Hairstyles Picture

Choosing a Hairdresser

June 5th, 2008

How to find the perfect hairdresser for you? Here is list of do’s and don’ts in selecting, dealing with and keeping a hairdresser:

1. Find a hairdresser through a personal recommendation. If there is someone you know who has a haircut you admire, or you see someone on a street or at a party with a pretty hairstyle you think may look great on you, ask her where she gets her hair cut. Don’t be shy-I have found that women are flattered to be asked and generous with the information.

2. Make an appointment and walk in with confidence. Don’t be intimidated by a fancy salon or a preoccupied receptionist. Be gracious but firm; announce your arrival and ask when you may see the hairdresser. If you are kept waiting, ask why. Ask any other questions you like. Remember, hairdressing is a service-you are the client and the priority at any salon should be to serve you.

3. On your first visit, when the receptionist gives you a robe to change into, don’t do it. Meet your hairdresser with your hair the way you wear it normally, in the clothes that are yours, so he or she can see the whole you, the image you present. This will help him understand “who” you are and to create a style that will fit you. But this also means that you shouldn’t “dress to the hilt” or pretend to be someone you are not. Be yourself-but be your best self.

4. Notice if the hairdresser has the time to talk with you-not only to discuss the style that would be flattering for you (beware if he immediately tells you he knows just the perfect style for you) but also to find out what kind of life you lead, how much time you have to care for your hair, how skilled you are at using some of the tools and what kind of hairstyles you like. All this information will help him to create your hairstyle-so if he doesn’t ask, volunteer the information.

5. If you see the hairdresser creating the same hairdo for all his customers-watch out. It may be the only one he knows, or he may be the kind who does only one “in” hairdo at a time. A good hair-dresser creates an individual style for each of his clients.

6. Once you have chosen a hairdresser, talk to him honestly. Tell him what you like in a hairdo, and what you don’t like. Believe that if you end up with a hairstyle you hate, you must accept some of the responsibility. To avoid such a catastrophe, keep saying to yourself, “It is my hair that’s being styled and I have something to say about it!” Any good hairdresser will respect that.

7. Don’t skimp on a haircut. The hairdresser you like may be more expensive than others, but if he is really good, it will be worth it. Remember, if you get a cut you hate, you are going to have to put out more money to have somebody else fix it. If you want to save money on a haircut, go to the stylist you like but have him or her cut your hair shorter than usual so you won’t have to return as often.

8. A good hairdresser will not make you dependent on him. He will give you a haircut that you will be able to take care of yourself, and he can show you how to do it yourself-so ask him! If you find when you get home that you can do nothing with your hair (and you find that the only person who can is your hairdresser) tell him that the cut isn’t right for you. If he doesn’t understand, you may need to switch to someone who does.

Now that you have your new hairdresser and your basic cut comes the most important part-caring for your hair. A great cut and an understanding, accommodating and talented hairdresser will mean nothing if your hair is not in good condition. Healthy hair is not a myth or an unattainable goal-anyone can take care of her hair. It is easy, can be inexpensive and the results are (barring any unforeseen disasters or careless techniques) successful and worth it.

Entry Filed under: Hair Care Tips