Long Hair Specialist

[Babzilla]

What do my fellow long hair friends look for in a stylist who specializes in trimming and treating long hair. I know how I choose who cuts my hair but I am pretty bossy! What matters most TO YOU?

Im a stylist, looking to use my skills to focus on a long hair clientele in addition to the other services I perform.

Lots of us trim our own hair, so I'm really looking for helpful, positive suggestions!:blossom:

[Islandgrrl]

What do I want in a stylist? I want someone who listens to me and respects what I want without trying to sell me snake oil. This hair has been on my head a good long while and I know a thing or two about it. I know what the magic potions are and are not, I know that cutting my hair isn't going to make it grow faster. And let's face it, if I have hair I have to wrap around my neck so it won't fall in the toilet, I'm not the woman who wants the latest and greatest cut, color and style.

[Babzilla]

What do I want in a stylist? I want someone who listens to me and respects what I want without trying to sell me snake oil. This hair has been on my head a good long while and I know a thing or two about it. I know what the magic potions are and are not, I know that cutting my hair isn't going to make it grow faster. And let's face it, if I have hair I have to wrap around my neck so it won't fall in the toilet, I'm not the woman who wants the latest and greatest cut, color and style.
So no BS! Gotcha!

[Islandgrrl]

Pretty much. But if I choose to go to a stylist, which probably won't happen any time soon, I want that person to support my hair goals.

True story....my sister hates my hair. She would rather see it short (which looks great, I just don't love it). I stayed with her for a few weeks after she had surgery, and as a thank you she made an appointment for me with her stylist. With much trepidation, I allowed her to take me there. The guy asked me what I wanted, so I told him very, very specifically: a deep conditioning treatment without cones, and one inch off the bottom. That man did EXACTLY what I asked, commented more than once that he'd never seen hair as long as mine that was in such great condition and then told me I should just let it grow.

Impressive. Appreciated. And I would go back to him in a heartbeat if he wasn't 400 miles away.

[Aingeal]

Pretty much. But if I choose to go to a stylist, which probably won't happen any time soon, I want that person to support my hair goals.

True story....my sister hates my hair. She would rather see it short (which looks great, I just don't love it). I stayed with her for a few weeks after she had surgery, and as a thank you she made an appointment for me with her stylist. With much trepidation, I allowed her to take me there. The guy asked me what I wanted, so I told him very, very specifically: a deep conditioning treatment without cones, and one inch off the bottom. That man did EXACTLY what I asked, commented more than once that he'd never seen hair as long as mine that was in such great condition and then told me I should just let it grow.

Impressive. Appreciated. And I would go back to him in a heartbeat if he wasn't 400 miles away.

That's an awesome experience!


The last time I went for a trim, which was just a month ago, I actually had a small anxiety attack over this. I've had a stylist cut four inches off aft I told her half an inch...:mad: So I go in to the best salon in town and as I'm waiting, I pick out the two stylists I want....a man with very long hair, and a woman with long curly hair (I have 3a-3b curls. I was quite p,eased when I got the woman with curls. I knew she would understand. Turns out, she was also growing her hair out long. Needless to say, she only cut a half inch off and I felt great.

[Babzilla]

Pretty much. But if I choose to go to a stylist, which probably won't happen any time soon, I want that person to support my hair goals.

True story....my sister hates my hair. She would rather see it short (which looks great, I just don't love it). I stayed with her for a few weeks after she had surgery, and as a thank you she made an appointment for me with her stylist. With much trepidation, I allowed her to take me there. The guy asked me what I wanted, so I told him very, very specifically: a deep conditioning treatment without cones, and one inch off the bottom. That man did EXACTLY what I asked, commented more than once that he'd never seen hair as long as mine that was in such great condition and then told me I should just let it grow.

Impressive. Appreciated. And I would go back to him in a heartbeat if he wasn't 400 miles away.
Great story! I love that you were supported and not put down or coerced!

[Islandgrrl]

Me too! :)

[leslissocool]

I honestly think of LHC friendly places.


