Ever walked out of the salon with a pixie cut instead of the trim you wanted? We’ve all been there!
Learn how to prevent a future disaster by knowing how to communicate with your hairdresser so they know exactly what you’re after. Try these tips from stylist Anthony Nader when asking for …
Highlights
Don’t say: “A full head of lighter colour.” Making the switch to a much paler colour is dramatic, not to mention needing a lot more upkeep. Go in gingerly.
Do say: “I don’t want a dramatic change, but overall I’d like my hair to look a bit lighter than it is.”
Balayage
Don’t say: “An even, all-over blonde look.” If that’s what you want, go for highlights.
Do say: “I’m feeling that my hair is a little too blonde and I need to show dimension in it again.”
A trim
Don’t say: “A few centimetres off.” Your communication skills need to be well-honed when it comes to asking for a trim. Remind yourself what a centimetre or two looks like before you go to the salon.
Do say: “I’m just after a dusting – I only want two centimetres cut off.” Be quite specific to avoid your hair ending up too short.
Layers
Don’t say: “Short layers!” You’ll end up with an ’80s- style ’do where the layers are so short that the ends uncontrollably flick out.
Do say: “I’m after longer layers to soften the edge of my overall style.”
An easy-to-manage style
Don’t say: “Lots of layers or a super-short bob.” These kinds of styles and anything with too much detail require multiple products and lots of blow-drying.
Do say: “I want a haircut that’s seamless to grow out, easy to blow-dry and only needs one product to style it.”
A fringe
Don’t say: “A fringe that sits above my eyebrows.” It will be cut straight across your forehead, making your face look wide and round.
Do say: “A fringe that sits just below my eyebrows and is rounder at the edges near my temples.”
Bouncy blow-dry
Don’t say: “A style with a curl – and don’t worry if you have to spray it.” You’ll end up with helmet hair!
Do say: “I want a blow-dry that’s voluminous at the roots, with a curve in the middle and ends, so it’s glossy and beautiful.”
Your pre-haircut checklist
Make the most of your next salon appointment with these expert tips.
– Don’t be afraid of being an annoying client. If you’re unsure about what your hairdresser’s talking about, ask questions. Remember to be polite – they’re holding the scissors, after all!
– Don’t come in with dirty hair that’s pulled back. Wash and wear your locks as you normally would so your hairdresser gets a clear picture of the texture and your styling skill level.
– Walk into the salon wearing what you’d normally wear during the week so your hairdresser can match your hair to your style and lifestyle.
– Do bring a picture of a style that you like. Explain to the hairdresser the elements you like and dislike, but be willing to accept if they say it won’t suit your hair type.
Should you buy salon extras?
Toner
Nine times out of 10, a blonde needs a toner. It’s hard to get the result you want without your locks looking brassy and a toner will help reduce this effect.
Blow-dry
Treat it as a guarantee. Once your hair’s dried off, you can see exactly what the hairdresser has done and whether you like it or not.
Conditioning treatment
It’s not the end of world for your hair, but if you do invest, your hair will look much healthier.
Salon-only shampoo & conditioner
They’re worth it if your budget stretches that far, but if you choose the right at-home products, your hair can look pretty damn good!
Colour extender
A professional colour should maintain its luminosity for weeks, but if you want to delay your next salon visit, at-home colour extenders can counteract dullness and undesirable tones.
Styling products
They’re not essential, however, if you want to recreate the look exactly and your hairdresser has given you a good demonstration on how to use them, they can be helpful in achieving a gorgeous at-home result every day.
