How to get a Good Haircut

Girl before a haircut makeover — Photo: Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock

Everyone wants a good haircut, and there are few people out there who haven't gone through the horror of receiving a bad one. Hairdressers, especially, experience this; don't be surprised. I once worked in a very large salon. I remember getting a haircut from one of my colleagues.

She was asking me questions and telling me her life story while chewing gum. I worriedly watched my hair fall to the floor. By the time she was done, I had no hair left in my crown. I told her my hair was too short. Her reply, "It will grow back," were famous last words, spoken because of a careless mistake. It did grow back, and she never cut my hair again.

In another salon, I observed hairdressers smoking while they worked. The ashes would grow so long that they would spill out onto the client's hair, the floor, or even into their coffee mug that they would use to "refresh" themselves as they continued servicing their client. The others who smoked and drank coffee while servicing were basically good hairdressers, but their salon etiquette could have been improved.

Although hairdressers may have some off-putting traits, it does not mean they are not good ones. On the other hand, you have to connect with your hairdresser and feel comfortable and confident in her ability while she is talking to you. Do you agree? There has to be a meeting of the minds and an understanding of the hearts when we communicate.

The secret to a good haircut begins by you looking around when you are out shopping. Make this a priority. Notice other women's cuts until you see one you admire. Approach her and ask her where she gets her hair done. She will gladly share with you, as any woman would, when given such a compliment. Don't forget to get this lady's name, so you can refer to her hairstyle when you visit the salon.

When you sit in the chair, listen very closely to what the hairdresser is saying to you about your hair. Listen to her questions and think carefully before you answer her. Don't be in a hurry. This is your hair and your money. You are paying for her expertise and counsel. When you approach her about the hairstyle you want, what does she say about this style for you? Is there communication between the two of you?

Girl after a long to short haircut makeover — Photo: Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock

Many times, clients select a hairstyle they would like, but discover their hair does not have the texture for it and the upkeep can be too demanding before going to work. If there is good communication, your hairstylist will tell you whether or not you can wear the style you desire. Sometimes the haircut will not complement the shape of your face or your body, in which case, the stylist should have an idea of what you want and suggest one that does.

Observing other hairdressers in the salon will help you as well. Go with a friend to her salon and just observe the other stylists working for a while. Does this one seem to have high standards while they are doing hair? Does she talk about all of her problems or does she listen to her clients instead? Ask yourself if you would like to listen to her problems as well.

Is she paying attention to what she is doing? Does she seem to rush her clients in and out, not taking much time with them? Is she doing a haircut, a permanent, and a coloring process all at the same time due to the problem of overbooking? Would you mind being serviced in this way as well? Is she too busy to take the necessary time on your hair? If so, shop around a bit more. It's alright to be choosy.

Although it is not good to judge by appearances, in this case we can sometimes make a small exception. What does your hairdresser's hair look like? If she is young and has wildly spiked magenta hair with five nose rings and one looped tongue ring that makes her salivate and swallow continuously; you need to ask yourself if she can give you the conservative look you are searching for. Is she able to speak clearly with all that going on in her mouth? She would likely bond with others her own age and those who like drama, like herself.

On the other hand, if one is in the corner serving only older women, the same thing applies in the opposite spectrum. Watch her for a while and see if she is styling the type of coiffure you are interested in.

What does her hair represent to you? Would you wear it for yourself? Are they confident or cocky as they work on hair, or are they not too sure about what they are doing? What do their styles look like when they walk out of the salon? Watch, observe and listen.

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