I'd make a laminated sheet of services long hair focused: deep conditioner treatments, protein treatments, coconut oil and other hot oil treatments you can put them on low heat, list of deposit only color that's not very damaging. You can put together packages, like micro trim + hot oil treatment (and on hair like mine, low heat giant rollers like in GM salones).You can do rinses and all natural treatments, the aloe rinse comes to mind. I'd totally go to someone that did that for a reasonable price. I think you might find that people would be more willing to come every 6 weeks if they know they can get something other than a cut.


The main reason why I haven't gone to a stylist in 7 going on 8 years is really just the cutting part. I've had worse haircuts at a salon (not a supercuts, I mean 80 buck cuts) than at home, so I do my own hair. And I always thought salon= hair cut, not really just to get my hair in better health. If it were like a massage, like a 20 dollar deep conditioning plus setting, I'd be there every month for sure. Make sure you brush the hair nicely, and maybe have some Tangle Teezers around, I'd be hooked by that!

[Babzilla]

That's an awesome experience!


The last time I went for a trim, which was just a month ago, I actually had a small anxiety attack over this. I've had a stylist cut four inches off aft I told her half an inch...:mad: So I go in to the best salon in town and as I'm waiting, I pick out the two stylists I want....a man with very long hair, and a woman with long curly hair (I have 3a-3b curls. I was quite p,eased when I got the woman with curls. I knew she would understand. Turns out, she was also growing her hair out long. Needless to say, she only cut a half inch off and I felt great.
See, I don't get this. Why would you tell a client you are doing what they want and then turn around and do the opposite?

I've had it done to me. It sucks and it makes you feel so angry.

[Islandgrrl]

Right.... And really, what recourse do you have? You are just stuck with it.

[Babzilla]

I honestly think of LHC friendly places.


I'd make a laminated sheet of services long hair focused: deep conditioner treatments, protein treatments, coconut oil and other hot oil treatments you can put them on low heat, list of deposit only color that's not very damaging. You can put together packages, like micro trim + hot oil treatment (and on hair like mine, low heat giant rollers like in GM salones).You can do rinses and all natural treatments, the aloe rinse comes to mind. I'd totally go to someone that did that for a reasonable price. I think you might find that people would be more willing to come every 6 weeks if they know they can get something other than a cut.


The main reason why I haven't gone to a stylist in 7 going on 8 years is really just the cutting part. I've had worse haircuts at a salon (not a supercuts, I mean 80 buck cuts) than at home, so I do my own hair. And I always thought salon= hair cut, not really just to get my hair in better health. If it were like a massage, like a 20 dollar deep conditioning plus setting, I'd be there every month for sure. Make sure you brush the hair nicely, and maybe have some Tangle Teezers around, I'd be hooked by that!
I was turned on to the tangle teezer (wet brush) by a great stylist, three years ago. I have hooked quite a few folks myself.

I love to make my own concoctions and do massages. Hair pampering!

I am an accomplished colorist so I can bill my Demi and Semi permanent color skills. Glosses too.

[Aingeal]

Exactly! I cried that night when I realized how much was gone in the shower. I was furious! But that's why I go for a half inch trim one every six months. I trust no one. Lol

[cmdinoto]

It took me years to find a great hair stylist that understands my need to grow my hair out long. I actually recently went to my hair dresser and asked her her honest opinion. She said to make it look fuller and longer I would have to cut off a couple of inches. Trusting her, I did it and I couldnt' be more happy. I shared my success on the LHC and got a great response. I thought that most people would have said I shouldn't have cut it but everybody told me it was a great improvement and it didnt' look like I lost any length even though I cut off almost 5 inches!! Now I am happy to keep growing but in a fuller more complete hemline. I can really trust my hair dresser!! She was truthful but helped me get exactly what I wanted. It takes time, patients, and sometimes a couple of mistakes. I start by going to a more expensive one-of-a kind salon. I have had success at these types of places. There are some places, like the mall, that I stay away like the plague haha. Happy hunting!

[leslissocool]

I was turned on to the tangle teezer (wet brush) by a great stylist, three years ago. I have hooked quite a few folks myself.

I love to make my own concoctions and do massages. Hair pampering!

I am an accomplished colorist so I can bill my Demi and Semi permanent color skills. Glosses too.

