Your First Visit With a Stylist
Updated: Sep 25, 2019
It can be a nerve wracking experience: sitting in a stylist's chair for the first time. Most of us have had at least one terrible hair experience that left us scarred and a little nervous. What steps can you take to ensure you bond with your stylist and leave with what you asked for? Read below for some hot tips from an actual stylist.
1. Have pictures
Show us your Pinterest Hair Board! Show us what your end goal is. Show us what you love and show us what you hate! This information gives us a parameter to work with. Want a bob but don't like stacking? Let us know that. Want "auburn" hair? Show us what auburn looks like to you. We love seeing pictures because it helps give us a road map from where you are to where you're going. Feel free to bring in pics of yourself, too, if you loved your hair then and want to go back to it. We're visual, so bring something to show us.
2. Stick with your hair type
I once had a girl with beautiful long, silky, shiny fine hair bring in a pic of Taylor Swift when she was wearing her hair in spiral curls. That's not really ever gonna happen for her. Sure, I could curl it but it would relax and loosen and eventually fall out. I had to tell her that, and encouraged her to find someone with her type of hair - someone like Jennifer Anniston. We all want what we don't have. Sometimes there is a way to get what you want. But to keep things simple, find a pic of someone with hair similar to yours. Then discuss the possibility of a complete change.
3. It takes three to make a thing go right
Know that it takes about three times of seeing a stylist for them to really know your hair. Some people lift fast while others stay orange forever. Some people's hair grabs color and some is resistant. The point is, your stylist wants you to love your hair when you leave, but sometimes there's a learning curve. Be open to giving them three appointments to give you your dream hair.
4. Have reasonable expectations
it happens all the time: I have a new client in my chair and she wants a drastic change. She's blonde and wants to go brunette on our first appointment. Or she has waste length hair and she wants to chop it off. Listen, ladies. REALLY think this through. Sometimes a small tweak will help you feel brand new. If you want a drastic change, then by all means, go for it! But consider doing it gradually or with a stylist who knows your hair. Its a lot of pressure for you and for your stylist for the first appointment.
There you have it. These are just a few tips to help you prepare for a successful first visit with a stylist. So what are you waiting for? Get to pinning on your Hair board and come see me! :)
