Lost in Translation - Good Hair Gone Bad

By ROCA Salon & Spa Owner, Rhonda

  

Have you ever said to yourself, "What were they thinking?!" when you left the salon?  How did your vision of your perfect hair style get so misconstrued?

The success of your salon visit relies on the consultation you have with your stylist. If it is your first visit and your consultation goes something like:

     Stylist: "Hi, I'm Sally.  What do you want to do today?"

     You:  "I'm ready for something new."

     Stylist:  "How do you want me to cut your hair?"

Or, even worse:  "Hi, I'm Sally.  Come on back and I'll get you shampooed."

STOP, STAND, and WALK AWAY!  If a stylist is asking you how to cut your hair without giving you suggestion, warnings, and insights, this is not the stylist for you.

Your stylist needs to establish your lifestyle and how much time you devote to your style.  Then, they need to find out what you did and didn't like about previous styles you've had. They need to check your hair to see if you have cowlicks, whirls, or strong growth directions that may limit the style. They need to ask if you want to keep your existing length or, if not, how short you want to take your new look.  Then, they need to discuss the options and recommndations they have for your style.

However, a great stylist will take it a step further and discuss hair color, highlighte, lowlights, and dimension, too.  Maybe your new style would give the illusion of being thicker if it were a bit darker in the nape area, or had more depth with some lowlights.

Then, a really great stylist will also educate you on how to style your new haircut at home, and educate you on the products they know and trust to ensure you get the same results at home as at the salon.  You should never leave the salon thinking you can't re-create the style at home.

To ensure you aren't just the "next one on the books", request extra time for a consultation when you call to schedule the appointment.  Also, be sure to tell the receptionist if you have long or thick hair, as the stylist will need extra time.

Now, part of the conversation also depends on if you are the "owner of your hair".  When making a drastic change, I always ask my guests that question.  By this I mean, do you take responsibility for your color and style, or do you rely on another person's opinion of how you should look?  If that's the case, do your homework!  Bring along pictures (either cut out or stored on your phone or tablet) of styles and hair color that you and the other person like and agree on, along with the ones you don't like.  If you ARE the owner of your hair and are willing to leave everything completely up to the stylist, make sure that stylist has been highly recommended by someone you trust.

Keep in mind, a good stylist will at least ask you if there is anything you would like to change every time you visit.  A GREAT stylist will offer suggestions of something new to try nearly every time you visit, whether it's a few highlights, a different fringe, or added layering in the crown for more lift & bounce.

If you feel your stylist takes you for granted and never offers anything new, it's time to find a new stylist with a fresh perspective.  Once you find someone else to try, be prepared, and expect a thorough consultation.