Tip #1- PICTURES!!!
It is very helpful to bring pictures of what you want whether it's referring to color or cut. This ensures that you and your stylist are on the same page and can also be a point of reference for return visits. We have a filing system here that allows us to keep your pictures here and we love being able to point to a picture and say things like, "Is this what you mean by texture?" or "This bang would look great on you!!". It also allows you to say "this is what I want" without trying to make an attempt at a language that we use every day.
Tip #2- Understanding Stylist Jargon
If you're unable to find a picture of what you want, are just looking for a little bit of a change or just would like to express the things that you like in a haircut, it's important that both you and your stylist are on the same page. Here are some terms that will help you and your stylist communicate what you want in a haircut.
Beachy- Hair that's a bit wavy, with a wind tousled finish; often created with a thickening or saltwater based spray gel. Products that would help you to accomplish this look are Kevin Murphy's Hair Resort, Sachajuan's Ocean Mist or Davines' Finest Oil Non Oil
Choppy- A cut which the ends all vary slightly in length; stylists often use a razor to achieve this effect. This look can also be accomplished with varying shear techniques. Be aware that you may not be able to see your choppiness without the help of products like Kevin Murphy's Sticky Business, any of the pots in Davines' For Wizards Line and Sachajuan's Hair Wax or Hair Paste.
Giving Hair Movement- Usually involves adding layers from mid-length to ends, making the style feel lighter and bouncier. It is important that you ask you stylist their recommendation for how your layers should lay as everyone has a different face shape. The idea is to create layers that accentuate the best features of your face shape and bring attention to the sparkle in your eye, the cute shape of your nose or the amazing shape of your cheek bones.
Overdirecting- Blowing out the hair to one side, then flipping in to part it on the other side for added volume. This is a technique we use often refered to as "the wrap dry"
Piecey- Ends are defined and separated, generally on shorter cuts; the stylist applies a wax, gel or pomade to the hair, then uses her fingers to break up the texture of the hair. Products you could use to create this type of style are Davines' Glossy Modeling Putty, Kevin Murphy's Easy Rider to separate curls and Sachajuan's Styling Gel.
Structure- Characteristics of a defined, often geometric style like a bob. This term could also be used to describe the end result of techniques used to help you achieve your finished look. For example, someone with fine hair might need texturizing done in the internal structure to help create volume.
Texturizing- Either making very curly hair smoother and less bulky by cutting diagonally into it, or making flat hair appear fuller and lifted with layers.
Thinning Out- Removing bulk from hair, usually by gliding a razor/shears or by using thinning shears. Be sure that you express which methods you are most comfortable with. For example, anyone with curly hair should request that their curls be "carved".
Hint #3- Commit to Meeting Us Half Way
Your relationship with your stylist can only be described as a 50:50 hair affair. As stylists we are determined to give you the best haircut, style or color we are capable of but without a collaboration, it is hard to achieve complete success. We need you as clients to commit to doing the work as far as at home care. Using the recommended products and keeping your styling promises are the best way for you to hold up your end of the bargain. This means making sure you hair is completely dry before flat ironing or using that heat protectant before using any hot tools. This also means making sure you make it in for your maintenance appointments and keeping with the color/cut schedule that your stylist recommends. We ask you to do these things so that we as a collaborative effort are able to ensure that your hair is looking its absolute best at all times. We also want to make sure that after your haircut implodes after 6-8 weeks that you're not cursing us because your hair is not doing what you want it to do!! Ha!! Let's do our best to keep the fireworks to a minimum!!
Now, take these hints and study hard, memorize, post them on your wall, make them into a song.... do what you have to do so that you don't forget!!! If you do somehow fail to commit these to memory, please remember that you can always ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Our goal is to make sure that your experience is as enjoyable as possible and the best way to ensure that is executing the style and haircut that you most desire.
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