Tips for Getting the Best Haircut Possible
There are almost 257,000 barbershops and hair salons that sell hair care products in the United States. But it takes more than the best products, or even the perfect technique, to get a great haircut. How can you prepare ahead of time so you’ll like what you get after your next appointment with your hair stylist?
As with most things in life, the first step is knowing what you want, and then how to get it. The next time you go in for a salon appointment, bring these tips with you to help ensure you get the best haircut possible.
Think Ahead
Good news — you’re starting this step right now! Besides thinking about what your ideal look might be, take some time to consider your lifestyle and how that affects your hair. How much time do you have to work on your hair every morning? If your routine is basically get-up-and-out-the-door, are you willing to change that to take care of a fancier hairstyle? You don’t want your new haircut to compete with your daily routine, or to demand more tools or time than you’re willing to deal with. When you think you’ve come up with the perfect new hairstyle, think about what it will mean for your day-to-day.
Start with a Consultation
To get the best hairstyle possible, you can’t simply show up and plop down in a chair while the stylist works their magic. Yes, a skilled hair stylist should be able to tell what kind of cut and style would look good on you, but they can’t read your mind. Before you get your hair cut, have a talk with your stylist about what kind of look you’re going for, as well as how much time and patience you have for maintaining your hair at home. The more relevant information you provide, the better for the stylist to know what you want. If you can find pictures of hairstyles you like to provide visual examples, that’s always ideal. Your stylist can then compare what you say you want with what would realistically look good for your hair type and facial shape, to further advise your style.
Don’t Use the Lingo (Unless You Really Know What You’re Talking About)
Some people think they can communicate with their hairstylists on a professional level and get a better result. However, unless they’ve actually had some formal education on cosmetology, they’re more likely to add to the confusion than they are to clear things up. For this reason, unless you’re sure that you know what you’re talking about, don’t try to use lingo relevant to hairstylists. Try to use more commonplace, down-to-earth dialogue to describe your ideal hairstyle. Your stylist will understand what you’re trying to say better this way. After all, that’s their job.
Set Realistic Expectations
While there’s nothing wrong with having big dreams and aspirations, when it comes to your hair, you should probably aspire to something that’s reasonably compatible with what you were born with. If your hair is a crazy, curly mass, getting a sleek, straight style is going to be a lot of work and may even damage your hair. Instead, try to appreciate and embrace your hair’s natural strengths. And when you find photos to bring your stylist for visual references, make sure the people in the pictures have hair types that are similar to yours.
Trust in Your Stylist
If you have your heart set on a specific look, you shouldn’t feel forced into adopting something because of your stylist’s opinion. However, keep in mind that hairstylists are experts on their craft. A good stylist will take your face shape, features, and complexion into account to design a look that suits your physical appearance best. If your stylist makes a recommendation, you should at least consider taking them up on it.
Pay Attention While Your Hair is Styled
People often visit the salon not only for getting their hair styled, but for chatting with the stylists as well. And while it’s definitely okay to make small talk with your stylist, try to pay attention to what they’re doing too, especially during styling. This way you can replicate their work at home.
With these handy tips, you should be well on your way to getting the perfect haircut.
