 View from the Chair
Let your stylist know how you want your hair
By Sherry Walker, a hair-nista in Michigan
After several hair mishaps and unfortunate outcomes, I have learned that the only way to ensure that my hair will turn out the way I like it is by speaking up. Several of my early salon visits were a disaster because I kept my mouth shut. Instead of letting the stylist know what I liked, I paid my money and walked out unhappy.
In those instances, I used to say, "Next time, I am going to speak up and they are going to do what I want."
However, when someone stands over you with scissors, sprays, blow dryers and brushes, you feel like you're under their control.
So, how do you get your hairdresser to do what you want? Research and ask questions. After several bad hairstyles—and tired of feeling totally frustrated—I learned to follow some simple rules:
Select a reputable salon
Pick a salon that knows about your hair type and can give you the right conditioner, cut and style.
Evaluate your hair
When you walk into the salon for the first time, tell them what you want. They should feel your hair and evaluate its condition. Listen to the stylist carefully because that person's advice may be what your hair needs.
Price
Confirm the price before and after they evaluate your hair.
Washing
Ask for an experienced person to wash your hair and pay attention to how many times they wash it. Two to three washings are recommended. Washing your hair too many times can be just as damaging as not enough. It's not necessary for those washing your hair to dig their sharp, long nails into your scalp. If this happens, politely ask them to stop. Remember, it is important to massage the scalp and not tangle the hair.
Conditioning
Let the professional know if you prefer a leave-in conditioner or want to sit under the dryer with a cap on. Ask how long you will be under the dryer. Why? Some salons base how long you sit under the dryer on how much time the stylist has and not on what your hair really needs.
Combing and blow-drying
Brace up when it comes to combing out your hair, especially if it is tangled and has kinks. Request that the stylist part your hair in sections and use a wide-tooth comb. Blow-drying should be nice and easy. Pulling too hard can damage the hair.
Cutting
Get your picture out again. Look in the mirror because that first scissor cut is important. Have the stylist show you how she or he plans to cut your hair before doing so. This will save a lot of heartache down the line.
Pressing and curling
If you selected a hairstylist who talks constantly, pray the stylist is quiet and pays attention during this process. Check and see if the pressing tools are too hot for your hair type. If so, speak up.
Finishing touches
Advise the stylist if you like oil, hair spray or gels. Now, check out your ‘do. Your hair is done and you look marvelous because you and the stylist worked as a team. If you like the work, tip your stylist well. You'll be back because the stylist knows exactly how you like your hair.
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Copyright 2011 © My Salon Scoop, LLC
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