How Do I Tell My Stylist What I Want?
We’ve all been there. You’re ready for a change, fell in love with something you found on Pinterest, and you’re about to book the appointment. But making a change can be scary. How can you guarantee a great salon experience? How do you ask for what you want from your stylist?
Bring Multiple Photos
You don’t need to know the technical name of the cut or colour. Your stylist needs visual examples, and often Instagram and Tiktok captions use trendy terms that aren’t universal. If it’s a new cut, make sure to include photos that demonstrate how you’re planning to wear and style it, with different angles. If you’re looking for a new colour, bring photos that have not been digitally altered, filtered, and were taken in proper lighting. Avoid anything retouched and keep in mind, while celebrities can always serve as inspiration, often the hairstyles you see on social media are wigs or extensions. Trust your stylist to translate a photo to reality - that’s what they’ve been educated to do!
Discuss Your Routine
Some styles require more maintenance than others. Bangs are fun, but they require regular trims. Flippy 60s-inspired lobs are cute, but you might not know how to style it on a daily basis. Platinum blonde is gorgeous, but requires upkeep every 4-6 weeks. Talk to your stylist about what maintenance routine you can realistically stick to, and they’ll let you know if your desired style or colour will work with that. If you’re making a big change, your stylist can demonstrate the best way to style it!
Yays & Nays
What do you like about the new hairstyle you’re considering? What challenges might it present? What’s your budget? These are all things that should be discussed with your stylist. Make sure the cut and/or colour you’re looking for works for your lifestyle. Depending on what you have in mind, your stylist can even offer up alternative options that are compatible with your time, energy, and wallet.
Be Open-Minded
Your stylist has been educated on what will work best for each hair type, and they will know if any adaptations should be made to the style you desire. A shag will look different on fine hair versus thick hair. They will use their knowledge to further elevate the look, and ensure it works with your lifestyle. Listen to the professionals!
Have Realistic Expectations
Rome wasn’t built in a day. If your hair has previously undergone colour processing or chemical treatments, the process to get to your desired result could take longer than anticipated. Sometimes it may require multiple sessions. Your stylist wants what’s best for you and your hair, so if they aren’t able to complete your request in a single visit, trust the process! They will educate you on what is realistic. The integrity of your hair matters just as much to them as it does to you, so when a stylist tells you what is and isn’t doable, trust their experience!
Don’t Hesitate To Ask Questions
Coming to your stylist with questions is never an inconvenience. Your stylist needs as much information as possible to get you your desired result, so speak up! Asking questions is a great way for you to figure out what works best for you, and for your stylist to get a better understanding of what will work with your lifestyle. Ask away, it benefits both of you!