How to get the Results You’re Looking For when you step out of the Salon.
We all have our dream vision when we go into the salon for a hair appointment, but we don’t always walk out with what we planned. I will be sharing tips that can ensure you’re getting the hair you want before you sit down in the chair.
A reliable, trustworthy stylist
It seems obvious, but sometimes it takes reflecting on the stylist you see and how they make you feel/what outcomes they produce as a first step to reaching your hair goals.
Do they listen to your ideas?
Do they answer your questions?
Do they stay up to date on education and safe practices?
Are they environmentally conscious and looking for safe and natural products?
Do they discuss what they’re doing, offer advice—not only for the appointment, but also for when you style your hair at home?
Do you feel comfortable and leave the salon feeling confident, heard, and refreshed?
Is your hair becoming more healthy over time?
Having a stylist that knows what they’re doing, and, most importantly, cares about making both you and your hair happy is a n e c e s s i t y.
Clear communication and expectations with your stylist
Once you find your tried and true stylist, it’s time for you to do your part! They’ll offer their advice and opinions, but it’s good for you to come to your appointment knowing what you want out of the experience. Be clear with your expectations—they know hair, but they can’t read minds! Give them some insight as to what you’re looking for, so they can help you achieve the hair of your dreams.
Bring inspirations! The more details, the merrier!
...BUT keep in mind that everyone is different, and your hair is probably different than the person’s in the photo! That doesn’t mean you can’t have the cut/color/style you want, but there may be different ways to achieve it, or your stylist may have ideas on how to make it better suit you. Ultimately, photo references are a great way to show your stylist exactly what you’re working towards. Pinterest and Instagram are excellent resources for finding hair-inspo, especially because you can search for colors/cuts/hair types that suit you (such as “hair styles for curly hair”). [we’ve saved some excellent references on our accounts https://www.pinterest.com/DeaconHairCo/ , https://www.instagram.com/deaconhairco/ , https://www.instagram.com/sarahdeaconhair/ ]
Know your budget and what you plan to spend before scheduling
You don’t need to break your wallet for your hair! Practicing self-care and self-love doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune (although we always support a treat-yo-self splurge!). Before you go into the salon, or even when you schedule, have an idea of the price of service you wish to receive. Doing so will help you and your stylist avoid unexpected curve-balls. Your stylist should be able to give you a ball park before going into the appointment. After discussing your hair wants and needs with your stylist a game plan can be devised that fits your hair and your budget.
KNOW. YOUR. HAIR.
Is your hair curly? Wavy? Coily? Straight? Is the texture fine or thick? Prone to oiliness or dryness? Study your hair as best as you can, and please feel comfortable to ask your stylist questions about your hair type. Every head of hair is different! Knowing what your hair needs, thrives with, what does more harm than good, and what cuts and styles work best for you is important in order to achieve the outcome you want. We all benefit from different products, routines, and methods—talk with your stylist and let them share their knowledge, so you can know your hair, too!
Patience!
All good things come with patience, and hair is no exception. It may take several sessions to achieve your dream hair, especially when it comes to coloring, so don’t fear and don’t give up! Additionally, your hair-care doesn’t stop when you walk out the door. Find what works for you and your hair even when you’re at home, so you don’t have to rely on luck there, either!
Leave the luck to St. Patrick’s Day and go to your hair appointment prepared for success! It takes time, effort, and care, but the result from what happens in that chair + combined with good home care will always be worth it in the long run.
