Seven Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Hair Appointment
We’re all desperately waiting to slide into the salon chair to have that much needed, post lockdown cut and colour. But how do you get the very most from your long awaited appointment and how do you leave the salon feeling a million dollars?
1. Is now really the time for a radical change?
We’ve been through a really difficult time and women are known to take the stresses and strains of life out on their hair. Clinical psychologist, Dr Tricia Wolanin says, “Haircuts are one of the first things people notice when you make a slight alteration. When we take the time to make a shift, others notice. It may be a trim in our bangs, new colour, or a whole new style — but our hair makes a statement.”
But before you jump the gun, Wolanin continues, “Is it to redefine a new you, release excess burden and baggage? Is it a marking point or is she getting this haircut as a metaphor to take time out to care for herself?”
If you are seriously bored of looking in the mirror, now might be the perfect opportunity to seize a new look. But can you emotionally handle it right now?
2. Know your type
Sure we’d all love a Cali sun-kissed blowout like Jennifer Aniston but if you have dark, wiry hair that’s just never going to happen, no matter how talented your hairdresser is. Be realistic about your hair type and how it behaves. Think seriously about the about of time and effort you can put into your crowning glory...we reckon Jen is far from a wash and go kinda gal. And be open with your stylist. They’ll be far more equipped to give you the cut of your life if they know you don’t know your ghds from your abcs.
3. Take inspiration
That’s not to say having a scrap book of hair idols isn’t helpful. Stylists and colourists love when clients come prepared with what they like and don’t like. The likelihood is they’ll be able to take a steer from celebrity pics or Pinterest boards you show them to help you get a look you love.
4. Salon etiquette
Your poor hairdresser has been out of work for months and has spent the last couple of weeks playing phone tag with every name in their book to schedule appointments, so please be mindful. Yes, you might well be used to them acting as your therapist, but many will really have felt the effects of COVID so keep things light.
Don’t rock up with dirty hair. Most will have a real job on their hands dealing with dodgy home hair cuts and colours so be sure to give your hair a quick shampoo before hitting the salon.
Be on time! This is more important than ever for your salon. Even 10 minutes will set their schedule right off for the rest of the day.
5. Been box dye clever
Ok, ok, we know ALL hairdressers hate when we show up having applied box dyes but having been locked in our homes for months, we should all be forgiven in these extenuating circumstances. But level with your colourist and ‘fess up to having used whatever you’ve slapped on from Superdrug, and how many times you’ve done it. If they know what they are starting with there is a much better chance of you getting the look you actually want - without damage or disappointment.
6. Just a trim
There is not a person in the land who can get away with a “trim” after all this time. Your hairdresser is a skilled professional and that should be respected. Expect all cuts to take a bit longer than usual. Now might also be the perfect time to indulge in an in-salon treatment to give hair that extra TLC it’s been missing.
7. What’s the budget?
First of all it is an essential haircare strategy to know how much you can afford to spend on your hair. Short cuts need regular appointments, colour changes can prove expensive and no hairstyle looks salon fresh without using the right products. So, all in all looking good can be a costly business. Let your hairdresser know what you can or intend to spend on an ongoing basis and let them work with you to devise a plan to suit the budget.
Secondly, having been closed for so long and now with space restrictions in salons and no walk-ins permitted, your hairdresser may have had to increase their prices. So please, check before you book.