Ask for the Haircut You Want

Getting your hair cut can cause anxiety and fear that you’ll end up with a style you don’t like. Explaining what haircut you want can ease the tension you may have over getting a trim or a new style altogether. But people often have different ways to say the same thing about a cut, so what you may think is an inch may not be to your stylist. You can ask for the haircut you want by envisioning what you want before your appointment and consulting with your stylist before you go ahead with the cut.

Steps

Envisioning Your Cut

  1. Gather inspiration in images. Look for or take pictures of similar hairstyles you like and are considering. You can find them on social media, in magazines, or by searching the Internet. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or even people you see at in passing if you can photograph their hairstyles. This allows you to put together a portfolio of the styles you like or want as a reference point for your stylist.[1]
  2. Take notes on styles you like. Go through the images you’ve collected and make notes on each style. Having these notes can remind you what you want in case you forgot what drew you to the image. It also gives your stylist some insight while you’re discussing your desired cut.[2]
    • Write full sentences or keywords to guide you. For example, “I really like the long layers on this person,” or, “Shorter around the face.” Keywords such as “layering,” “bangs,” and “undercut” are also useful.
  3. Develop a relationship with your stylist. Stick with your stylist or build a relationship with a new one before getting a haircut. This gives the stylist a chance to see and touch your hair and figure out what the best cut is for your hair type and face. Having a rapport with your stylist can also put your mind at ease before, during, and after the cut.[3]

Consulting With Your Stylist

  1. Schedule a consultation for major changes. See your stylist for a consultation if you want a major change. This can ensure that your hairstylist has time to think about the style for you. It also keeps you from making rash decisions you may regret after the cut.
  2. Discuss your lifestyle. Let the stylist know things about yourself such as if you want a wash n’ go style or usually end up pulling your hair up in a ponytail. Tell them if you are more hip and work in a hip environment or if you are very physically active. Talking about your lifestyle and hair routine can help the stylist figure out the ways to give you the cut you want while working with your individual needs.[3]
  3. Show your inspirational images. Take your album of images and notes to your appointment or consultation. Show the images of the style you like best and tell them exactly what you like about each. Having your notes on hand can remind you if you get too nervous. This can be a great starting point for your stylist to give you the cut you want and what works with your hair texture and facial structure.[4]
  4. Use descriptive words. Be as precise as you can when describing your desired cut. For example, “I really like the swoop to the left side of this person’s face. I am really active and need to pull it back so I’d like my swoop to be longer, around my cheekbone.” Show specific measurements such as “I want about an inch cut off my hair. This is an inch for me and the amount that I’d like trimmed.” Talking to your stylist in descriptive and concrete terms can ensure that you’re both on the same page about your cut. It can also minimize post-cut shock or disappointment.[5]
  5. Be open to suggestions. Some hairstyle may not work with your hair type or lifestyle. Allow your stylist to make suggestions about how best to achieve the cut you want or something similar to it. This can ensure you get the style you like so that it works with your various hair traits and life factors.[6]

Getting Your Haircut

  1. Reconfirm the style you want. Before the stylist begins cutting, ask them to summarize what you discussed for your cut. Let them know if something doesn’t sound right or if you have a specific question. For example, “I thought we said directly on my collarbone and not above it. Your hand is above my collarbone.,” or, “Where will this meet my sideburns?”[7]
  2. Pay attention while the stylist cuts. It can be tempting to sit in a stylist’s chair and relax, but it may lead to feeling uncomfortable when you see the final product. Ask the stylist to position you so that you can see how they’re cutting and styling your hair. This can ensure that you still get the cut you want without being upset or disappointed at the final product.[4]
  3. Speak up when necessary. If you feel uncomfortable, have a question, or don’t like something, kindly but firmly let the stylist know as soon as possible. Keep in mind that it’s your hair and money and you should get what you want in terms of the feeling and style. This can ensure that the stylist has enough time to change gears on the cut if there is something you don’t like.[4]
    • End the appointment if the stylist reacts badly or you feel very uncomfortable.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-speak-hairdresser-2009-10#4
  2. ↑ http://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-speak-hairdresser-2009-10#4
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.bustle.com/articles/158668-7-ways-to-ask-for-the-haircut-you-want-get-it-according-to-a-celebrity
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://www.schwarzkopf.international/sk/en/home/hair_styling/tips_and_tricks/styling_tricks/how_to_talk_to_your_hair_stylist.html
  5. ↑ http://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-speak-hairdresser-2009-10#6
  6. ↑ http://www.glamour.com/gallery/how-to-speak-hairdresser-2009-10#5
  7. ↑ http://www.schwarzkopf.international/sk/en/home/hair_styling/tips_and_tricks/styling_tricks/how_to_talk_to_your_hair_stylist.html

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