Why Hairdressers Cut Too Short

Hairdresser cutting long hair
Photo: Nomad Soul/Shutterstock
Q: Why do hairdressers always cut your hair too short? It's frustrating to see how each time I need a trim I lose a lot of length. The length I saved is always lost when I go for a trim. How will I ever be able to have long hair again?
 
A: As I see it, there may be a matter of miscommunication here. If your hairdresser is under the impression that this is meant to be a maintenance cut of the last cut he or she gave you, I can see where he/she might cut more hair off than you desire.
 
This is why it is IMPERATIVE that you always discuss with your stylist the long-term and short-term goals you have regarding your hair. A good stylist, who understands that your ultimate goal is to grow your hair out long(er) will perform trims and maintenance cuts accordingly.
 
With maintenance trims, the objective is to keep the hair at the length of the initial cut that created the style. If the client is trying to grow out his or her hair, the objective shifts, and the hair is carefully trimmed so that the ends are even (our hairs grow independently at varying rates of growth). This allows the hair to look neat, without sacrificing the length.
 
Unfortunately, it has been my experience that most stylists fail to do even basic recordkeeping on their clients. While one of the more important things we are taught in core education classes at institutions (technical colleges and beauty schools) is recordkeeping on our clients to track chemicals and services received, those who are salon-trained learn their craft based on the priorities of the salon.
 
And in all honesty, the only salon I have walked into the last ten years or so that kept records or any kind was a school salon. These days, some salons are getting around the recordkeeping responsibilities by having all clients sign waiver's before having any chemical services.
 
But we were talking specifically about stylists cutting the hair too short. The recordkeeping issue comes into play in this because a few notes in client's record can help the stylist know what the client wants from session to session. It lessens the risk of miscommunication because you've made the wishes clear and those intentions are written down.
 
It becomes your job to protect yourself and to stop giving your money to a stylist who doesn't do what you need/want done or at least communicate with you about your requests.
 
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See also:
 
Scissor happy hairdressers
 
Why hairdressers prefer short hair
 
Why hairdressers never do what you want
 
How to find a good hairstylist