - and it turns out there's a common practice they follow when examining your head.

On Reddit, a user shared: "I'm a hairdresser, currently not working due to some health issues.

"I miss working with hair and find myself quite bored at home. Feel free to ask me any questions, and I'll try my best to assist.

"I also have a solid understanding of cosmetic chemistry since I'm a bit of a nerd. All inquiries are welcome!"

Going to the salon can be a stressful experience (Getty Stock Image)

Naturally, it wasn't long before the comments started pouring in, as we can't help but be curious, especially about the mysteries of the salon.

Someone asked: "How often do you assess the condition of your clients' hair and scalp and recommend changes to their haircare routines, diet, or lifestyle habits?

"Also, what major changes do you suggest, like switching shampoos and conditioners, or adding/removing products such as a deep conditioning mask or a styling product like leave-in conditioner or hair gel?"

The anonymous hairdresser replied: "Every time I see someone, I evaluate [their] hair condition.

"In my experience, styling is what causes the most damage (besides chemical treatments), so I ensure my clients use heat protectants or leave-in conditioners and handle their hair gently.

"I don't address diet or lifestyle. I'm not a doctor, so that's outside my expertise. However, with older clients, I do check their scalps for new or unusual moles since I'm often the only one examining their scalp closely."

So, it's not all negative.

Elsewhere, someone inquired: "Why is it that when you buy the same products your hairdresser uses and apply them in the same way, your hair never looks as good as when a professional does it?

"Is there a technique that hairdressers don't share with their clients? Do they secretly mix products together?"

The hairdresser explained: "Practice. We use these products frequently and on many different types of hair. Blowouts are genuinely challenging to do on yourself.

"I can't give myself a blowout, but I can do them all day on others.

"Next time you visit the hairdresser, don't hesitate to ask them to guide you through their process.

"Sometimes we forget to explain what we're doing when it becomes routine. Also, observe the quantity they use."

There you have it.