GUIDES FOR GETTING THE EXACT HAIR COLOR YOU WANT!

We’ve all had awful hair-coloring experiences, haven’t we? You come into the salon, eventually sit down for your pre-appointment session with your stylist, and you’re prepared with photographs of the color you desire! However, images and references are not always sufficient.

After all of your efforts to explain your desires to your stylist, it’s evident that something was lost in translation… So, you tell the stylist you love it, pay for hair you don’t like, and walk out the door. That is the worst sensation in the world! So, how do we avert such calamity?!

Here are some tips on how to communicate with your stylist and guarantee that you get color that you’ll love!

Steps to getting the perfect hair color, every time…

1.- Choosing a “nice” salon is insufficient.
Choosing a “high quality” location does not ensure a positive experience in many service businesses. When people ask me how to find a hairstylist, I typically relate the process to looking for a tattoo artist. When you decide to get a tattoo, it is a highly permanent decision, and so can coloring your hair!!

Before arranging an appointment, it’s usually a good idea to go at an artist’s portfolio to determine if their work is something you’d like to wear. If you want to be copper and go to a stylist who usually works with blondes… you might not achieve the intended outcome.

It’s also critical that you trust the person styling your hair. Nothing is worse than a worried customer who makes the stylist nervous! Hair color is quite complicated, and a client/stylist relationship is critical to attaining the ideal color. If your stylist’s bio is available on the salon website, read it, as well as the salon’s purpose statement; this may help you select which salon/stylist is best for you.

2.- Beautiful Color = Healthy Hair
Keeping your hair healthy is one of the most critical components in attaining the precise hair color you want! If you arrive at the salon with damaged and unhealthy hair, your hairdresser is far less inclined to contemplate coloring it. Use deep conditioners, shampoo just two to three times per week, and avoid using hot tools as much as possible! (If you reside in Arizona, you are welcome to use the sun as a blow dryer.)

3.- Look for some photographs!
Finding inspiration for your next hair color is simple with social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! You should, however, choose your inspiration photographs with care. Choose looks that you truly adore, and be prepared to explain why to your stylist!

There are also a few questions you should be asking yourself while choosing pictures:

• Do I have this person’s hair length?
• Do I have their hair thickness?
• Do I have their hair texture?
• Do I have their skin tone?
• Do I have their features?
• Do I style my hair like this?

It’s critical to understand these distinctions so you may have a reasonable idea of which styles will perform best for you! It’s also vital to bring some images of yourself that you DON’T like to show the stylist. This will allow you and your stylist to communicate openly and help your stylist learn more about your style!

4.- The language of hair color is intricate…
When it comes to coloring your hair, there are countless tints and hues to pick from, and stylists use a variety of jargon to describe them. To be honest, it’s better if you don’t try to speak their language unless you’re really certain you know what you’re talking about!

There are a couple of terms that you should know to avoid, so here’s a couple inside tips:

• I would avoid terms like “warm tones” or mentioning you like gold because requesting them could be risky. Warm basically implies orange. You won’t want to see “gold” in your hair if you don’t want to see yellow. If you’re afraid of seeing green in your hair, simply inform your hairdresser that you want to avoid drab or dull-looking hue.

• ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS TO YOUR STYLIST AND THE OTHER SALON STAFF.
• Because they are human, and they deserve your respect just as much as you deserve theirs.
• Do you like a solid or dimensional color look?
• Dimension refers to highlighted hairstyles in which there are some lighter or darker sections throughout your hair that help the color look more natural. A solid look is similar to coloring your hair black all over; it’s the same all over!
• Know the fads, but understand that they are not for everyone! (“Trendy” isn’t for everyone!)
• If you walk into a salon and request mermaid, tortoise shell, or opal hair… That’s fantastic! However, those are daring trends that do not suit everyone who attempts them.
• Determine whether you want a natural look or something a little more daring!
• Please do not hesitate to ask questions!
• Ask your stylist any questions you have regarding color or techniques, and he or she should be able to answer them.

5.- Let’s be down-to-Earth.

Don’t be scared to be honest with your hairdresser. Request what you want and provide your stylist with a brief history of your hair! The hairdresser will want to know if you have color in your hair, when you last dyed and trimmed it, and what products you use. Then, be realistic about your budget and the health of your hair!

Give honest responses when the stylist asks you questions! Don’t be bashful during your consultation; your stylist wants to acquire all the details they need to guarantee you leave loving your hair! Come in as you are and allow the stylists to help you elevate your style. Your ideal hue should complement your skin tone, eye color, and way of life!

6.- Come to the salon with clean hair for your highlights!

Normally, a hairstylist would advise against washing your hair before an appointment because they would most likely wash it again at the salon, but highlights are an exception! When you know you’re going to get highlights, it’s a good idea to remove some of your natural oils from your hair because they can inhibit your hair from lifting (or lightening) evenly.

If you’re coming in for a single-process color, such as a root touch-up, you can come in with dirty hair! Leaving the natural oils on your scalp will prevent itching while your color is processing.

7.- Making the perfect appointment!

The first step in making the best hair color appointment is to schedule a consultation. Ideally, your consult should be arranged on a DIFFERENT day than your color appointment, and your color appointment should be planned with your stylist during your consultation. This guarantees that you are scheduled for the appropriate services and length of time! You risk not receiving the service you desire if you are scheduled for the incorrect service.

8.- Take your stylist home with you!

No, you can’t physically put your stylist into your purse and carry them home with you, but you can ask them for home-use suggestions! Your stylist can show you how to perform simple and fun styles on your own, recommend products that work well for your hair texture and make your color stay longer, and give you ideas for your next look!

Thanks for reading!