See I'd love to try concoctions and just natural hair treatments. I think that can be a strong angle, along with your color skills, most people would say it's "new". Once you get a clientele you could also keep a camera around and take your own pictures of styled long focused hair, alternative styling to straightening and blow drying and just really focused on health. I've had a lot of people ask me what to do for health of their hair, it would be awesome to have more salons that are like spa's for hair rather than cut and style based.

[Leeloo]

What do my fellow long hair friends look for in a stylist who specializes in trimming and treating long hair. I know how I choose who cuts my hair but I am pretty bossy! What matters most TO YOU?

Im a stylist, looking to use my skills to focus on a long hair clientele in addition to the other services I perform.

Lots of us trim our own hair, so I'm really looking for helpful, positive suggestions!:blossom:

The main thing for me is a stylist who listens and then does what I asked for (even if it's just a 1/4 inch trim). Suggestions are always welcome, but the main thing for the stylist is to find out the main goal of a visit (as in a trim while growing out hair or looking for a fresh style).

[chen bao jun]

spas for hair--that sounds good.
I'd love to have a stylist actually pamper me.
I was paying stylists $100 a visit and feeling miserable, tense and scared--and then usually unhappy with the result.
Your best feeling after you leave the salon should not be--wow, I got through that with getting the chop (even though my scalp hurts now and she was rude to me).
I think $100 is a decent amount of money but I would pay it to feel pampered--and to get good advice.

[Seeshami]

The three to five people allowed to trim my hair when I am to lazy to do it myself are more in love with it then I am. That's how I know I can trust them.

[neko_kawaii]

Hum, if I had money to drop on a hair spa, what sorts of things would I want. . .

S&D - I believe I've read on these forums that the Madora salon will do S&D by twisting small sections and micro trimming everything that sticks out. Doesn't catch midshaft splits that haven't broken clean yet, but otherwise that is how many of us S&D.

Scalp massage - the last time I had my hair trimmed (I have a long haired a stylist, hooray!) she did such a wonderful massage while she washed my hair. I'd go regularly just for that if it was in the budget.

Deep treatments as others have mentioned - oil, protein, moisture. Aloe rinse, vinegar rinse, herbal rinse - have a menu of available treatments and rinses with a description of what they are commonly used for. The only problem of course with this is that everyone has different results, not every hair loves coconut for example.

Have a variety of brushes and combs available and let the client pick what they are comfortable with for their hair. Make it clear that you will be happy to use a clients products or tools, maybe they can leave product with you for future visits. It would be kind of funny to have a shelf where clients products were stored with a nice picture of their hair and a list of their routine for other clients to browse and maybe learn from.

[AmyBeth]

Speaking of the Madora salon, you could contact them and ask them how to become a George Michael stylist. That would give instant street cred for a lot of longhairs. I think doing lots of braids and updos would be nice.

[Dragon]

What I’d want in a stylist is someone who knows how to brush/comb long hair gently without hurting my scalp and causing tones of breakage, knows how to cut curly/wavy hair and takes off no more then what I want off but cutting less is fine, if they make a mistake while trimming, to let me know rather then cutting more off it to make it perfect, suggestions that will help with my hair goals such as for treatment, products, hair care advice ect are fine but not advice that's trying to take me away from my goals such as changing the length, colouring ect. Also one that’s friendly.

[Bagginslover]

Honestly, I don't think it matters what sort of clientelle you are gearing towards, long or short haired, super styled or au naturelle, the most important thing is listening to wat the client wants, being totally sure you understand what they want, and doing only that, checking along the way. Do that, and you won't only have longhairs flocking to your chair ;)

[höpönasu]

I honestly think of LHC friendly places.


I'd make a laminated sheet of services long hair focused: deep conditioner treatments, protein treatments, coconut oil and other hot oil treatments you can put them on low heat, list of deposit only color that's not very damaging. You can put together packages, like micro trim + hot oil treatment (and on hair like mine, low heat giant rollers like in GM salones).You can do rinses and all natural treatments, the aloe rinse comes to mind. I'd totally go to someone that did that for a reasonable price. I think you might find that people would be more willing to come every 6 weeks if they know they can get something other than a cut.


