How To: Get the Haircut You Want
At some point in their life everyone has gone to a hairdresser with an ideal look in mind. You sat down and rambled off some instructions. (maybe even produced a photo) The hairdresser nodded then shuffled you down to the basin for a wash.
Everything was great until you walked out of the salon wondering what on Earth happened to your hair.
I hear this story all too often. To avoid this result you need clear communication some of the hairdressing trade lingo. I've broken down the 'hair code' for you below to ensure you get what you want next haircut.
When to Visit The Salon The time you choose to get a haircut can have a big impact on the result. The best time to visit a hairdresser is mid morning or mid afternoon. Early morning they could be hungover or tired and make mistakes. Around lunch time they are also hungry, hairdressers rarely get proper lunch breaks and have to work on their feet all day. End of the day they're looking at the clock and pushing clients out the door as quickly as possible to meet deadlines.
How to Describe What You Want
Realise that the picture in your head is not visible to the hairdresser, they aren't mind readers. Telling the hairdresser you want "short messy" hair simply starts their auto pilot. They'll switch off and start chopping your hair back to the bare minimum. You need to describe your cut simply and effectively to get the best result. I'll break it down for you
-First understand your face shape
-Show your hairdresser a picture from a magazine or on your phone that suits your face shape.
-Briefly describe what you're wanting, this ensures the photo translates to your own hair.
This is most important stage of the haircut. You need to know what to say when describing the look to the hairdresser. (Use my guide for short, medium and long hairstyles.)
If you only want a bit of length taken off say you want your hair "shaped" or "trimmed"
-A 'cut' can imply the hairdresser is to cut your hair shorter, going from Long to Medium or Medium to Short (etc)
If you want the sides or back a bit longer tell them you want to keep "volume" in your hair
-Volume implies a bit of bulk and weight to the hair. Knowing this they will not thin out the sides and back as much. This will leave you with a fuller look.
-If you're after a messy look tell them you want the hair cut with scissors or to use a razor instead of a shaver. (make sure you clarify this ahead of time as some hairdressers can't use a razor very well)
Aftercare Once your hair has been cut you need to complete the look by styling it effectively.
Use my hairstyling guide to ensure you acheive the look you're after. 50% of the look is the haircut the other 50% is the styling you do yourself. Repeat Visit Make sure you return to the same hairdresser. Like any creative professional they will improve time and time again as familiarity grows. They benefit from the return client and you get a better haircut.
