[ Get What You Want At The Hair Salon ]

+ We love when clients bring in pictures! Show me what you want, show me what you don't want, bring it all! We won't be offended. Photos are especially key for communicating length and color preferences. My definition of strawberry blonde is probably very different than yours, as is the phrase 'too short.'

+ When you're gathering your inspirational photos, don't limit yourself to red carpet shots of celebrities. Those styles are often done up to perfection with extensions. Street style photos, catalog shots from a brand you love and can yield inspiration that works in real life.

+ We cannot stress this enough — manage your expectations! If you want a lob, but only have enough hair for a bob, you probably won't be able to get what you're looking for, at least not at this appointment. Texture, color, density, and age (yes I said it!), all dictate what your hair can and can't do. If you have fine, Norwegian cornsilk hair, it's not wise to show your stylist a picture of a wild, curly, coarse-haired Italian beauty."

+ Please please please tell your stylist what you've done to your hair previously. This includes any permanent or semi-permanent hair color, keratin treatments, hennas, if you heat style it often. They can all affect the result of any color, cut, or chemical service you get. 

+ The word 'trim' is extremely different from person to person.  Make sure to demonstrate how much hair you'd like cut off. Asking for bangs? Words like "blunt," "strong," "soft," and "wispy" will translate your desired look. And if you're after layers, it's worth taking a spin in your chair to discuss them from all angles: Do you want layers that continue all around the head or just frame the face?

+ If your stylist asks to try something new; ombre highlights, long side bangs, or other current hair trends- don't be afraid to embrace the new. They aren't doing it for their own health, they think it will look good. Shooting them down without thinking it through is doing yourself and your mane a disservice.

+ A busy hairdresser's time is very valuable. Being five minutes late can throw off your stylist's entire day. If you're running late, call. And never pull a no-show. On the same note, don't phone at the last minute and ask to get "squeezed in." We'll most likely try to accommodate you, but it may mean staying late or rearranging our personal schedules. 

+ Stylists stock products we believe in. It's frustrating for them to see a client pay good money for great color or a trendy cut but then buy drugstore shampoo and conditioner to save a few bucks. Your stylist can tell you exactly what you need to maintain your hair—and save you from playing the drugstore guessing game. We're here to give you the right advice and we'll gladly exchange anything that's not working for you.