Describe to a Hair Stylist What Hair You Want

Preventing a hair disaster at the salon is simply a matter of planning ahead and communicating with your hairstylist. Follow these steps so you'll never suffer another bad haircut again.

Steps

  1. Determine what type of hair you have. Is it long or short? Curly or straight? Thick, baby-fine or somewhere in-between?
  2. Make the appointment. Let the receptionist know that you'll need extra time to discuss how you want your hair. This is true even for walk-in salons.
  3. Bring a picture! Find a hairstyle and/or color you like in a magazine or on the internet. If you are unsure of what you want use Google to search keywords like "popular hairstyles of 2012" or "short hairstyles". Also try searching your favorite celebrity to see different hairdos they've had. Ideally, bring photos of the front, back, and sides of the haircut you want. For pictures of the color you want, make sure the hair is down in the picture(it is hard to see the full color if the model's hair is up).
  4. Use your hands. Show the stylist where you want your hair to fall, how much you want cut off and how deep of an angle you want any layering (this last one is especially useful if you want a "V-cut" or any other sharp angle in the back).
  5. Sit up straight. Don't cross your legs or slouch because this will cause your haircut to become uneven.
  6. Watch the mirror. This way you can watch what the stylist is doing and clarify any confusions before it becomes a mistake.
  7. Closely examine yourself after the stylist is finished. This is the last chance he/she will have to correct any differences between what you want and how the cut looks. If there is anything you don't like, TELL HER. They want you to be happy so that you will come back!
  8. Tip generously and ask the stylist for his/her work hours. Now you can get fantastic hair every time you visit the salon!

Tips

  • Try to always use the same stylist as they will become accustomed to you, and you to them.
  • During the final look, be sure to take the handheld mirror into your OWN hands. This will assure you have plenty of time to see all angles of your head before giving the mirror back.
  • Make sure that you can communicate with the stylist. Don't be shy!
  • Make sure that this hairstyle is what you want. People often think they want something with their hair, and after it has been done, they don't like the results.
  • For a walk-in salon, try to find out which days aren't busy by calling ahead. This assures that you will have plenty of time to chat it up with the stylist.
  • Most stylists will glance at a photo and then won't look at it again. Don't worry about this if it happens, especially with variations on classical styles (such as a bob or a shag) or a currently popular one (such as one being worn by a celebrity). Just keep your eye on the mirror.
  • It's always better to stick to one salon, preferably a small one. When it comes to hair, it's important to have a trustworthy stylist who gives you all their attention throughout your appointment.
  • Everyone's "little bit off the end" can vary widely, so, to reemphasize, use your hands to show the stylist just how much a "little bit off the end" means.
  • Even if, despite communication between you and your stylist, something goes wrong, don't worry. Hair does grow back, after all.

Warnings

  • If you feel intimidated by a stylist or you feel like she/he is not listening to what you want, walk away and make an appointment elsewhere. In some high-end salons you will be charged a consultation fee, speak with the manager and see if it can be returned if this is the case.

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Sources and Citations

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