Hair salon like this.. I'd be there every day! :cloud9:

[Firefox7275]

What do my fellow long hair friends look for in a stylist who specializes in trimming and treating long hair. I know how I choose who cuts my hair but I am pretty bossy! What matters most TO YOU?

Im a stylist, looking to use my skills to focus on a long hair clientele in addition to the other services I perform.

Lots of us trim our own hair, so I'm really looking for helpful, positive suggestions!:blossom:

Someone who knows about the ingredients in the products they use and sell, I've walked away from a couple of salons that didn't know anything about sulphates and silicones - these are skin issues (eczema and acne respectively) as well as hair ones. And if they understand the importance of respecting the skin flora/ acid mantle and pH of the products they use and sell, I'd be seriously impressed.

Also someone who knows how to recognise hidden waves and cut curly hair, in the UK at least that is even rarer than finding a stylist who knows how much half an inch is. If you rip a fine tooth comb through my hair yes it will get stuck and yes it will look dull, frizzy and 'damaged' when you are done. My hair finger detangles easily when wet and slathered in conditioner, it doesn't need to be dry detangled.

[Liz_park]

I'd make a laminated sheet of services long hair focused: deep conditioner treatments, protein treatments, coconut oil and other hot oil treatments you can put them on low heat, list of deposit only color that's not very damaging. You can put together packages, like micro trim + hot oil treatment (and on hair like mine, low heat giant rollers like in GM salones).You can do rinses and all natural treatments, the aloe rinse comes to mind. I'd totally go to someone that did that for a reasonable price. I think you might find that people would be more willing to come every 6 weeks if they know they can get something other than a cut.


If there was a long hair spa like this, I would treat myself and go once a month! You could also sell special vitamins, offer microtrims with super sharp hair shears, maybe even give customers protein rich snacks or offer hair growth teas while they're being pampered!

I order all of my brushes, hair products, hair vitamins, oils treatments, etc. off the internet. But if there was a long hair salon that offered all of these things in one place, I would definitely buy it there instead, rather waiting for weeks for my package to arrive in the mail. Also I would be happier to support a local business than some random seller off ebay or amazon.

[Vrindi]

I would pay good money to have someone do a thorough S&D, a micro-trim, maybe a deep-condition treatment, and a cool braid that I can't do myself. If I were to ever get layers again, I would have someone who could put layers in just the last few inches without having to chop some to my shoulders. Or, someone who could talk about the pros/cons of different hem lines for different styles and hair types. It would be cool to find a stylist who knew about both conventional commercial products (which work for some people) as well as some of the home remedies that many of us love. Basically, someone who knows about actual hair health, as well as style.

[SleepyTangles]

I think that the thing I missed most as a teen, is a stylist that explains you how hair works (not just what product to use). Then again, I'm happy no one never did it, probably now I would have very damaged hair :o - as most hairdressers I know relies on chemicals, heath and cones to make the hair work.

Now, as a longhair-wannabe and not a teen dealing with horrible hair messed by hormones and stuff, I'd like more than any other things a stilist that feels "normal" to trim even small amounts, without cutting more or trying to persuade me to cut more for "the sake" of my hair health.
Going to a stylist is like a gamble: maybe it turns right, maybe not quite.

And aside from that, how stylist handle my hair and the tools they chose is a big problem. Last time I went, a new stylist brushed my hair very roughly for hair bast APL: the day after my ends were like velcro. Just an afternoon lead to more damage than 6 month!!!

I'd like some option for who has cone-free and sles-free routines, too, but the big issues are mechanic/heath damage and the cuts.

[Firefox7275]

If there was a long hair spa like this, I would treat myself and go once a month! You could also sell special vitamins, offer microtrims with super sharp hair shears, maybe even give customers protein rich snacks or offer hair growth teas while they're being pampered!

I order all of my brushes, hair products, hair vitamins, oils treatments, etc. off the internet. But if there was a long hair salon that offered all of these things in one place, I would definitely buy it there instead, rather waiting for weeks for my package to arrive in the mail. Also I would be happier to support a local business than some random seller off ebay or amazon.

