Do Not Say: “Lots of layers or a super-short bob.” These kinds of styles and anything with too much detail require multiple products and lots of blowdrying.

Do Say: “I want a haircut that’s seamless to grow out, easy to blowdry and only needs one product to style it.”

Do Not Say: “A full head of lighter colour.” Making the switch to a much paler colour is dramatic, not to mention needs a lot more upkeep. Go in gingerly.

Do Say: “I don’t want a dramatic change, but overall I’d like my hair to look a bit lighter than it is.”

Do Not Say: “A style with a curl — and don’t worry if you have to spray it.” You’ll end up with helmet hair!

Do Say: “I want a blow dry that’s voluminous at the roots, with a curve in the middle and ends so it’s glossy and beautiful.”

Do Not Say: “I’d like a few centimetres off.” Your communication skills need to be well-honed when it comes to asking for a trim. Remind yourself what a centimetre or two looks like before you go to the salon.”

Do Say: “I’m just after a dusting – I only want two centimetres cut off.” Be quite specific to avoid hair ending up too short.

Do Not Say: “A fringe that sits above my eyebrows.” It will be cut straight across your forehead, making your face look wide and round.

Do Say: “A fringe that sits just below my eyebrows and is rounder at the edges near my temples.”

Do Not Say: “Short layers!” You’ll end up with an ’80s-style ‘do where the layers are so short the ends uncontrollably flick out.

Do Say: “I’m after longer layers to soften the edge of my overall style.”

Do Not Say: “An even, all-over blonde look.” If that’s what you want, go for highlights.

Do Say: “My hair is a little too blonde and I need to show dimension in it again.”

• Don’t be afraid of being an annoying client. If you’re not sure what your hairdresser’s talking about, ask questions. Just remember to be polite — they’re holding the scissors, after all!
• Don’t come in with dirty hair that’s pulled back. Wash and wear your locks as you normally would so your hairdresser gets a clear picture of the texture and your styling skill level.
• Only bring up to three references, not 50, so your hairdresser gets a good indication of what you want.
• Arrive wearing what you’d normally wear during the week to help your hairdresser match your hair to your lifestyle.

Text: Bauer Syndication

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