Relationships with a hairdresser work best as a collaboration, not a complete transfer of decisions to another person. A stylist understands hair texture, density, face shape, and how different haircuts grow out. However, they cannot know how much time you spend on your hair in the mornings, whether you have recently dyed it, what changes you definitely do not want, and where the shortest hair layer should end. It is precisely the lack of information that often causes a failed haircut.
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The portal “Parade” reached out to five famous hair stylists who shared which client questions make them feel uncomfortable, what is better to ask, and what mistakes to avoid in the salon.
A question better not to ask a hairdresser
“Can you just do whatever you want?” All interviewed stylists unanimously identified this variation of the question.
Stylist Gina Rivera emphasizes that it is important to agree with the hairdresser in advance on what you want and to say just as clearly what you do not want.
“I think it is important to make a plan together with the stylist about what you are looking for – and what you do not want is just as important. If you give the stylist complete freedom, the result may not match what you imagined,” she says.
Nick Arrojo looks at this question even more straightforwardly.
“It sounds like trust, but it almost never is. Does ‘whatever’ mean a short boyish cut, straight bangs, or cutting off six inches of hair? Most clients have limits, they just don’t say them,” explains the stylist.
Beau Dieda, who has worked with clients for more than 20 years, also draws attention to the emotional responsibility that falls on the hairdresser in such cases.
“It’s your hair, your lifestyle, and your self-confidence. If you end up not liking the result, that ‘do whatever you want’ can quickly turn into regret,” he says.
What is better to ask?
Experts suggest showing that you are ready for changes but want to remain part of the process instead of completely handing over the decision to the hairdresser.
N. Arrojo suggests asking: “I am ready for changes. What do you think would suit me and why?”
According to him, such a question gives the stylist room to use their creativity but allows the client to participate in making a decision they will have to live with much longer than the salon visit lasts.
Two more questions better to avoid
Stylist Chaz Dean advises not to ask about a discount just because a previous hairdresser charged less for the same service. According to him, stylists constantly invest in training and improvement, so their accumulated experience has its price.
Another question that can annoy a specialist is “How much longer will it take?” asked in the middle of the procedure.
Curly hair expert Brendnetta Ashley says such a question immediately creates the feeling that the client is in a hurry.
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“It immediately feels like I am being pressured about time. I want to give you the best service possible so that neither of us feels time pressure,” she explains.
The cost of a bad haircut can be higher than you think
“Do whatever you want” may sound innocent, but the consequences of a bad decision can be unpleasant.
N. Arrojo states that a client may lose hair length that will take years to grow back, pay for corrective procedures, or get a haircut that will require much more daily care than the person can provide.
Unsuccessful hair color corrections can be especially complicated – sometimes several visits and additional chemical treatments are needed.
G. Rivera emphasizes that the lack of a clear plan also complicates the situation if the client does not like the result.
“This is especially a big pressure on the stylist, especially if the client is visiting for the first time. A new haircut or color is a very personal thing, and if the client does not like it, the stylist has nothing to rely on,” she says.
In other words, a good result depends not only on the hairdresser’s skills. A clear client vision of what they want is also needed.
How to prepare for a visit to the hairdresser?
All specialists agree on one thing – bring photos.
G. Rivera calls them practically a necessity. Photos allow the hairdresser to better understand what the client imagines, and you can also show examples of what you definitely do not want.
However, photos alone do not always answer all questions. N. Arrojo recommends asking the hairdresser:
“How will this haircut look if I dry my hair naturally?”
“Will I be able to tie it back?”
“Where will the shortest layer end?”
“How often will I need to cut my hair?”
“What will I have to do at home?”
According to him, a perfect haircut is not necessarily the trendiest. It must suit the natural hair texture, the person’s ability to style it, their schedule, and budget.
The hairdresser must be told the truth
If you usually just dry your hair and do not use any styling tools, say so. If you visit the salon only a few times a year, the hairdresser should also know this.
The hair history is also important. If you used store-bought dyes, had hair extensions, underwent a keratin treatment, or chemically treated your hair in any other way, it is necessary to inform the specialist. This information can fundamentally change how the procedure is performed.
Also, do not be afraid to clearly say what you categorically do not want. Ch. Dean emphasizes that there is nothing worse for a hairdresser than seeing off a client who is unhappy with the result.
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