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So, what's in a Hair Consultation?

11/18/2014

Ever thought of what exactly should go into a Hair Consultation? As a client, you are putting your head of hair into someone's hands - both literally and figuratively - when you sit in their chair, so it's a good idea to think about what goes into a good consultation. The results, for better or worse, depend on it!

In a great hair consultation, communication is KEY. That communication could be in words and or pictures. For my clients, it is usually both . Think about it; we don't all speak the same language. What is an inch trim for me could look like a major haircut to you! I once had a client tell me that she wanted a "short" haircut. When I showed her that her length would be going from the middle of her back to the top of her shoulders, she almost had a heart attack! Can you imagine if I didn't probe further? To her, short meant on top of her shoulder blade, not top of shoulders! To me, short would be chin length and above. You see what I'm saying.

A great hair consultation involves some serious detective work! I ask A LOT of questions! As a hairstylist..no YOUR hairstylist, I feel that it is MY responsibility to figure out what you - my CLIENT is trying to achieve with their hair. So many clients do not know what they want, or are unsure about what will look good on them. Some of them are not sure what looks are current or what look would be appropriate for them. A good hair-relationship involves compromise; give and take: taking what information and input the client has and offering ideas and options based upon the client's desires and what existing hair perimeters they have to work with.

So in short, successful hair and happy clients ALWAYS start with a great hair consultation. Whoever your hairstylist is; be sure they take the time to look at you, listen to you, and offer you ideas and options. Make sure that your hairstylist's vision is clear and that you both agree on the direction you will be taking during your appointment. If you are unsure or have questions - ASK! You can't ask enough questions. Bring in pictures of hairstyles, ask for hair books or magazines. Don't proceed until you feel comfortable and sure you are on the same page. This will make for a happy and healthy long term hair relationship.

So, what's in a Hair Consultation? Everything! :)

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A RAZOR HAIRCUT - is it right for me?

11/5/2014

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There are so many cool haircuts out there and they are all not created the same. Some edgy, textured hair looks are achieved best using a razor, as opposed to scissors. Different looks, different circumstances, different hair textures = different techniques employed by your hairstylist to achieve your ideal hairstyle. You might see a hot rockin' pixie in a fashion mag or a messy, textured bob with pieced-out ends and say "I want this!" BUT... is it right for you?

Now, before I go any further, let me say that some of the hair industry's top hairstylists (some of them being my favs, whom I absolutely adore and have learned from) are in the school of ANY hair texture can be cut with the razor. The thought goes - yes, any hair can be cut with a razor, you just have to use the right products and styling techniques to make it work. That's fine and I respect that opinion. But, I personally do not agree with that.

I, for one, have thick, wavy and very coarse hair. If you just LOOK at it, it will get frizzy! lol! I also like straight, smooth and textured hairstyles. Almost every hairstylist who cuts my hair wants to immediately take a razor to it! I have gone with a razor cut a few times and while it looks kinda cool, I almost always regret it. It makes my hair twice as coarse, frizzy and hard to manage. When I'm lying down, it makes my hair feel like a brillo pad and is quite scratchy. It's to the point now that I no longer allow a razor to touch my head and I'm so much happier about it!

When a client comes in to see us, one of the first things I do during our initial consultation is analyze the hair's texture. If I see a coarseness to the hair, or unruly wave , I most likely will not razor cut that hair. Fine hair is not a great candidate for razor cutting, either, although I will put some finishing details in with the razor. To me, the ideal hair texture for razor cutting is straight, smooth hair. This type of hair is usually a dream to cut with a razor and shows off texture really well. Some types of curly hair work great with a razor; ringlet curls and curls with a smooth texture, which will be air dried or diffused a little. When you have coarse, curly, wavy hair, you are already dealing with a "rougher" hair cuticle and razoring it will only accentuate that more. Because there is more frizz, it takes more work to make it look great. I might use my hair cutting shears and slide cut that type of hair, but I would not pick up the razor. Products are also very important. If you have a cool razor cut, you want to bring out that texture with some hair paste. One of my favs is TIGI BEDHEAD - HARD TO GET Paste. It gives great separation without being to heavy and actually adds some shine.

Get to know your hair texture - you probably already DO know what type you have. Then ask yourself, is a razor cut right for me? If you don't know, ask your hair stylist. A good one will evaluate your hair and let you know your options. Remember, it all begins with a good and thorough consultation. There are many different avenues you can take to arrive at your "hair destination!" It's up to your hairstylist to figure out how to get you to where you want to go.

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So, what's in a Hair Consultation?

A RAZOR HAIRCUT - is it right for me?

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