I am so in love with this quote. I feel so great after getting my hair done, It just lifts your spirits and as a stylist it makes us feel great making people feel good about themselves.
I know we all struggle with this...I've had so many clients have trouble explaining to me what they're going for when they were sitting in my chair, The key for the stylist is to ask lots of questions to make sure you're on the same page. Sometimes they don't do that though so I'm going to give you a few tips on how to get across what you want!
The biggest thing is bringing pictures with you, BUT you don't want too many either that can confuse both of you.
Bring 2-4 max.
I usually end up doing that for cut and then finding others for color, thats ok.
These are what I showed my stylist when I got mine cut last time - I included one from when she cut it last summer for reference and most of these pictures are what I showed her that time as well.
It's basically a cross between a bob and a pixie with round layers. I've had bobs with stacked or angled layers as well but was specifically going for the rounded out layers, and not very many either.
For cuts its soo important to be on the same page about how much length you want off, especially what both of your ideas are of 1", its amazing everyones different variations of that...If I client said I want 3" off, I would show them what my idea of 3" is and make sure its the same as what they think.
(I had a comb that showed inches on it, takes the guess work out of it😉).
If there is something you don't like be sure to tell them...
When you show the pictures point out the things you like and don't like about the haircuts you're showing, whether its face framing, bangs, longer in the front, more or less layers, how short you want the layers to go, etc.
These are what I showed her for "end game" color inspiration.
And these are what I showed her for my idea of transitional color during the lightening process.
A few things about these pictures - You can see with the top three, they are all very blended and can easily grow out with no harsh lines, thats what I prefer, and I prefer the color on the cooler side without being too ashy.
Thats a whole other ball game...Another reason it's important to bring pictures, caramel, ashy, cool, warm, etc are all precipitated differently. Bringing a picture and stating whether you think its warm, cool, etc. is a huge help for you and the stylist in making sure you're on the same page.
Also stating what you like and don't like about the color photos - for instants the new growth or "roots" as its so terribly called is pretty dark on the transitional photos, I wasn't looking at that, I was looking at the caramel/blonde color to show her, Make sure you verify with your stylist if that's something you do or don't want.
We color my new growth the first and maybe the second time I'm transitioning to blonde and then I just use my natural color and blend the blonde into that.
Some people like more "chunky" highlights or balayage and some like it more blended, I always prefer blended especially if you're not looking to get it done on a regular basis as it grows out so much nicer, I had a few clients that would go 6 months to a year between highlights because they grew out so nicely.
A few more important tips...
A good stylist will repeat back to you what they’ve heard you say to make sure you're on the same page. This is a great opportunity to make sure you're communicating clearly. If you aren't getting what you want, tell them!
Make sure you tell them you're daily routine so they can help you decide if a certain style will work for you - for instance...If you are showing them a short stacked bob but you don't like styling your hair everyday or going in for trims every 4-6 weeks that might not necessarily be the cut for you as its a very high maintenance.
Discussing maintenance is important as well - If you're not willing to use the proper professional products at home its important to know that you're not going to achieve the same look as when you leave the salon, and your color isn't going to last as long.
Things take time and patience is key...If you're wanting a big transformation make sure to talk to your stylist and make a game plan that works for your pocket book, lifestyle, and health of your hair.
If you're growing, remember that regular trims are still important.
Whether you're going lighter or darker if there is a big jump in levels of color it's going to take some time, especially if you're going for a big transformation for a fun color, etc.
If you're having trouble telling the stylist what you do want, then focus on the things you DON'T want.
Whether its having your hair thinned with thinning shears, having a razor used on your hair, etc.
In my opinion its also very important for a stylist to wash (or at least wet down) and style your hair when you're getting a haircut, I know there are many that don't do this and I know its tempting to save those few dollars not having it done...But its key to a good haircut! You can't properly style it after a cut without it being wet down and you can't properly finish it out (By finish it out I mean if it needs thinned, trimmed more, or seeing that everything is laying properly) if it's not styled.
It's important when seeing a new stylist to come in how you would normally style your hair so they have a good understanding of how you wear it.
Another huge thing when you're looking for photos to bring in...Make sure you’re searching for your hair type - for example, if you keep finding photos of someone with thick hair and you have thin hair there’s no way your hair is going to look like it, so the stylist may give you that cut and you're going to be frustrated because it doesn't look like the picture, that would be why.
Also another very important thing for yours and your stylist sanity.
I know we all want to look like Jennifer Aniston, Reece Witherspoon, etc. but in reality thats just not going to happen...😊. So keep in mind you could bring in a million photos to help your stylist fully understand what you're going for but you're hair is never going to look exactly like the photo, Hair type, color, face shape, etc. so much goes into that fact so while you can come very close the chances of it being exact are quite slim.
I know we all want to look like Jennifer Aniston, Reece Witherspoon, etc. but in reality thats just not going to happen...😊. So keep in mind you could bring in a million photos to help your stylist fully understand what you're going for but you're hair is never going to look exactly like the photo, Hair type, color, face shape, etc. so much goes into that fact so while you can come very close the chances of it being exact are quite slim.
Keep in mind also - After you get your hair done, It's going to take a few days for your hair to adjust and for you to adjust to how to style it, Its having to "relearn" so to speak how to lay, etc.
Don't give up on it😉 I like to style it a few different ways the first few days after to figure out what works best with the new length or color (Color plays a big part in texture).
Last but not least...Don't be afraid to speak up before, during, and after if there is something you're not happy with or feeling uncomfortable with how they're doing something (I had soo many clients tell me stylist would turn them around so they couldn't see what they were doing...and then when they were turned back around to the mirror the stylist did not do what they wanted...Don't let that happen to you!!
I'm sure there are so many things I've forgotten...But this is at least a good starting point for ya'll!
Always feel free to message me with any questions you have!
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