The key to finding a new look that totally works for you, is remembering there are two people involved in making it happen – you and your stylist.
Style Suggestions
When’s the last time your stylist asked if you need a change? If it wasn’t the last time you saw them, re-evaluate your stylist! You don’t have to undergo a radical change – I’ve seen plenty of clients who stick with one look for years. The point is you invest big dollars in your stylist and they should have enough pride in their own craft to want to evolve with you.
Stuck for a stylist?
If you’re “between stylists” (maybe they had to re-locate) or you’ve never had a regular stylist (you keep re-locating) just remind yourself that everyone loves a compliment! If you spot someone with great hair, tell them and be sure to ask who created it. Hairdressers rely heavily on word of mouth; we let our craft do the talking for us.
Scrapbooking is cool!
Don’t be scared to turn up for your appointment with a scrapbook-full of hairstyle pictures that appeal to you (note: actually “scrapbooking” the images is another story – I’ve only seen it once but I was definitely a little lost for words).
Visual examples will ensure you are both on the same page and it allows your hairdresser to create a collaboration of the looks, to design the perfect one for you.
Can’t replicate it?
“My hair never looks that good when I do it.” This is a statement stylists should only hear from clients if they haven’t educated them properly on how to manage their new look. Remember you are paying for a service, not just a style. Ask your hairdresser to take you through a few different methods of maintaining your look so that it’s easy and versatile.
Product Overload
Do you have a bathroom-vanity full of expensive products I’ve only used once? This is another reason clients become untrusting of the gospel hairdressers preach. If you’re over-stocked, bag them up and take them into the salon. A great stylist will walk you through application techniques, showing you how to get the best from your unused product. Plus, this should enable the stylist to build the bond again, so you feel confident the next time you need to ask them for advice.
IN SUMMARY: Be assertive, demand value for money and, if you’ve spoken less than your stylist during a visit, they’re not asking enough questions to provide the perfect look for you.
