With hundreds, if not thousands, of hairstylists chiseling, combing and coiffing the locks of ladies from the small town barber shops and beauty parlors to the swankiest of “citified” salons and image studios, I ask myself the same question that lots of first-time clients have asked me. Underwhelmed or downright displeased with their last cut, they sit in a new stylist”s chair and ask: “Why can”t I get a good haircut?”
With all of the education, experience and talent among the stylists from whom you might choose, why then do I still get those first-time clients who are feeling less than beautiful?
The bob that went from chin-length to above the ears (and not in a good way), long layers that just “lie there” causing clients to flip out because they just will not flip under, or hair color that adds years instead of subtracting them are the symptoms of two key problems.
n First, you must find a stylist who listens. When you are finished talking, ask questions to provide evidence that he or she was listening. Don”t be afraid to shop around. Take a stylist for a test drive just like the season”s newest five-speed roadster. Bring photos and styling tools from home since you are going to have to make this work at home every day, and talk about your best haircut ever. Plus, tell the stylist about your worst haircut disaster. Within the first seconds of a consultation, you will know if the chemistry is a “go” or a definite “no.”
n Second, in defense of the excellent stylists out there, some of whom are my good friends, we are beauticians, not magicians. If an experienced stylist says that your goals for your hair are impossible to achieve, you are entitled to a second opinion, but you should probably also consider adjusting your expectations. I have had to “divorce” several clients in my career to date. Some hair types and lengths simply cannot achieve some looks.
In one ending paragraph, I can answer the question: “How can I get a good haircut?” Make sure that your expectations are realistic, and trust your hair only to a stylist who is committed to ongoing professional development to become the best that he or she can be. Expect productive, two-way communication, and don”t be shy about expressing your views. Keeping these simple tips in mind, you are on the road to being beautiful with a cut and style that is perfect for you.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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