How to Communicate What You Want to Your Stylist (Without Playing "Hairdresser Charades")

Let’s face it—visiting the salon can feel like a high-stakes game of “Will They or Won’t They?” You sit down in that comfy chair, eager to transform your look, but when the stylist asks you what you want, suddenly your brain turns to mush. You know you want something fresh and fabulous, but how the heck do you say that without sounding like you’re describing a food order at a diner?

No worries! We’ve got your back. Whether you’re after a chop, a color change, or just a simple trim, there’s an art to communicating your hair goals so your stylist knows exactly what you’re after—and you walk out looking like you just stepped out of a magazine.

Ready to chat with your stylist without playing “guess the cut”? Let’s dive into the art of effective hair communication.

Step 1: Bring Visuals! 🖼️

We get it—sometimes words just don’t do justice. One minute you’re explaining how you want your hair to look, and the next minute you’re deep in an abyss of indecision. But there's a magical solution: pictures.

You don’t have to bring a full-blown Pinterest board (unless you’re extra like that, in which case, we love it), but showing your stylist a picture of a cut or color you like can 100% improve your chances of getting the look you want.

How to do it:

• Show a picture that resembles the style you want—be specific. Is it a blunt bob? A layered lob? A beachy blonde?
• If you're bringing in a color reference, make sure it’s a realistic version of what you're after. Be honest with yourself—if the model in the picture has platinum hair and you’re a brunette, don’t expect to get a bleach blonde bombshell look in one sitting!

Pro Tip: Consider the texture and length of the model’s hair. What looks amazing on straight hair might not translate the same on your curls. It’s like ordering a burger and expecting fries when you only get a salad. You need the full context!

Step 2: Be Honest About Your Maintenance Levels ✂️

Are you willing to spend hours on your hair every day, or do you like to wake up and go? (We feel you, no judgment). This is important to communicate, because the more low maintenance you are, the more your stylist will tailor the cut and color to fit your lifestyle.

If you’re not a fan of spending too much time styling, let your stylist know. They’ll steer you toward haircuts and colors that can handle a little rough love and still look fabulous.

Example: If you love the idea of beachy waves but don’t want to style every day, mention it! Your stylist can recommend the right haircut that’s easy to maintain with minimal effort.

If you want low-maintenance products to complement your cut, check out Amika The Kure Intense Repair Shampoo for keeping your hair healthy and manageable without taking a ton of time. Also, Texture Sexy Hair Beach'N Spray can give you that effortless beachy vibe without the fuss.

Step 3: Get Real About Your Hair Goals and Limitations 🌈

This is crucial: be honest about your hair history. Did you recently bleach your hair? Have you been doing a lot of at-home color? Did you chop it off with kitchen scissors two years ago (no judgment here)? All these things can affect your stylist's decisions about what they can and can’t do.

What to tell your stylist:

• Mention any previous treatments you’ve had. They’ll need to know if you’ve colored or lightened your hair before, and it’ll help them recommend the best approach to avoid damage.
• Be clear about how much change you want. Do you want a subtle refresh, or are you ready for a full-on transformation? If you’re aiming for a drastic change, they’ll need to assess your hair’s current condition before diving in.

Step 4: Know Your Hair Type and Be Realistic About It 💇‍♀️

If you’ve got thick, coarse hair and ask for a “super sleek, straight bob,” but you haven’t used a flat iron in years, your stylist might need to have a little talk with you. It’s important to be realistic about your hair type.

If you're not sure about your hair's texture, ask your stylist! They can give you pointers about your hair’s natural texture and how to work with it to achieve the look you want.

If you’re working with curls or waves, make sure to talk about how you usually wear your hair. Curly haircuts tend to look different when dry and styled than when wet, so make sure your stylist knows what you’re comfortable with. For smooth, shiny curls, check out Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel to help define and tame your curls.

Product Tip:
After a fresh cut, you might need a little extra help with styling. IGK Crybaby Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum works wonders for eliminating frizz and making those sleek looks last.

Step 5: Communicate Your Comfort Zone (Yes, You Can Say “No”!) ✋

We know the salon can sometimes feel like a high-pressure situation but remember: it’s YOUR hair. You have the right to speak up if you feel uncomfortable with a suggestion your stylist makes.

If you’re worried about a dramatic cut, ask for a consultation first to get a sense of how it will look before you commit. And if you don’t like the direction things are going, be honest! Stylists would rather fix things before they get too far than risk you leaving unhappy. A simple “I’m not feeling this” can save the day.

Step 6: Leave the Salon Feeling Like a New Person (Without Regret) 💁‍♀️

When you walk out of the salon chair with your new look, the goal is to feel fabulous—not second-guessing your choices. If you’ve communicated clearly and your stylist has worked their magic, you should be feeling confident with your new style.

Quick tip: Always ask for styling tips! Stylists love to share their expertise, and getting personalized advice will help you recreate the look at home (without calling for reinforcements).

Final Thoughts:
Effective communication with your stylist is the key to achieving the hair of your dreams. Whether you’re asking for a dramatic change or just a slight trim, the more clear and honest you are about your expectations, the better your hair will turn out.

And remember, your stylist is there to help you! They want you to leave the salon looking and feeling your best—so speak up, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or express your concerns. By keeping it real, you’ll walk out with a look that feels just right for you.

Need the right products to keep your fresh new style in check? Visit The Warehouse Salon for salon-quality hair products that will make sure your hair stays as fab as your cut.