The Ten Best Ways to Get What You Want From Your Hairdresser

1. Don’t say “Do whatever you want,”—Set Boundaries.
Unless you have a good working relationship with your hairdresser and you trust them then you can be secure telling them this, but if you say to most hairdressers, “Do whatever you want” they will do whatever they want. What they may come up with may not be what you had in mind. Have some idea of the direction you want your hair style to be.

Hair

2. Get to Know The Terminology.
Know the difference between weaves, foils, and color. There is world of difference between foils, weaves, and all-over color. Don’t just say “I want color”. All-over color is color that is traditionally applied from scalp to ends, usually involving one solid color. Usually, when you would have an all-over color application done it would be to cover gray hair or to have a complete color change. A weave, or more commonly known as highlights, uses foils to isolate certain pieces of hair that you want the color to be changed.

3. Know Your Budget.
For instance, if you have very dark hair and want to be very light you must keep in mind your budget. The more dramatic or altered you want your hairstyle to be, the more your expense and upkeep will be. Also, the farther away from your natural color you go; the more often you will have to see your hairdresser.

4. Know Your Time.
If you desire a major color change then expect to be at the salon for a while. Whenever you are doing a major color change always allow extra time. Sometimes it cannot be done all in one day; a major color change can take a few visits to your hairdresser in order to achieve your desired look.

5. Know Your Commitments.
How much time are you willing to spend on your hair in the morning?
How much time are you really willing to commit to styling your hair? If you are a ‘get and go’ kind of girl have the hairdresser help you choose a style that will fit into your life.

6. Do Your Homework.
Investigate styles that you feel would be good or bad for you. For your consultation bring pictures that your hairdresser can use as reference. Make sure these pictures encompass what you do or do not want. Remember, hairdressers are visual creatures!

7. Use Colors For Expression.
Reference universal colors with your hairdresser such as food or objects to understand what color you want your hair color to be (ex. stop sign red or Hershey’s chocolate brown).

8. Fantasy hair vs. Reality hair.
Most celebrities use a variety of wigs or extensions to achieve the looks you see in magazines. Be realistic; it’s a photo shoot with lighting, make-up and computer enhancement.

9. Do As Your Hairdresser Does.
Understand you need to do what the hairdresser does and use what the hairdresser uses. Products, blow-dryers, curling irons and flat irons are a hairdresser’s main tools to achieving your desired look. If possible schedule a lesson with your hairdresser so he/she can really teach you how to style your hair.

10. The Importance of a Consultation.
Set up an appointment for a consultation with a new hairdresser.
When in doubt set an appointment just to talk about what you would like to have done with your hair. Your hairdresser will be able to discuss everything with you so you know just what to expect!
Remember, your hairdresser wants you to be happy!