Talk Straight with Your Stylist

Nothing is more frustrating than sitting down for a haircut, telling the stylist what you want, only to leave with a haircut that is nothing like you thought you described. Believe me, I’ve been there! Now that I am behind the chair, I have an entirely new respect for communication between stylist and client. It is very important that you share all concerns with your stylist, any past negative experiences, as well as any problem areas that you know you have. If you have a specific style in mind, it is always a good idea to bring a few pictures that depict what you want. If you are trying a new stylist and it’s the first time they have cut your hair, it is especially important to make sure that they understand what you are looking for. That being said, it is also important to understand that no one can be perfect all the time. As a stylist, one thing I appreciate from my clients is honesty. If I give a cut that is less than satisfactory to the client, I really want to know. Of course, the opposite is true as well. It’s always refreshing to hear when a client is overjoyed with their style. Here’s the deal: Every client that sits in my chair has a completely different palette to work with. Between hair textures, cowlicks, various hairlines, growth patterns, density, etc, every haircut has to be handled differently. Because of these same issues, a cut you see in a magazine or on another person will likely not look even remotely the same on you. The absolute best thing you can do with your stylist is talk through your concerns and desires, look through some pictures, and discuss how the cut might work for your particular hair type. When you are both confident with a decision, go with it. If it’s not exactly what you had in mind, let your stylist know exactly what isn’t right. A good stylist can take the heat, and you won’t have to be unhappy with your cut!