When it comes to changing your hairstyle or color, most of us have a very specific look in mind. Something as temporary as a haircut or color can affect you in a very powerful way. It can turn any of your bad hair days into the best one you've ever seen, but... it can also bring you a lot more self-confidence and empowerment. However, if your cut or color goes wrong, well, it could leave you very, very upset (need we really go into details?!).
What most people don't know is that we, ourselves, can make the hair change process way more risk-free with a few simple basics. So to help you avoid a meltdown (and I'm sure we've all had one at one point or another), we've put together 5 pro tips for you to know before going to the hair salon.
1. Know your face shape and hair texture
Every face shape has different hairstyles that suit them. Once you know if you have an oval, circle, square, or heart-shaped face, you can figure out what suits you best. The best way to figure out your face shape by looking at your jawline.
It is also useful to know your hair texture as it plays a significant part in the hair look you want to achieve. Whether you have thin, fine hair or thick, curly hair, you can't expect to achieve the opposite from a hair cut. So If you have thick, curly hair, do not expect your stylist to recreate Jennifer Aniston's glossy fine locks. Instead, have more realistic expectations and find hair inspiration from people who have the same hair texture as you do.
2. Consider your lifestyle
This is a very important thing to take into consideration. Your hairstyle is another thing that represents who you are and what you do. If you live a very busy life and know you won't really have time to do your hair, then consider a look that's low maintenance (aka, don't get bangs). Consider a look that you can make you look good from just a hair wash and rinse.
Think of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's modern shag. It is a simple style that is full of layers, and gives you effortless volume to your hair.
3. Go for a consultation
If you are still uncertain on what hair look will work for you, schedule a consultation with your hair stylist. When you're having your consultation, your stylist will be looking at your hair when it's dry. Therefore, be sure to wash your hair so there's not a lot of product in your hair and that it's detangled. However, if you're getting your color done, stylists recommend coming in with your hair unwashed as it will help protect your scalp from the chemical products you're putting in your hair.
When you go to your appointment, bring with you some photos of the style you want to get. Make sure to bring photos from different angles of the style. That way the stylist can determine if the cut or color would work for your hair texture and face shape. Also, ask about the care and up-keep of the hairstyle to know if it would fit with your lifestyle. This is also the time to ask about the hair lingos if you don't know what they are. For example styles like balayage, ombre, sombre, and babylights. Be sure to really understand these terms before asking for the style. You don't want to be disappointed with your finished look because you didn't actually know what you were asking for in the beginning.
4. Make sure you're actually ready for a new hairstyle
If you're going to the salon just for a trim or touch up, it's not a huge commitment. However, if you're chopping off 12 inches of your hair for the first time, there's no going back. Make sure to think about your new hair change before you make a spontaneous decision. If you're not sure, ask your loved ones about the hair change for a second opinion. But don't freak out, if you end up not liking your new short hair, Luxy Hair extensions are always there to help you out. You can have long hair again in no time!
5. Be truthful
When your hair stylist asks about your hair history, be truthful about what you have used and use regularly. For example, if you have used boxed hair dye or have chemically straightened your hair. This will determine how strong of a dye product your hair stylist will be using for your color. If you lie and say your hair is virgin hair, there's a possibility of very unwanted results happening.
Getting a new hairstyle doesn't have to be a game of risk when you provide your hair stylist with a variety of information to explain the look you want to achieve. Clear communication is imperative to a successful hair salon visit. This will make you and your hairstylist feel confident in the hair process. So for your next hair appointment, make sure to consider these basic tips before entering the salon. We're sure that from here on out, you'll never have a bad haircut or color!
