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What Is the Best Way to Communicate With Your Hairdresser?
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Walking into a salon with a vision in mind only to walk out with a haircut or color that doesn’t match your expectations is a frustrating experience many women know all too well. The difference between a good and a bad salon visit often comes down to one crucial factor: communication.
Your hairdresser isn’t a mind reader, and vague descriptions like “just make it look nice” or “do whatever you think suits me” leave too much room for interpretation. To ensure you leave the salon feeling confident and in love with your hair, you need to master the art of clear, effective communication with your stylist.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to communicate with your hairdresser—from bringing the right inspiration photos to understanding salon terminology—so you can achieve your dream hair every single time.
Why Communication With Your Hairdresser Matters
A great haircut or color starts with a great consultation. Many women assume that their stylist will automatically understand what they want, but the truth is, hair terminology is subjective. Words like “layered,” “blonde,” or “short” can mean completely different things to different people.
Miscommunication leads to:
- Hair that’s shorter or longer than expected
- Colors that turn out too warm, too ashy, or just not what you envisioned
- Styling techniques that don’t work for your hair texture or lifestyle
The key to avoiding these mishaps? Being specific, visual, and honest about what you want—and what you don’t.
How to Prepare for Your Salon Appointment
1. Bring Clear Inspiration Photos (But Be Realistic)
A picture is worth a thousand words—especially in a salon. Instead of describing your ideal look with abstract terms, bring 2-3 reference photos that clearly show:
- The exact length you want
- The color tone (warm, cool, balayage, highlights, etc.)
- The styling (blunt cut, shag, layers, bangs, etc.)
Pro Tip: Make sure the models in your photos have a similar hair texture, face shape, and skin tone to yours. What looks stunning on fine, straight hair might not translate well to thick, curly hair.
2. Know Your Hair’s History
Your stylist needs to know:
- Any previous color treatments (box dye, highlights, bleach)
- How often you heat-style your hair
- Any scalp sensitivities or allergies
Why this matters: If you’ve previously colored your hair at home, your stylist may need to adjust their approach to avoid damage or uneven color.
3. Be Honest About Your Hair Habits
Do you air-dry your hair every day? Are you willing to style it with hot tools? Do you only get haircuts twice a year?
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in determining which cuts and colors will work for you. A high-maintenance blonde balayage might look gorgeous, but if you’re not willing to come in for touch-ups every 8 weeks, your stylist may suggest a more low-maintenance option.
How to Describe What You Want (Without Confusing Your Stylist)
1. Use the Right Terminology
Instead of saying:
❌ “I want layers.”
✅ Say: “I want face-framing layers that start at my chin, with longer layers in the back.”
Instead of saying:
❌ “I want to go blonde.”
✅ Say: “I want a honey blonde balayage with a shadow root for low maintenance.”
2. Explain What You Don’t Like
Sometimes, the best way to communicate what you want is by stating what you don’t want. Examples:
- “I don’t like blunt ends—I prefer soft, textured layers.”
- “I don’t want my hair to look orange—I prefer ashy tones.”
- “I don’t want a cut that requires daily styling.”
3. Ask for Their Professional Opinion
A good stylist will tell you if:
- A certain cut won’t suit your face shape
- A color might damage your hair
- A style will require more upkeep than you’re willing to commit to
Example: “I love this platinum look, but I’m worried about damage. Do you think my hair can handle it, or should we go for a softer blonde?”
During the Appointment: How to Ensure You’re on the Same Page
1. Ask Questions
- “How will this cut work with my natural texture?”
- “Will this color fade quickly?”
- “What products will I need to maintain this at home?”
2. Speak Up During the Process
If something doesn’t feel right—say it immediately.
- “Could we take a little more off the ends?”
- “The color looks a bit too gold—can we tone it cooler?”
- “I think the bangs are shorter than I wanted.”
Remember: It’s much easier to adjust something during the service than to fix it afterward.
After the Appointment: How to Maintain the Relationship
1. Follow Their Aftercare Advice
If your stylist recommends:
- A specific shampoo
- Heat protectant
- Regular trims
Listen. They’re giving you these tips so your hair stays healthy and your style lasts longer.
2. Give Feedback (Politely)
If you loved your hair:
- “This is exactly what I wanted—thank you!” (And tip well!)
If something wasn’t quite right:
- “I love the cut, but next time, could we go slightly lighter with the highlights?”
3. Book Your Next Appointment Before You Leave
For color clients, scheduling your next touch-up ensures you won’t end up with overgrown roots or faded tones.
Final Thoughts: Building Trust With Your Stylist
The best salon experiences come from clear communication, mutual trust, and honesty. The more you work with the same stylist, the better they’ll understand your preferences—but it all starts with you knowing how to articulate what you want.
By following these tips, you’ll not only get the hair of your dreams but also build a long-term relationship with a stylist who gets you.
Ready for your best hair yet? Book that appointment, bring your inspo pics, and communicate like a pro! 💇♀️✨
