Have you ever left a hair salon in tears, because you got a hairdo that just wasn’t you? Getting a great cut is all about preparation and communication. Follow these handy tips to make sure you’ll be smiling on your next salon exit.
1. Go to a Pro
Junior stylists and hair school students will give you a cheaper cut, for sure. But cheap comes at a price younger stylists can be inexperienced. If you just need a trim, that’s probably not a big deal. But when you want a new style, or are making a bold move like going short, you’ll want to entrust your hair only to a seasoned professional. You don’t have to go to the most senior (read high-priced) cutter in the salon. You should look for someone with at least a few years of snipping experience.
2. Picture It
Stylists are visual peeps, so help them visualize your dream ‘do! Bring pictures of hairstyles or colors that you like. This is the best way to show the stylist exactly what you want the end result to be. But be realistic—don’t bring in a picture of Hilary Duff, when you’re a brunette with natural curls. Try to find styles that work with your natural hair texture or that you can style yourself without a huge effort.
3. Be Positive
Telling a stylist what you want is helpful. However, most stylists say that launching into a laundry list of what you hate will just make them annoyed. Never complain about your last hairdresser, either—that’s just rude. Instead, focus on the positive by telling the stylist what you like, or what you’re looking to improve.
For instance, “I’d like to grow out my bangs and make them blend better into the rest of my hair” is a lot more helpful than just saying, “I hate my bangs.”
If you’re not happy with your current hair, but you’re not sure about what you want, ask the stylist for suggestions. A good stylist will consider your hair’s natural texture and condition and recommend a cute and manageable style.
4. Show and Tell
To avoid miscommunication (and hair disasters), it’s important to be very clear when you’re talking about your hair. Don’t talk in terms of measurement (“Take half an inch off my bangs”) or give vague instructions (“I want it a bit shorter” or “I want long layers”). If you don’t have a picture, use your hands to show exactly where you want the length to be. For example, if you want your hair, cut to your shoulders, pull your hair up to that exact point. Make it crystal clear so your hairdresser won’t misinterpret what you want.
5. Be Honest
There’s no point in fibbing when you’re in the salon. Your stylist needs to know your daily grooming habits to analyze your hair’s condition, and figure out the best cut (and color) for you. So if you flatiron every day, don’t lie and say you only heat style once a week. Think of your hairdresser as a hair therapist—to treat you right and send you out feeling great, they need the real deals.
6. Don’t Be a Doormat
If your stylist isn’t listening to you, or you don’t like their suggestions, it’s your right to walk away. Just politely say that you’d like to think about it, or you’re not quite ready to make the change after all. Then hit the road. When it comes to your hair, as with so much else in life, it’s smart to follow your instincts.
7. Pay Attention
The salon may have great magazines, but don’t get lost in them while your hair is being cut. Turn your cell phone off too—you need to be alert! All it takes is a few snips to take your hair from fabulous to frumpy, so watch in the mirror while your stylist is working, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or make comments. After all, you’re the one who has to live with the haircut, not them.
8. Be Truthful
When the stylist is finished cutting and styling your hair, take a good look. If there’s anything that stands out as a problem—such as still-too-long bangs—speak up immediately. Hairdressers are used to doing last-minute fix-ups before clients leave the salon. Once you leave, it’s harder (not to mention a pain) to have to return to get something changed.
Filed under: Hair Care by Don
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