Making style decisions
Have you ever seen the makeovers on TV with the celebrity stylist who says: "Are you going to let me do what I want, or are you going to tell me what to do?" The "client" usually doesn't offer a lot of input, but in the end she is transformed by good cut and color decisions that flatter her facial shape, hair texture, and natural coloring. She had no idea she could look this good!
If you are planning your first visit with a new stylist, the scenario is somewhat different if your appointment is in a real-world salon. While you may want guidance from a reputable stylist and colorist, you will also have some expectations that you will need to communicate clearly. You may also have some anxiety that your new style won't be flattering on you, or won't fit your personality. To get the most out of your appointment, I have three tips to offer.
1. Take the pressure off the first visit.
A problem with the "master stylist" scenario on TV is that it is a series of snapshots from a single makeover, done for dramatic effect, and as such does not show the entire process. This is not to say that amazing transformations don't happen in one visit, because they do, it is just a lot of pressure to put on that first visit. If you don't feel confident that you can describe a style that is dramatically different from what you have, or you are not absolutely certain about what you want, try not to get anxious about it.
You will get the most out of your first appointment if you and your stylist take the time necessary to get on the same page together. This is time well spent, because if you hit it off, you can build on successes of the first visit during the second visit. Using this "process" strategy, you are much more likely to develop a professional relationship you will value for a long time. If it turns out you have not found the stylist that understands what you like, you have risked very little. Paradoxically, you will likely get more out of your first visit once you take the pressure off.
2. Be able to say: "I like this."
I have no shortage of creative ideas to offer, but as simple as it sounds, it is very helpful if you are able to express what appeals to you when you come in. For example, do you want a look with a trendy fashion edge, or a more classic style? I recommend looking through some magazines before your appointment and tear out pictures of styles you like. If you find a picture on the web, send me the link. Some great sites to try are www.ukhairdressers.com and www.handbag.com, and there are many more. Google "hair style galleries".
Some stylists don't like to work from photographs, they say, because "nobody ever looks like the model in the picture". So what? If I see an element in the photo that I think may not look flattering on you, or I don't see a connection between you and the photo, we will discuss it and be much better off by doing so. A photograph isn't a blueprint, and the first question I ask my client is "what exactly is it you like about this style?" In my experience, there are usually one or two elements that have captivated my client's attention. Used in this way, I find photographs and web images invaluable to insure we arrive on the same page together. Bring in as many photographs as you like.
3. Consider what looks best on you.
Once you know what you like and have what you need to express it to your stylist, then you can start to think about what looks best on you. You don't have to have the answers, but it is helpful if you have considered the shape of your face, your hair texture, and your natural coloring. For example, if you have hair of medium texture and an oval face shape, your options are different than someone with overly thick, curly hair with a round face shape. If your skin color is olive, you probably won't look good in the same haircolor as someone who freckles. For guidance in thinking about what cut and color options will look best on you, see the sections proportion and color.
