Snip, Snip, Cut: Getting the Most from your Stylist

• Don’t stick with a stylist you’re not happy with. No matter how wonderful a person they are, no matter how good their reputation, not matter how they may be related to you, if they don’t work for you they don’t work. The first time Phillyist left a stylist, we felt like it was a break-up. We were wracked with guilt. This evaporated the moment we left the salon of the new stylist, blessed with killer hair.
• When your stylist makes suggestions, listen. They often have experience that may prove valuable in adjusting a cut for your hair type and face shape.
• That said, a good stylist will do what you ask. In the end, you are the customer. Don’t bother returning to any stylist who refuses to do a cut as you have asked or who argues with you.
• Don’t blindly pick a stylist by walking in a random salon. Your hair is on your head 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. This is far too important to trust to luck. Instead, find a friend, family member, coworker, or even someone on the street whose cut you like and ask them where they go. Then, call the salon and ensure that it is within your budget. Repeat until you find something that will work for you.
• Do your homework! Learn some of the basic hair styling terminology so that you can effectively describe to the stylist the exact effect you want. Also, bring pictures. Loads and loads of pictures. There is no tool like a visual aid for describing a concept. You can use them to create your own styles by saying things like “I really like the long layers of this one, but I’d like to pair it with the bangs of this one. What do you think? Will that be feasible?”
• If you like your stylist's work, tip him or her well. It will be remembered, and he or she may really go the nineteenth mile for you in future.

With this advice, hopefully you and your stylist can have a long, happy life together.

Image Credit: English Cut