Hair Consultation

mto

I've been wanting to get a new hairstyle for a while now, and have asked for a consultation at a few local hairdressers. However, they all say the consultation is included as part of the cut, and they don't have time to do a separate consult. I don't want this, as I want to be able to compare what different hairdressers suggest before I make a decision.

I've tried a couple of those online virtual hair makeovers, but I must have an odd shaped face and I can never get the outline to match properly.

Does anyone have any tips for finding a hairstyle that suits you, or for finding a hairdresser willing to do a consult?

Thanks
mto

Kazipoo

The thing is, most people, even though they say they don't know what they want, have very real ideas about what they don't want. You really need to decide the type of style first as most hairdressers will consult as part of the service.

Think about things like how long or short you want your hair, whether you want it one length or layers, whether you want a bob, inverted, asymmetrical etc, whether you want to be able to just leave it, or how much time you are prepared to take to style it every day.

Hairdressers will give you an idea of what type of style will suit your face, but ultimately the choice is yours, because if they cut it and you decide you don't like it, you only have yourself to blame. A hairdresser will not just do something that takes their fancy, they will only do what the client requests.

jenniewb

Have you tried bigger salons like Toni and Guy? They always seem so helpful when I have visited them- and thats just as a model!

I think what your after is style advice, a consultation tends to be where you go and say "I wanna do this to my hair" and they say if they think its possible or a good idea. Much of the time as people do tend to have their own personal tastes, they don't really cut a style they think looks good. Its all based on your instructions, if you wanted someone to cut your hair I'd just go and then when they ask what you want saying that you want a change/a trim, how short your prepared to go, if a fringe is a good idea or not etc, but saying you have no fixed ideal just something different or something the same (whatever you feel you want).

If you are after a certain style or hate a certain style and want to avoid it, take pictures.

If you can't find anywhere that offers a consultation only then just go for the cut- theres little point talking about a cut if your not going to go ahead and get it done I guess.

mto

I have to admit, I haven't been to any of the large salons like Toni & Guy or Regis. My hair is currently just past shoulder length, but I would be willing to go pixie length if it would suit me. I think part of the problem is that I can't actually tell what suits me.

I'm not high maintenance, and would probably wash 3 times a week and not want to spend more than 10-15 mins styling. I'm also not great about visiting the hair dresser regularly, every 5-6 weeks at a push!

yellowbear

Do you have a regular hairdresser at the moment? Have you spoken to them? What do they say?

If not, it might be an idea to start going regularly for trims/cuts and blowdrys so you can get to know your hairdresser THEN talk about what kind of a cut you want.
I don't think I would have the guts to walk into a hairdressers that I didn't know and get the lot cut off on the back a quick chat with someone I didn't know!

Itismehonest

Larger salons are more likely to do consultations or give the sort of advice you are after but you must remember it will be taking away time & money from their day.
Good salons may offer this service but it will cost you. That's only fair if you think about it.
Perhaps if you explained the situation & offered to pay the salons you have already tried for their time they may have a different reaction? It's worth a try.