I think supplementing is a dangerous road to tread unless the stylists have at least a basic recognised qualification in nutrition/ dietetics. They are medical specialisms for good reason: a supplement regime should be tailored to the individual and take into consideration diagnosed health conditions, medications, diet, physical activity levels, age/ gender and so on. Most westerners do not need to eat more protein.

[Night_Kitten]

(snip)
I'd make a laminated sheet of services long hair focused: deep conditioner treatments, protein treatments, coconut oil and other hot oil treatments you can put them on low heat, list of deposit only color that's not very damaging. You can put together packages, like micro trim + hot oil treatment (and on hair like mine, low heat giant rollers like in GM salones).You can do rinses and all natural treatments, the aloe rinse comes to mind. I'd totally go to someone that did that for a reasonable price. I think you might find that people would be more willing to come every 6 weeks if they know they can get something other than a cut.
(snip)


The main thing for me is a stylist who listens and then does what I asked for (even if it's just a 1/4 inch trim). Suggestions are always welcome, but the main thing for the stylist is to find out the main goal of a visit (as in a trim while growing out hair or looking for a fresh style).


Honestly, I don't think it matters what sort of clientelle you are gearing towards, long or short haired, super styled or au naturelle, the most important thing is listening to wat the client wants, being totally sure you understand what they want, and doing only that, checking along the way. Do that, and you won't only have longhairs flocking to your chair ;)

I absolutely second all those ^

As most "long-hairs" trim rather rarely and are trying to keep their hair in good condition, your main attraction would be treatments and non-damaging colors rather than cuts, so definitely more of a hair-health oriented "hair spa" direction, with an optional microtrim / trim / cut if the client wants one :)
Consultations on how to use natural products, what "hair-safe" treatments / methods are available, and what is better avoided / is a good routine for a certain hair type (and help with figuring out the client's hair type) would also be popular I think...

Also if you can offer fancy styling (complicated braids, buns, curling...) without using damaging methods such as back-combing and heat-styling, that would definitely fill a very empty nieche... There aren't many salons / stylists that can / know how to do that...

[BlazingHeart]

I would just love to be able to have my hair put up without damaging treatments like back combing or using hairspray before the style is finished or heat. Someone who had the right tools for the job, instead of using hundreds of bobby pins folded into a figure 4 so I have to battle every pin to get it down later. I'd love to be able to see someone and tell them I needed a stable, elegant up-do for an event and have them give me options instead of me having to try to find something - a look-book for long styles would be awesome.

[Babzilla]

I appreciate your perspectives!

For liability reasons, I would not offer vitamins or certain herbal formulas (nettle, chamomile, strong EOs) because of allergic reactions or sensitivity. Same for nut oils.

I think gluten-free hair care is up and coming as celiac is a well-known disease.

[amalieDK]

My hairdresser is amazing and she completely understands me! When she trims my hair she only trims what is absolutely necessary, and she once told me that she'd never cut off my long hair because she really admires it. I can also talk to her about long hair and its health which is so nice.

There is only one thing, because most hairdressers like mine use hair dryers because they wash hair and then dry it for making sure the hemline is perfect or something, but do your hairdressers trim without washing and hair drying or how do you guys do at the hairdressers?

[HintOfMint]

I always appreciate when a stylist doesn't get defensive or pushy when I say I don't want them to use a razor on my hair or that thing where they "slice" a layer of hair with scissors. I know it can be done well, but that hasn't been my experience. I'll end up with horrible splits within about three weeks of having that done.

In general, being friendly, relaxed and not judgmental about my hair length or styling choices is key. I look at the salon experience as something relaxing, a treat for myself. I've had condescending hairstylists and it really put a damper on my day.

[jacqueline101]

What do I look for in a stylist? Reasonable rates, popular services like the bling strands and styles that people my age like. Then I look at the building the shape cleaness and the work area. Work area must have a lot of supplies for the beautician to use as well as sell, the building must not be run down and has to be clean. Work I like someone who has a good track record of not being turned into the boss for poor service due to a number of reasons. I like hair friendly methods of doing hair like no razers and rough detangling methods and so on. I want someone who listens to what I ask and doesn't do what she wants.

[dulce]

I would like to see a stylist that actually knows how to comb/brush long hair and actually has a natural boar bristle brush for her long hair clients.