So I got my hair cut yesterday….
And as a stylist, I know exactly what I want. All stylists do. In fact, we can be a true pain in the fanny when it comes to our hair. And since I KNOW what I want, I described it to my hairdresser.
I wanted my hair:
- Cut just past my shoulders with a shattered baseline
- Wispy ends
- Full through the crown
Basically a Gypsy shag from the ’70’s. Nobody could get this wrong. Right?
I entrusted my hair to my protégé, a gal that I had trained from her very first day in the salon. She has over 5 years of experience, does beautiful work, and we speak the same language. Who better to do my hair?
Beginning at the nape, she cut the baseline to my hairline. She then proceeded to cut to about 1/2” long, up to mid-occipital. I stopped her and asked, “WTF are you doing?!” (You know how sweet we can be to each other.) She responded by saying that she really didn’t know what I wanted.
What. The. Eff?
Now, if two highly trained, experienced stylists who know each other, work together, and one (her) was trained by the other (me) -- can’t get this right, then how can I expect my clients to effectively communicate their wants to me?
First, I had to figure out the problem. Perception. The reality is that everyone sees things differently. What you see in your head may not be what your stylist sees in her head. Clear communication on the client’s part and good listening skills of the stylist are key, but you still have no real way of knowing whether or not you are envisioning the same fabulous new do.
So how do you get your stylist on the same page? Pictures. Bring photos with you to show your stylist the head of hair you want. Lots of pictures. In fact, pics of what you don’t want can be just as important as pics of what you do want.
Remember that your stylist wants you to look and feel great, but it is possible that the haircut you want won’t work for your hair type. A true pro will clearly explain to you why the look isn’t possible or why it is unrealistic for your hair. She will then describe what is possible and together you’ll agree on a positive alternative (and equally fabulous) look.
Here are some suggestions:
Tips for getting the perfect cut
Pay attention during the cut
As the client, you are responsible for communicating your wants both before and during the cut. So keep in mind that now may not be the time to chat about your love life, job, etc., or that of your stylist; you also need to pay attention during the cut and redirect your stylist as needed. Trusting your stylist is an important part of the process, but you also need to be attentive to the work being done about your head.
Once the cut is finished and styled, check to see if it meets your expectations. Remember that nothing is perfect and adjustments can be made.
Know how to style your do before you leave the salon
Be sure to ask your stylist how to style your hair and which products you need to replicate your new look at home.
Bring photos to your next visit
Don’t forget to bring pictures on your next visit to the salon. Let's be honest, you are just one person in a sea of clients, so if you show up and say “cut it just like last time”-- there’s a good chance that your stylist won’t remember.
And so to wrap this up, make sure you always get the look you want by doing your homework first and showing up to the salon armed with pictures. For me, well... I’ll be growing out this cut for quite some time. Lesson learned ;)
About Monica
Monica Byrne, owner of Monica Byrne Studio LLC, is an American Board Certified Colorist (ABCH) and ABCH Educator, and recently earned the Chromastics Master Colorist certification presented by her mentor, Tom Dispenza. Byrne is an artist; she starts with the basics and creates innovative methods, better techniques, and reaches new heights with color. Unafraid to explore, her curiosity and creativity have made her a recognized leader in the industry, one whose expertise is sought-after and whose techniques are emulated with confidence and predictable results. Her eager manner, enthusiasm for teaching, and mastery of haircolor opens up new possibilities to those who share her passion for color. Always a believer in giving back in order to inspire the next generation, Byrne leads by example as one who continues to learn, test and look for new and reliable ways to create beauty.