What Do I Need to Know Before Getting a Haircut?
You can bring in a picture to get the haircut you want, but just because wash-and-go waves doesn't mean your hair texture is the same. Your stylist will need to know your hair's natural texture before they start cutting.
It's also important to come in with your hair clean so it's easier for your stylist to cut.
Know Your Face Shape
It’s a good idea to think about your face shape before getting a haircut. Not only will it help you determine what types of hairstyles will flatter your features, but it will also let the stylist know whether a particular haircut is appropriate for your face shape.
To find your face shape, first examine your face and determine its width at the widest point (which you can do either by eyeballing it or using a soft measuring tape). Next, identify the shape of your jawline and cheekbones. Finally, measure the length of your face from the top of your forehead to the tip of your chin. If your face is symmetrical, it’s likely oval; if it’s longer than it is wide, it’s probably a heart-shaped face; and if your forehead and jawline are similar in size, you may have a diamond-shaped face.
Once you know your face shape, the stylist can cut your hair with confidence. This means you won’t end up with a hairstyle that highlights features you don’t want to highlight. And remember, a major haircut isn’t always a good idea, especially if you’re feeling emotional (like after a breakup or because your friend has a new pixie). It’s best to wait until you’re ready to make a change.
Know Your Hair Type
Whether a new celebrity cut or your friends’ hair is swaying you to get scissor happy, it’s important to take the time to think about what you really want from your haircut. That way, you won’t end up with a look that you regret down the road.
Your hair’s texture will have a huge impact on how your new cut will turn out. It’s also a key factor in determining what hair products you should use and how often you should trim your hair.
There are several different hair typing systems, but most use a number and a letter to determine if your hair is straight (type 1), wavy (type 2), curly (type 3), or coily (type 4). A great way to find out what type you have is by looking at how your hair dries.
If it’s smooth and straight with a slight bend or S-shaped pattern near the ends, you have type 1 hair. If your hair has a natural, gentle wave or curl that goes from your roots to just below eye level, you have type 2 hair. If your hair has a tight, defined curl or S-shaped pattern throughout, you have type 3 hair.
Know Your Hair Length
You might have a very specific idea of how you want your hair to look before heading to the salon, but it’s important to be open to suggestions from your stylist. They’re the experts and they know what will look good with your face shape, hair texture and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to politely tell them if you don’t like their recommendations. They’ll appreciate the honesty and will be able to suggest something better in the future.
If your hair starts looking more like a rough, tangly mess than the smooth, sleek, easy-to-style style you’re used to, it’s time to schedule an appointment to St George Barber Shop for a cut. This explains that this is often the sign of damaged hair. The cuticle becomes rougher, causing your strands to cling together like Velcro. Getting a haircut will help clean it up and leave you with a more manageable—and less painful—do.
It’s also a good idea to arrive with your hair in its natural state (without any product), as this will give the barber a clearer picture of how your hair looks when it’s unwashed and not styled. And, of course, make sure to bring your inspiration photos with you!
Know Your Hair Texture
Hair texture is the thickness of each individual strand of hair. It typically falls into three classifications: fine, medium, and thick or coarse hair. Fine hair strands are thin, like a piece of thread and are often described as feeling silky or soft. Medium hair strands are slightly thicker than the thread and feel more substantial than fine strands. Thick or coarse hair strands are notably thicker than the thread and are often described as stiff or brittle.
Regardless of your hair type, there are several things you can do to enhance and protect it. One of the most important is to know your hair’s natural texture and whether it’s dry, oily, or balanced.
A common way to determine your hair texture is by rolling a strand of hair between your fingers. If it dries straight, it’s classified as straight hair (type 1A). If it dries with a defined “S” shape pattern, then it’s categorized as wavy or wavy-curly (type 2B). And if it dries in tight curls or spirals, it’s characterized as curly or coily (type 4A or 4C).
Know Your Hairstyle
If you're going to a salon for a cut, it's best to go in with some idea of what you want. Sure, you can always let your barber surprise you — but it's easier for everyone involved if you have a clear vision of what you're looking to achieve before you step into the chair.
For example, if you're looking for a new haircut and don't know what to ask for, you could end up with a style that doesn't complement your face shape or isn't suitable for your hair texture. So, do yourself a favor and take some time to research different cuts online or even ask your friends for advice before you set up an appointment.
It's also a good idea to arrive at the salon with your hair freshly washed. That way, the stylist can see what your strands look like when they're clean and free of buildup, which will help them give you the best cut possible. Plus, you'll avoid walking out of the salon with a head full of grease or hairspray (which can be really embarrassing, trust us). And, don't forget to smile! Your barber is there to make you look and feel your best.
Know Your Haircut Options
While many of us have a pretty good idea of what we want our haircut to look like, it’s also important to know your options and understand that not all cuts will work with every hair type. For example, if you have curly hair, it may not be the best idea to rock blunt bangs (unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time heat styling your strands). So before going in for a cut, be sure to research styles that will work with your hair texture.
It’s also a good idea to arrive at your appointment with clean hair. This will help your barber get a better picture of what your hair looks like when it’s in its natural state and allows them to see any spots that might need special attention.
It’s also a good idea to bring in reference photos if you have them. This will give your barber a visual aid to help them achieve the style you want and make it easier for you to communicate what you’re looking for. Plus, it’ll give your stylist a chance to show you some of their past work. That way, you’ll have a better sense of their expertise and skills.
Know Your Haircut Stylist
If you're a new client, letting your stylist know what you want before the cut is important. They may make suggestions based on their experience and expertise, but they should always respect your final decision.
It's also important to bring in photos of your ideal haircut. "Using pictures is the best way to communicate because words can be misinterpreted," they say. Words like "long" or "really short" leave a lot of room for interpretation and can be confusing to your stylist. "Bring in photos of the hairstyle on someone with your face shape, hair texture, and color so that they have a reference point to see what the end result will look like,".
You should also discuss your grooming habits with your stylist. "Do you prefer to give yourself a blowout every day or do you have time for just a quick brush and run out the door?" she says. This will help determine what cuts you're able to maintain. Also, if your stylist cautions you against a style that won't be easy to keep up with, listen to their advice. They are the pros, after all. The last thing you want is a haircut that looks great but you can't manage to maintain it.
You can bring in a picture to get the haircut you want, but just because wash-and-go waves doesn't mean your hair texture is the same. Your stylist will need to know your hair's natural texture before they start cutting. It's also important to come in with your hair clean so it's easier for your stylist…