Making a Success of Your Next Trip to the Hairdresser
*This is contributed content.
For something that grows out of your head naturally, hair can be a rather complicated affair. We’re always having to do something with it. We have to wash it regularly to ensure that it is clean and free of dirt, oil, and grease. While some of us naturally have luscious locks and can leave them to dry naturally, the majority of us opt for blow drying and heat styling to curate the perfect look. That’s before we even get on to the host of hair products that we purchase and use on a regular basis for a whole host of reasons: keeping frizz at bay, making a style stick, adding volume, giving a sleek finish… the list goes on and on. However, we grow used to these daily or weekly tasks. They become habit and practice often proves to make perfect as we hone our skills and styles over time. But the one thing associated with hair and styling that brings feelings of apprehension tends to be heading to the salon. We’ve all experienced a bad haircut at some point or another, and we generally want to avoid going through this ordeal again. Here’s everything you need to know to make a success of heading to the hairdresser!
Length and Style
If you want long hair and have short hair, you’re going to have to just spend a little time waiting and practicing a little patience. However, if your hair length already exceeds what’s necessary for the style you’ve been yearning after, it’s time to get yourself into the hairdresser’s chair. During your consultation, you’ll have to explain exactly what length and style you want when you walk back out of the door. If possible, take pictures as examples. This will make your stylist’s job a whole lot simpler. You should visit this link for some signature looks that you might want to try out!
Finish
Many of us would think that once our hair has been cut, we’ve reached the end of the big changes that our hair will see in the stylist’s chair. We can either head home with wet hair or have it dried and styled. But you have to settle on a finish. Here are a few of the most popular choices to consider.
Blunt Cut
It may seem odd to consider the blunt cut a “thing”. It is essentially a cut that ensures that when viewed from the back, your hair falls into a completely straight line at the bottom. Many of us assume that our hair grows like this naturally, but the truth is that most of our hair will grow at slightly different speeds in different areas. We also experience heat damage and breakage that sees the ends reduce in length in particular spots, too. The result is that most of us have pretty uneven ends! The blunt cut was actually popularised by professional hairdresser Vidal Sassoon during the sixties and seventies. Consider it for a sleek and neat look! While it may seem basic, you’ve got an extremely low chance of being able to cut it yourself or for someone who isn’t a professional hairdresser to be able to get the angle perfectly horizontal. So always save this one for the hairdresser’s chair.
Layers
Layering is perhaps the most popular type of finish chosen in salons. Why? Well, it works for all types of hair. Whether you have long locks, a short bob, straight hair, or curly tresses… this will look natural. However, while many of us hear this word flung around endlessly when it comes to talking about hair, we don’t actually know what it means. “Layering” is a technique where the bottom layers of an individual’s hair is left longer, while the hair on top is trimmed into shorter “layers”. This gives the illusion of volume, making hair look bigger and thicker. You can have subtle layers or dramatic steps. It’s completely up to you!
Choppy
A choppy finish looks exactly how it sounds. Upon request, numerous pieces of your hair will be cut to different lengths, resulting in a “choppy” look. If you’re a little lazy when it comes to styling, this might be the one for you, as it results in a purposefully less uniform look which requires less maintenance.
Thinning
Generally speaking, the majority of us would rather have thick hair than thin hair. So the process of purposefully “thinning” our locks may seem a little bizarre. However, if you have a notable style, you may need to have your hair thinned with specialist thinning scissors in order to allow it to fall as intended. This technique reduces bulkiness and makes hair more manageable.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider before heading to the salon, and we haven’t even touched on the aspect of colouring yet! The key to success is to ensure that you understand basic hairdressing terms (in order to avoid asking for the wrong thing) and to bring as much reference material as possible!
I hope these contributed tips have helped you all to be better prepared when heading to the salon. Speaking of which, I am totally due for a cut and color!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
12 Comments
Nancy
I am always at war with my Hair. Always want something else. I have an appointment this Saturday. I think it will stay the same!😂😂😂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nancy, I think all women are always at war with their hair! Mine is finally long enough to pull up into a high ponytail, but it does need a trimming this week which will probably make it too short again. I am definitely keeping it the same for now, too, as I am liking long hair right now. Thanks for reading and good luck at your Saturday appointment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar
I love my stylist – going on 6.5 years together, but its always nerve wracking of how it will turn out lol
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I hear you, Tamar! I had the same stylist for years, then she left. I found a new one whom I absolutely adore! I need to go this week and I am forever changing my mind about my hair. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Wednesday!
xoxo
Shelbee
Brooke
I love layers! I’ve had my hair cut in layers for as long as I can remember. I had the same hair dresser for years, but she moved earlier this year and I’ve had to find a new one. I did find one I liked but it’s scary trusting someone with your hair!
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I love your hairstyle in layers, Brooke. Meanwhile, I am trying to grow out my layers. They annoy me! It is stressful finding someone to trust with your locks. And I always want someone who is completely confident and gives me suggestions without hesitation. Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
I love the long length of my hair, and usually, I’ll do long layers. This is a great post for tips, and for people who want to change their looks.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laura, thanks so much for reading! You have amazing hair, so I can understand why you love it! I want to grow my a bit longer, but I usually won’t go too much longer than it is because I literally cannot stand when wet hair touches my back after I shower. That is enough to make me cut it off again!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa Smith
I would love to have long hair but it just looks awful on me. I long to wear a hat!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lisa, you are so cute! I wonder if we can’t find the right type of hat for short hair. I think it can be done…this will be our new mission! Finding you a spectacular hat that works perfectly with your short hair! It was great to see you this morning. I will see you in 2 weeks!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marilee Gramith
Having moved recently I’m still in transition with finding a stylist. I’ve been lucky to find skilled stylists/colorists that have won my loyalty in the past. I think it’s important to have someone who learns the unique quirks of your head and can be relied on to take them into consideration every time you visit. I want someone I trust to advise me and knowledge of my hair positives and negatives is of course crucial to getting a good outcome.
Your hair is great Shelbee. It’s shiny, healthy looking, and you’ve found a funky but flattering style!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jude, thanks so much! I wrote a post in the summer about my new stylist…you can read ithere. And she totally rocks! And in just a few months she totally understood all the little nuances of my hair. It is always difficult to transition to someone new when you have found a trusted stylist. I hope you find your perfect match soon!
xoxo
Shelbee