How to Be Clear With Your Hairdresser

Being clear with your stylist can ensure a happy turnout for the both of you.

Getting your hair done can be nerve-racking, especially if you've had bad haircuts in the past. Being clear with your hairdresser is essential in ensuring that you get the cut and style you want, although sometimes directing too much can be frustrating for your hairdresser, too. If you have an appointment scheduled at your local salon and you want to make sure you walk out happy, knowing how to effectively state what you want in a clear manner will help.

Things You'll Need

• Photo

Instructions

1. Bring a photo of the cut and style you want to your appointment. This is the best way to clearly convey the look you are going for. Your stylist can assess your hair and work on a style with you accordingly. Print out a photo, or thumb through magazines and cut one out.

2. Explain to your stylist what you like about the specific style you've chosen. For example, if you have selected a style with layers, explain why you like those specific layers, such as how they frame the face or give the hair dimension. Just stating that you like layers opens up the possibility of a number of different looks, like choppy or wispy; you need to differentiate with your stylist why you like a specific kind of layer.

3. Let her know what is the minimum length you want for your hair. One of the common flubs that can happen is a hairstyle ending up too short, so be very clear about how short is too short, so that your stylist can keep that in mind when cutting.

4. Explain what your expectations are for daily maintenance of your style. If you have selected a complicated cut that requires lots of time daily, but you want minimal daily maintenance, your stylist can help you rework your ideas to find a style similar to the one you want, but with less daily effort.

5. Ask for your stylist's opinion, as she is a professional, but do not be afraid to assert yourself when you disagree with a suggestion. It can be easy to allow your stylist to insert her know-how and sway you into agreeing to a cut you didn't originally want. Don't be afraid to stick to your guns and politely shoot down suggestions she may have.

Tips & Warnings

• If, at any time during your appointment, you are uncomfortable with what your stylist is doing, don't be afraid to speak up. It's better to speak up when you notice one flub than to wait until the end when all of your hair has been chopped off.

References

• Hairdresser Career Development Systems; Six Steps on How to Communicate with Your Hairdresser; Jon Gonzales; December 2010