Questions You Should be Asking Your Hairstylist

Hollie Shirley / Hair & Skincare Editor

Heading to the hairdressers for your 6 weekly trim can sometimes feel like a chore, and can also be a bit daunting, especially when you are trying to find a new salon, or equally, a new look. The right haircut can transform your look and make you feel a million dollars, but equally, the wrong length or width can shatter your confidence with a single snip.

How can you avoid the hairstyle of your nightmares? Your hairdresser can become your secret weapon in your hair game, providing you ask the right questions to guarantee a great visit every time. 

What style do you think looks best on me?  

 Coming in with an idea of what you want is great as it will give your stylist an idea of what you are looking for. If your hair goals are unrealistic they will be able to tell you and point you in the direction of a style that is going to help you get what you want/need. An experienced stylist will be able to advise on how to adjust your dream style to suit your features best.  

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What shampoo and conditioner should I be using?  

Your stylist will be the person who is getting the best look at your hair and scalp and will able to advise what you should be using to keep it on top form. They will be able to advise the best products on the market that will work with your hair type and help it reach its full potential.

Is this style going to be hard to keep up?  

This is a really important one to ask, because we all know the bitter disappointment of getting a new do, having it blown out and styled beautifully, to then wash it and not know a single thing about how to style your new hair.

Pay attention to what your stylist is doing, what tools they are using on your hair, what products, and ask for tips and guidance they can offer to help you achieve a similar result. Your stylist is a professional who will have lots of tips and tricks on this, so don’t be afraid to ask!  

 

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What treatments should I be using?  

If you have problematic hair, asking the experts what you should be using to give your hair an extra boost is crucial. If you are trying to dramatically improve the condition of your hair, such as split ends or over processing damage, they will want you to keep up with any treatments they have used in your appointment, as it can take several weeks before you start to see a real improvement. 

 

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When should I schedule my next appointment to maintain this look?

Knowing ahead of time how often you will need to be back at the salon is important. Your look should be complementary to your lifestyle, schedule, and your bank balance. No need to break the bank in the quest for a good hair day. Opening the discussion about how often you want to come in and the time you have at home to style will allow your stylist to make adjustments to your colour and haircut.  

 

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The words that will seal your fate in the salon? 
“Cut it however you want.” 

Giving your stylist free rein to play Edward Scissorhands can end in disaster.


The number one mistake women make when they get their haircut is having no idea what they want, and leaving it up to the stylist, and then being disappointed that they weren’t a mind reader and leave with a bad experience andmaybe even a bad haircut

Do your homework beforehand by scouting out some looks you love, and those you know you don’t want. Even if you can’t find your perfect cut, you’ll see aspects of different styles that you like. Share them with your stylist.

Also, come clean about your past: Communicate which hairstyles have worked for you and which ones haven’t, and what you are looking to get from your hairstyle. If you are growing out a bad hairdo, explain this to them and come up with a way to progress to the length you want.  

Hollie Shirley
Hair & Skincare Editor

Hollie Shirley is SILKUP’s hair and skincare editor. She’s obsessed with all things hair care and results-driven skincare, that is kind to the environment and your wallet. She has a weakness for limited edition eyeshadows and is always testing out the newest and greatest deep conditioners. Hollie has a passion for hair and is studying Trichology, working towards becoming a Member of the Association of Registered Trichologists.