We’ve all heard haircut horror stories. Whether it was unexpectedly severe bangs or unwanted layers, a bad haircut can be traumatizing. And don’t even get started on hair color snafus!
The change of season is a fun time to mix it up and try something new with your hair. So how do you avoid a haircut nightmare and get what you really want? In addition to knowing some important hair terminology, there are a number of things to consider when describing to your stylist what you’re looking for. Read on for some tips to get the hairstyle you want.
Consult with Your Stylist First
Always sit down with your stylist before getting shampooed. It’s important for them to see your hair normally (don’t show up with an unshowered ponytail) and talk through exactly what you’re looking for. This will also give them a chance to check out your hair’s growth patterns and texture before getting to work. And if you don’t know what you want, this is the time to discuss your options.
Bring Multiple Pictures
Don’t just count on one picture to do the trick. It’s helpful to bring in several pictures and point out specifically what you like about each. You should be as specific as possible. Pinterest is a good place to find multiple photos.
Be Honest About Your Habits
Whether you love to give yourself a blowout every day or give it a quick brush and run out the door, it’s important for your stylist to know your hair grooming habits. How much time and effort you’re willing to put into your hair will impact what kinds of styles you should go for.
Consider Your Hair Texture
Discuss your hair texture with your stylist. Whether you have thick, tight curls or fine, pin-straight locks, you’ll want to make sure your desired cut will work with your texture.
Be Super Specific about Hair Length
The words “short” or “long” will not suffice. This leaves way too much room for interpretation. Even talking about inches can make things go awry. Instead, use your hands to show exactly where you want your hair to fall. This will get you on the same page and lead to a more satisfying haircut.
Speak Up
Hair stylists aren’t mind readers. After your thorough consultation, don’t be afraid to re-confirm what you’re doing before the scissors come out. And pay close attention while the cut is happening to make sure your wishes are coming to fruition.
Know Your Haircut Terms
Before walking into the salon, it can help to brush up on styling terms so you and your stylist are speaking the same language.
- Weight removal: If you want something looser, lighter and more flowing, then asking for weight to be taken out can be a good choice. This is accomplished by using a razor or scissors to carve out slivers of hair.
- Razor: This tool can remove volume and create texture without adding layers
- Calligraphy Cut: Radiance is one of the exclusive salons trained in Calligraphy Cut, a revolutionary new hair cutting technique that uses a special tool to cut hair, creating more volume, body and movement, minimizing blow dry time and feeling lighter and softer.
- Point cutting: This is a technique where the scissors are pointed vertically, adding a nice light texture to the hair ends and creating a softer edge.
- Dusting: This is for people who really want “just a trim.” Dusting is just cutting the ends of the hairs that are broken or split.
- Layers: This refers to creating shorter pieces of hair that should seamlessly fall together, giving hair dimension and volume. It’s helpful to show where you want your shortest layer.
- Overdirecting: This is where hair is lifted and cut over your head – creating extra volume and body. The result is a lot of exaggerated layers.
- Bangs: Not all bangs are created equal. They can be straight across, blunt and heavy, side swept, or light and wispy. Make sure you explain exactly which bang type you want.
- Blunt cut: Also known as a heavy or solid cut, this is a haircut with no layers. Your hair is cut straight across, creating sharp, graphic lines.
- Bob: This is when your weight line (the area in a cut that holds the most weight) is at your chin or just below your ears. If you want a slightly longer version, that’s called a lob (long bob) – where your hair grazes your collarbone.
- Pixie cut: This is very short and close to the scalp. But pixie cuts can greatly vary in length and style, so pull out those pictures to ensure you get exactly what you want.
Know Your Coloring Terms
There are also a variety of ways to color hair, and it’s critical to know exactly which one you want.
- Highlights: Lightening select strands with hair color or lightener.
- Single Process: Any color that’s done in one step, especially permanent color.
- Retouch: Adding color to match the existing color.
- Balayage: Hand painting highlights in the areas where hair would lighten naturally from the sun.
- Ombré: Coloring the ends to dramatically contrast with the rest of your hair.
- Sombré: Coloring the ends to subtly contrast with the rest of your hair.
- Color Melt: Combining and blending multiple shades so they work together without visible lines.
- Glaze: Using a semi- or demi-permanent color to intensify, enrich, or tone down color-treated hair.
- Corrective color: Often requiring two steps or more, this technique is used when you want to drastically change your hair color or correct a poorly done over-the-counter color job.
Get Your Ideal Haircut at Radiance
Our stylists will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the exact haircut or color you request. Contact us for an appointment to get the new spring style you’ve been dreaming about.
