Another Hair Question for Today

I went to a few before I found a stylist I liked and trusted. I went to one for about a year and thought I liked her but the last few times I was there I wasn't happy w/the cut and I felt a little rushed. So, I started 'shopping' and I was referred to a salon so I went there and the girl had cute hair and looked trendy but she was RUDE - seemed to have no manners and like she just wanted me out of there (I was her last appointment). So, since I go from short to growing my hair out and then back to short I went on a 'growing out' phase. I asked a few people in my area for referrals and I got one for where I go now. The first thing this woman said when I sat in her chair was "let me see what your hair texture is so I can get an idea for what will look good." I then showed her some pictures of what I liked and she looked at them telling me, "this one will work (for such and such reason) or this one will not work (for such and such reason)" I realized i found a match b/c she was working with my hair - not just doing what I want regardless of whether she knows it will look awful!

This is why I don't "cheat" on my hairdresser. She is pricey but I have been going to her for 14 years and she knows my hair. Find someone whose hair you really like and always has it cut well and ask for their hairdresser's name. Skip the low priced hair cutting chains, sometimes they have some really good people (my husband goes to one and always requests the same stylist because she does such a good job) but many times they are newbies, not worth the gamble in my opinion. I will take my boys there but my hair is really difficult and needs extra help. Oh, and if you do go into a salon and see a stylist with really great hair, don't go to her, ask her who does her hair and go to that stylist!

I second what Lucia said.
If see someone's hair that I like when I'm out & about, I ask them who does their hair.
I try & get the hairstylist's name & phone number right on the spot

Edit: Oh & then when I find that person I like......I stay w/them.

I hear ya! I hate going in to get my hair cut and then being more unhappy when I leave! The best thing I have found is to take a picture in - or several. Explain what you like about the picture or cut and also what you don't like. It is also really helpful to know what kind of hair you have - fine, thick, wavy, or whatever and also where your colicks are if you have any. That helps the stylist figure out whether the picture or cut you like will work with your hair. Another piece that is good for them to know is what your morning routine is - do you wash and blow dry? Do you wash and airdry? Do you use a straightener or curling iron? Do you use a lot of product or none? How much time are you willing to spend on it each day? It takes a lot of time on the front end talking it through, but I firmly believe it is worth it to get a cut that you like and can maintain. Once I find someone who is good I stick to them as long as I can. And I still bring a picture every time I go in, even with the same stylist.

The color piece I gave up years ago. I color my own. It is significantly less expensive and if I don't like it I have no one to blame but me. =)

Good luck to you!

I wish I had an answer for you, I never like my haircuts and I dye my own. My husband hates every single haircut he ever gets.

Ha!

I have 3 people.

One for cut. One for color. One for relaxing.

The thing is, I have very difficult hair. Whomever I go through is typically a "top in their field" category of person. To get that good, a stylist isn't going to be a jack of all trades. Their gift is going to be in one area (structure and design, color, retexturinzing). So I see them for that area.

Oh, it's hit and miss with most stylists and I've been through plenty. I did notice that my daughter's hair always looked amazing so I stole her stylist. Best thing I ever did. This woman works magic with my ever changing aging hair. Her cuts are youthful and easy to care for and she's a master with color. The funny thing is that she can't find anyone to cut and color her hair which always looks a little off and never as good as her clients!