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The Art of Consultation
(How to help your hairstylist read your mind)
We’ve all been there: excited about changing your look, you describe the cut you
want to your stylist. But at the end of the appointment, the haircut you see in
the mirror looks nothing like you imagined it would. You are terribly
disappointed, and you resolve to buy a new hat as soon as you leave the salon.
Sometimes, haircuts just don’t turn out the way you expect they will. It can be
scary putting so much faith in your stylist, hoping they have the same vision
for your haircut as you. But don’t fret! You have more control over how your
haircut will turn out than you may think. Engaging in a thorough consultation
with your stylist for the first few minutes of your appointment is an incredibly
important part of every visit to the salon.
A good stylist is skilled in the art of consultation and will ask you enough
questions to help them understand what you’re looking for. But sometimes even
the best stylist can misunderstand the style you describe, even though you felt
like they really heard you. Here are a few things you can do to help make sure
you and your stylist are on the same page, before that first snip of the shears.
Bring pictures.
Find several photos that will help give your stylist a visual of what you are
trying to achieve. Bring pictures of things you like and bring pictures of
things you don’t like, then be willing to talk specifics with your stylist. For
example, “I like the way the bangs in this photo cover her forehead, but in this
other photo the bangs look much too thick and heavy to me.” You and your stylist
can look through the pictures and piece together different aspects from each to
create a look that works for you.
Ask your stylist to tell you about your hair.
Hair texture plays a significant role in the way a haircut looks. Your stylist
mentally notes the condition of your hair (whether it’s healthy, dry, or
damaged), the diameter of each strand (fine, medium, or coarse), and the density
of your hair (how many strands grow per square inch of scalp). It’s a good idea
to have them describe to you what they see so the two of you can agree on a cut
that will work for your hair. If you have fine, low-density hair, for example,
it may be difficult for you to achieve the long, heavy layers you liked in the
picture you showed your stylist. Having a discussion about your hair texture
will help you understand what types of cuts and styles will work best for your
hair. It will also allow your stylist an opportunity to give you a realistic
idea of what to expect.
Describe your hair routine.
The ways you care for and style your hair on a daily basis are important factors
in determining a style that works for you. Do you wash your hair every day? Do
you despise the blow dryer? Are you a product junkie with a closet full of gels
and mousses? Your stylist needs to know how much time and effort you would like
to spend on your hair each morning so they can personalize your cut to fit your
daily routine. They can also recommend products or styling techniques that will
help you make the most of your new cut.
As your consultation comes to a close, you may want to ask your stylist to recap
(in their own words) the things the two of you have discussed. This will offer
you a great opportunity to hear things from their perspective, and it will give
you a chance to clear up any last-minute misunderstandings before any hair hits
the floor. Having clear communication with your stylist is one of the best ways
to ensure a positive outcome. If you are able to truly understand one another,
you’re sure to be satisfied at the end of your visit!
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