How to Get the Haircut You Want
We've all had this experience before. You go to the salon with a vision of a fabulous cut in mind, but when your stylist stops making his scissors fly, you want to put a bag over your head until your new cut grows out.
Before you sit in the hot seat again, learn some excellent tips that'll help you get the hairdo you've been pining over. You'll never feel more ready to cut it all off!
Finding the Right Hair Salon
One important step in getting the hair style you want is knowing your salon. If you're not happy with your current salon, try tagging along with a friend to scope out hers. Look at the quality of the stylist's work: does the hair stylist listen to his clients? Does she spend too much time talking or does she listen to what her client's concerns are?
Take a look around at the state of the salon itself. Is it clean? Does it look professional? Does the hairdresser clean brushes and combs in between clients or doses she use the same styling tools? Look for other clues of sloppiness like lots of hair clippings left lying around on the floor.
Check out your potential stylist's own hairdo as well. If she has a magenta pink 'do and you're a more conservative type, you might want to think twice before letting her near your head with a pair of scissors.
Money is another factor. How much does a great cut cost? That all depends on how much you're willing to spend. While a high price can indicate a hairdresser is experienced and has an excellent reputation, you can also get a great haircut without going broke.
The You Factor
If you're going in for more than a trim, you might want to take a minute to really think about whether a certain hair style is right for you before taking the plunge.
First, decide on what you really want. Look at magazines for ideas and think about what length you want.
But be realistic; recognize that your hair texture and face shape is probably different than the model or actress whose 'do you admire.
Another important factor to consider is how much time you have in the morning to style your hair. If you're a low-maintenance girl, stay away from 'dos that require a lot of primping. Your hairstyle should match your personality and life style. And remember that you don't have (or probably don't have) a team of stylists at your beck and call like your favorite star does.
The Consultation
Before committing to anything, set up a consultation. This is great for getting a feel for a stylist and lets you explore your options before committing to anything. It's especially super if you're thinking of getting your hair done at a high-end place.
A good stylist will discuss a look with you in detail; he'll suggest possible changes and let you know what he thinks won't suit you.
This is also a great time for you to express what you love and hate about your hair and to reveal those deep dark hair secrets like what your natural color is (come on, we know you were faking it!).
It's All About Communication
When it comes to getting the perfect haircut, it's all about communicating with your hairstylist. Whether it's a consultation or the real deal, expressing what you want and don't want is crucial to getting the hair style that's right for you.
Bringing in a photo or magazine clipping of a hairstyle you like will help you communicate more effectively with your hairdresser about what cut you want. This will also help avoid a misunderstanding (and the possibility of ending up with a horrid mullet instead of that layered look you were after).
Besides bringing in a photo, be as specific as possible when describing what you want. Use your hands to show exactly where you want your hair to fall; point out exactly what you don't want (for example, short, piecey bangs).
Being vague about what you want in a cut or not speaking up when your stylist mentions a style you don't feel comfortable with (like chunky blond highlights) will only leave you with a hair cut you hate.
The same also goes for hair styling products. Ask about hair products that'll help keep your 'do looking gorgeous long after you've left the salon.
The Cut
So you've decided that cutting it all off is the way to go! But before you get that great pixie cut or that super chic bob with lots of layers, you might want to consider your face shape, hair texture and hair volume.
Face Shape
If you have a heart-shaped face, your forehead is wider than your chin. The best cut for you is one that balances the width of your forehead with the rest of your face. A center part or long bangs works great for you.
Women with oval-shaped faces are super lucky: any hairstyle looks gorgeous on you! Long, short, curly or straight, you have what is considered the ideal face shape.
If your face is round, you want to create height at the top of your head. Long bangs pushed to the side look great, while a one-length bob is another great hairdo option.
Ladies with small faces look great with cropped cuts that highlight their delicate features.
Hair Texture
Hair texture is also important when considering which hair style is right for you.Fine hair which is smallest in circumference is easy to dye but also gets most easily damaged. Shorter cuts help keep the hair looking its healthiest; avoid long, straight 'dos which only weigh down your hair.
Medium hair texture is the most common and manageable; you can also get away with a wider range of styles, from short to long. Layers can add visual interest and volume.
For women with coarse hair (which is thickest in circumference), longer styles work best.
Hair Volume
If you have thin hair, it often looks flat. Thin hair works well with bobs and blunt cuts. Avoid long cuts; they'll look straggly.
Hair that is medium in volume looks great with layers that frame the face and that are placed around the crown.
Coarse hair works better with longer styles; layers can help reduce bulk.
Now you know all you need to know about how to get the hair cut that's right for you. Happy haircut!
