View Full Version : How to find the right stylist?
whiteisle
June 7th, 2008, 12:45 PM
I'm in the throws of growing out a pixie and frankly, it stinks right now. I'm caught between A) getting it trimmed up into some sorta "style" or B) just letting it go until I get considerably more length but that's not really my question. My question is how do go about finding a stylist that understands my goals and is willing to help me get there?
I don't see too many people around with really long hair, so asking around isn't an option. Should I just start calling different places and explaining my needs? I just think they'll all say they are what I need and yes, they'll listen, blah, blah, blah.......but I have my doubts. Currently, I've been going to Great Clips (ya know, $12.00 hair cuts) mainly because my prior stylist (starting price = $40.00) just wasn't listening AND I watched her take about 7" off my mom's hair for no good reason! So we both said adios!
But now that I've decided to grow long, I don't know what to do. I feel certain that somewhere between bottom-of-ears and waist I'll need a trim or two or at least some shaping up. How do you find someone in the professional world to help?
Thanks!
FrannyG
June 7th, 2008, 02:26 PM
After my last really short cut, but before I learned to cut my own hair, I used to go to one of those chain salons such as the ones you describe going to. They were generally happy to cut exactly what I wanted off, instead of trying to talk me into a style I didn't want, or to attempt to be too artistic.
I also used to take a tape measure with me, so that I could show the hair stylist exactly how much I wanted cut off. You'd be surprised at how many people don't realize just how small 1/2 inch is. I don't just mean hair stylists; I mean people in general.
Once your hair is longer I suggest that you learn Feye's Trimming Method, which is a very easy way to cut your own hair exactly the way you want it.
Best of luck! :)
spidermom
June 7th, 2008, 03:19 PM
My first really good stylist for supporting my goals had classic-length hair. You could look out for a long-haired stylist. Also I've gone into a salon a few times and sat looking through the style books (I would say "I need a change and am looking for ideas" if anybody asked). I'd watch the stylists and see who was scissor happy and who wasn't.
I've had really good luck, though. I've walked into places on a whim before, knowing nothing about the salon or the stylists, and walked back out a happy customer. Maybe I communicate really well.
suicides_eve
June 8th, 2008, 06:14 AM
haha i go to Great clip's too. he girls are usually really good about listening to my needs and wants. Although they are usually young they do a great job. i mention how i got into this mess and sadly all have gone through the same thing and know what its like to grow it all out again.
having already been when your at just recently- I choose to ride it out and let it grow until i felt comfortable enough to get it cut. yes i did the mullet and all.
as spider mom said Communication is the key- be annoyingly descriptive using visual like finger, knuckle , tape ruler, or use the term "dusting" surprisingly they know what you mean about 1/4"
Garnett
June 8th, 2008, 10:44 AM
I always ask ppl to show me EXACTLY what they want taken off with their finger and thumb. Everyone's idea of "one inch" for example, is very different. Show them. And be very direct with stating your goal. Don't say "just cut the dead ends" because you don't know what they will see as needing to be cut. Show the stylist how much you'd like taken off and try to relax.
All of my friends here are stylists (we went to hair school together) and I still get a bit nervous when I get a trim. I think for some ppl it is just a part of life. I've never not been nervous getting my hair cut. *shrug* LOL
psvzum
June 8th, 2008, 04:08 PM
Couple of suggestions that have worked for me: (1) Ask women you see with long hair where they go to get it styled. (2) Ask for a stylist with long hair and who enjoys working on long hair-you may have to call a few places to find someone.
Also, go for a consultation before getting a cut. This way you'll know exactly what to expect.
bjt
September 18th, 2008, 09:19 AM
I just had a great professional trim yesterday!
I found the name of a long hair specific salon in NYC form this forum (Madora's, a GM place, on Madison) and they were really great.
They trim your hair when its dry so that they are sure to take off exactly what you want. I told her to trim an inch and she did only that... if anything it might have been a little shy of an inch. I asked her about getting some side-swept bangs, but she talked me out of really doing it because of my hair type (she only gave them the whispiest of whispys around my face. so few, and so long that I can still keep them in a bun.) so appreciated her being really careful and conservative on what she cut.
she also talked about hair care and products but didn't try and sell me anything even though they have a whole line of products there for sale. She just gave me a sample of shampoo and a listing of their treatments on the way out and told me if I was interested in more, I can ask her.
It was really great. Since I like cutting my hair now and again (I maintain my length, I'm not growing it any more) its great to find some place local that I can go to.
I highly recommend them. Iris was the woman who did my hair.
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