How can you communicate the precise cut or color you want to a hair salon stylist? Take a look at the top tips to follow before, during, and after your next salon appointment.
Bring Pictures
Are you at a loss for words? Don't worry if you're not well versed in industry lingo such as ombre, balayage, or lowlights. Instead of a lengthy explanation, show the stylist or colorist photos of the cut/color you want. A visual gives the professional a concrete idea of what you want—and what you expect from the service.
The pictures should include:
- Multiple views. Give the stylist/colorist a 360-degree picture of the look you want with several pictures. Choose views of the front, back, sides, and top of the cut, color, or style.
- Realistic color. Make sure the photos aren't computer generated or filtered. If one of the photos looks slightly different than what you really want, you could get a pink instead of red color, purple instead of mahogany tint, or another slightly off shade.
- Good lighting. The professional needs to see the texture of a cut, intricacies of a style, or true color you want. The just-right amount of light helps the stylist/colorist to get the perfect views.
- Blur-free images. Like lighting, sharpness is also essential. The professional needs a clear, crisp photo to work from.
Even though you may have found your dream cut, color, style, or process, it's possible the professional may feel the picture isn't doable or advisable. Hair stylists and colorists bring a high level of expertise and years of experience to their job. If they know your hair can't or won't look like the photo of Beyonce, Kim K, or another celeb, they'll help you to find a more realistic picture.
Ask Questions
Now that you have a photo in-hand (or in your phone), it's time for the cut, style, or color. If you're not 100 percent sure the salon professional understands what you want or you don't see the process going in the right direction, ask questions:
- Before the service. Ask the stylist to show you how much hair they'll cut/trim or for a color swatch. The answers will give you a better idea of what to expect.
- During the service. While you don't need a play-by-play, you can ask mid-cut or color questions if the results start to look drastically different from your photos.
- After the service. If you can't see the similarities between the photo and end result, ask the stylist/colorist about the differences. Again, the desired cut/color may not work for your hair or the professional may have updated the idea to better fit your face.
Along with these questions, ask the hair salon pro for the best ways to maintain your cut, keep your color true, or style the new 'do.
