How To Talk To Your Stylist?!

by James Nelson II

The only constant is change, someone wisely observed. Change can be good or bad, especially when it’s about your hair. Guys are more vain about their hair than they’d like to let on; and ,with the slow demise of the Barbershop industry and the rise in men frequenting the Salon, it’s time to consider how to communicate successfully with your stylist.

The first thing to consider is what is commonly referred to as the “consultation.” Most of the time, you walk in or pre-book (pre-booking is always wise, but we’ll discuss that later…) for a 30-45minute men’s cut appointment, you get 2 minutes if you’re lucky to stumble through trying to explain the mythical haircut you’ve always wanted, then wham/bam the scissors are moving and you are left with anything from outright failure, middling success, possibly outright success. You basically feel like you strapped in and waited for the ride to end, often feeling a little powerless to affect the outcome. Here’s how to change that! Most salons will offer a 15 minute consultation in advance of your scheduled appointment, but you have to ASK. Often, these consults are free, as the stylist and salon want to develop business with you.

Taking the time to discuss what you want, look at pictures and -most importantly-listen to what your stylist thinks, will take loads of pressure of everyone concerned. You’ll get a more thorough consult and increase the odds of a favorable cut as a result. Optionally, you could always ask to schedule the extra time on your first appointment, but this won’t allow you to walk away and consider everything discussed before letting the hair fly. Also, you have a chance to decide if the new stylist is the right fit for you, when booking a separate consult.

Seriously consider pre-booking all appointments. Hopefully you get a recommendation for a salon and operator that you can then arrange an appointment with. Walking into a salon and expecting to see a senior stylist that’s booked 6 or more weeks out, is probably going to result in your disappointment. You’ll either remain shaggy, or make a last second appointment with whomever is available, and you’ve just derailed your whole plan of success! Understand, walk-in appointments make salons happy, because they fill the books, and you can get a good style that way…but it’s not part of a carefully considered experience.

Things to remember during your consult…

If you bring pictures, make sure they are representative of your hair texture, thickness, and are good examples of what you would like to achieve. Understand and communicate how much effort you are willing to put into your hair daily. Remember, if your stylist needs a particular product to execute your style, then YOU need that product. Seek out a stylist who really listens to your goals, and clearly communicates back to you a sense of understanding your desired result. Lastly, listen to your stylist when they tell you what is and is not reasonable to achieve and how that needs to happen. Arguing with a stylist is the worst method for success, as you make an adversary of them: if you’ve never had any hairstylist make you happy, maybe it’s not the stylist…be a partner, be excited and interested. Do these things and you will be seen as someone that stylist WANTS to please and work with. Good luck!