How to get the haircut you want, according to a top hairdresser (2024)

After Boris' announcement that hair salons will provisionally be allowed to open from the 12th April in England, it's unsurprising that lots of us are now considering a new look. If we can get a salon appointment that is!

It's likely that, unless you've been cutting or dying your own hair from home (we've seen mixed results here!), your hair hasn't been properly refreshed since salons were forced to close again in line with covid-19 guidelines in December 2020.

However, with expectations high, it's important you've done your homework before your appointment to ensure you're really getting what you want. And, as anyone else who has cried post-hair appointment will know, it's not always straightforward.

So, we called in the experts to find out exactly how to get what you want at your next appointment — no tears, just a gorgeous hair transformation that will put a spring in your step for weeks afterwards.

Maria Galati is Creative Art Director at Taylor Taylor London and, with sought-after salons in Shoreditch, Soho and Portobello, she knows what she's talking about when it comes to hair.

Here are her top tips on how to ensure you get the cut and colour you want at the hairdressers every single time.

How to get what you want at the hairdresser

1.Take the free consultation

'If you’re going for a big change then I would suggest coming in for a consultation. Say you want to go from brunette to blonde but aren’t sure which tones will suit you, then you can sit down to have a really good chat.

'This will help alleviate any anxiety when you come in for your actual appointment. Plus, it will as give you and your hairdresser enough time to talk through the options and allow you to then mull it over before the actual decision must be made.'

2.Do your research

'Familiarise yourself as best you can with the salon staff via their website. You might be drawn towards somebody you see on the site and will usually be able to see their credentials here as well.'

3.Be really honest

'It pays to be as honest as possible. If, for example, you want to keep your hair length and your stylist suggests you should go short, don’t be afraid to say no and stick to what you have asked for. They won't be offended!'

4.Do take advice

'Though it's one thing to be honest, it's also important to take on advice from the stylist. For example, if you want to go blonde but the stylist suggests that certain tones might not work on your hair, or could even damage it, then take their advice as they have lots of training and experience. Work with them to find an alternative you still feel comfortable with.'

5.Don't leave the salon if you're unhappy

'At the end of your appointment, don’t leave the salon if you aren’t pleased with your new hair. Instead tell your stylist if you know that your new style isn’t right for you. We usually book in an hour for hair cuts, which is longer than most people need, so we have time to make corrections and, even if we don't, we can discuss a plan of action.'

6.Bring pictures of your own hair

'Yes, it's great to bring a mix of celebrity pictures showcasing hair you admire, but it's also really useful to bring photos of your own hair when you’ve really liked it. This way the stylist can really build up a well-rounded picture for what you want – and what might work – in relation to your own hair type.'

7.Be realistic

'Our hair changes over time — for example, due to ageing, after we've had a baby and during the menopause — and so a colour you had when you were 20 might not be possible 10 or 15 years later. It's helpful to understand this, so that you don't feel disappointed if a certain colour or style isn't possible. Your hairdresser will always aim to find something that will work much better for the stage your hair is at now.'

8.Stick with your hairdresser

'Though it can be tempting to move around, particularly if it's easier to book at a different salon to your usual, do try and stick to the same hairdresser to build a relationship and help them create a picture of what you like and what suits you.

'The longer you stay with a hairdresser the easier it will become to get the best out of your hair and appointments. Also, be wary when you’re visiting a new hairdresser to not request anything too drastic!'

9.Use good products

'Ask your hairdresser which products you should be using on your new hair. People spend a lot of money on getting a haircut and fresh colour, but then often don’t use good products to maintain their hair in-between. Prep your hair so that it’s in a really good condition before you come in for your appointment – this makes it easier to work with and will give you better results.'

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