If you have ever wondered why your hair has become too difficult to work with, may not be setting properly ,or just plain looks wrong, trust you instincts because your assumptions are most likely right. Something is wrong. The base of all great hairstyles depends on the cut. Most times hairdressers are very busy people, having only 30 to sometimes even 15 minutes to get that haircut finished before serving the next client, leaving a direct impression of circumstances, on your head. Here are some of the main reasons haircuts go wrong:
Time Factor
The salon is packed with waiting clients. This tells you that the stylists are most likely on some sort of a time crunch, only able to allow for a specific amount of time to serve you. Unless the stylist has numerous awards surrounding their cutting area, having plenty of experience performing record breaking haircuts, rushed appointments leave a higher risk of having an unbalanced or less precision cut. If striving for that zany, wrecked looking style however, having an unbalanced haircut would then be simply fantastic!
A great haircut should always begin with an Observation/Consultation- Needing at least 5 min, a Cleansing and or Conditioning, which would be atleast 10min, then the Cutting/Texturizing process with 20-30 min, and finally, unless leaving the establishment with dripping wet hair, a Drying/Styling time of 10-20 minutes, all depending on the amount of hair that needs to be cared for. Therefore, a great haircut needs atleast 45 minutes to be accomplished properly.
Experience
Stylists come in many different levels of experience, from fresh out of school trainees to mid-level and master stylists. Trainees tend to need more time to finish the haircutting process, but usually take more care to give best results, such as giving better shampoo’s and attention. Some Mid-Level and Master stylists prefer to conduct the consultation and cutting process of the clients, having other technicians deal with the cleansing and or drying processes. Finding that trusty stylist is a personal choice not always determined by the stylists experience level, as even budding trainees may have some amazing talents awaiting Master status! A stylist showing signs of confusion or nervousness may indicate that he/she is having trouble focusing with their talents needing guidance, and this may potentially lead to a bad haircutting experience.
Stylists having Up to Date Training
Training never ends for hairstylists, so keeping up with current trends and tricks of the trade makes for better haircuts, each stylist is different, chances of finding any two alike are slim to none. As with painting, the choice of tools, systems and approaches differ greatly, so expecting one to follow another stylists haircut is virtualy impossible. Updated training offers stylist fresh visions giving them positive attitudes. The happy stylist will perform their skills better and give you their all, leaving you with a fantastic cut.
Good Record Keeping
Great stylists keep a profile or index card for haircuts, not only for the chemical services. This allows stylists to record date and time of last appointment, the clients unique hair patterns, progression of individuals hair growth, previous cuts length performed, forecasted styles etc. When a stylist really knows a clients hair, recording everything from the hairs texture, to where every stubborn hair and quirky swirl lives, is a great sign that the results of the haircut will turn out terrific.
Feeling Connected
Much like trying on a new shirt, you will either like it, or you won’t. Some bad haircuts were a result of trying a stylist and later realizing the fit seemed wrong. Find a stylist who feels right. Whether liking certain styles the stylist wear themselves, or the results you liked of how the stylist served another client, to having one recommended to you, if it doesn’t feel right before you begin the service, chances are you will not be happy with the results. Some stylists only cater to specific groups of people such as children only, men, women, or seniors.
Pricing
Higher priced cuts do not necessarily mean better haircuts, the higher the prices are usually tied in with the stylists experience, being put on a grading level, or it may be adjusted to fit the high costs of a fancier establishment. Haircuts range anywhere from $5.00, this mainly being the quick buzz cut with no chance of shampoo or drying, up to $50.00, depending on location or status. It is certainly a matter of choice and suitability. Be aware of high priced haircuts in fast paced establishments, as you most likely will feel taken advantage of. Higher priced cuts deserve the best treatment and maximum time offered. Some establishments offer lower prices and all the best pratices, these stylists deserve plenty of gifts upon arrival, as they are obviously giving everything they’ve got!
Sometimes the endeavor to find the right stylist results in a few bad haircuts. However, following some of these suggestions will hopefully prevent bad haircut trauma, everywhere.
Happy Haircutting!
