What's the best way to handle a pushy stylist?

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  Posted by Suzanne Marie Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:37am PDT

  I think a majority of my hair-o-horror stories come from the days of my mother dragging me to the chain salon at the local mall. However, as an adult I still haven't been that lucky to always get the perfect cut. I remember when I was about 15 my twin sister and I had appointments (at the mall set by my mother) to get our hair cut and styled. I don't think there was any special occasion involved other than I looked like the 5th missing member of the Ramones. As we both got smocked up, washed up, and combed out I noticed my "stylist" was complaining about her kids and car while my sister's stylist was complementing her on her gorgeous eyes. I didn't really care that much I was 15 and rather anti-social to those outside my age group. When it came time to cut my hair my "stylist" kept cutting herself with the scissors and swearing. When finished she blew dry my hair to a crispy poof ball and left the station. I looked over at my sister whose hair looked amazing...She was getting her hair flat ironed and actually styled! She was even given a business card to come back. When I got home I noticed the "stylist" had left blood on my neck! Yikes! Needless to say that was the end of getting dragged to mall salons. Oh just one of many hair horror stories...However, I am lucky enough to have two stylist in different cities that do an amazing job. Whenever, I get sent coupons or invites to new salon openings I just toss 'em! After going to bargain city with my hair I've have learned that it is just not worth it.

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  Posted by Andygirl Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:56am PDT

  ya know, I've been going to the same lady for years because she is so talented and knows my hair so well. but, she used to be more pushy to me and I usually trusted her...until she gave me the worst cut of my life.

  I was in my early twenties and was on the verge of tears walking out of the shop, having paid for hair I'd use headbands and hats to cover up for the next few month.

  but it was my fault! I didn't give her a clear description of what I wanted and didn't argue when she bagan cutitng bangs inches above my eyebrows. I didn't say a thing!

  so, ever since, I go with a clear vision of what I want, which I tell her completely right off the bat. I watch closely throughout the process so I can say shorter or don't cut there or whatever. and she always asks me throughout now. she wants ME to be happy because I have to live with it.

  and now, I drive an hour to see my wonderful stylist and no one knows how I like my hair better than she.

  you just have to be assertive. and when you like what your stylist has done, be appreciative!

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  Posted by coolgal23 Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:22am PDT

  as a cosmetology student, i feel there is a middle ground for this.

  even though i would feel annoyed if the person who's hair i'm cutting said "whatever you think", i would also feel annoyed if my customer believed she knew everything about my profession and told me how to do my job.

  i think people should be assertive with what they want and what look they're trying to achieve but at the same time know that results vary and what looks good on one person won't necessarily look good on you.

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  Posted by Candy Kane Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:17pm PDT

  My worst experience was right before college, I told the stylist that I wanted a specific hairstyle, but her idea of that style was completely different to what I thought it was. I had to take my glasses off while she was doing her thing and I could feel that something wasn't quite right, but I couldn't see what she was doing (I have horrible eyesight), so it wasn't until the very end that I put my glasses back on and realized I had a drastically different hair style than what I wanted. I pretended to like it, and everyone told me it looked good, but I was actually really upset. Live and learn.

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  Posted by theimmortalbecca Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:15pm PDT

  As a stylist, I want everyone to know that my main priority is to make the person in my chair happy! If a client has any concerns or opinions, I want to hear them! If you're having trouble conveying what you want, bring in a picture, or lots of pictures. Even if you just like one part of a style (like the bangs or the layers) bring it in and express that! I never want a client to be unhappy!

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  Posted by vandalgrrl Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:08pm PDT

  Right before my wedding I asked a stylist to "lighten" my hair up a little. She dyed it gray. I was twenty three with gray hair. I screamed and cried so she had me come back the next day to "fix" it but all she did was bleach the crap out of it. It's been five years and my hair is still thin from the damage.

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  Posted by Elita3 Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:03pm PDT

  First show them the style you want be firm and if necessary go somewhere else. I suppose.

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  Posted by Jeannie Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:57pm PDT

  I'm a stylist and i can't stress enough when you want a certain hair style bring a picture, we're not mind readers we might miss understand if you explain it to us. but also remember the person in the picture and you might not the same hair texture and face shape so it will not look the same, i would expect your stylist to tell you that and be honest with you. also keep in mind if your a wash and wear or if your going to style you hair that plays a big part.

  i would also like to add i work in a mall salon, it is a budget place but just remember its not the place you go its the stylist you go to. when you find a good one keep them.

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  Posted by puccaseven Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:31pm PDT

  Hi everyone,

  I am a stylist whom happens to love doing hair!!! I believe the best experience will be had if you bring pictures and have an open mind.

  Go to a Salon or Stylist that you have had a recommendation for. Be respectful and ask questions and listen to the answers. Most high end salons and reputable stylist will give you a 10-15 min complimentary consultation. The consultation should go like this... Introduction to each other little about you (lifestyle), time you will spend on your hair, any goals you have in future(new job, wedding, makeover, ect)

  Then budget.

  Stylist should then look at your face shape, your skin color, your eyes, check if you wear glasses. Play with hair, decorate and arrange around your face to see if bangs are right for you. Or if short hair is the thing. Talk about your color. And the stylist should pick a feature and play to that. Your blue eyes, great cheekbones,or the sparkle in your eyes when the hair is brushed back. Most of all look for someone who loves what they do and wants you to look your best!!!

  Good luck

  Puccaseven

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  Posted by Mev Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:30pm PDT

  I actually have been lucky enough to always get the cut I want.

  I never sit down until the tell me exactly what hes gonna do.I do feel kind of rude doing but hey I am the one who has to live with it and I am paying

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