An inch is not just an inch …, 14 Secrets Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You

Hairstyles

14 Secrets Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You

Find out how to get the best appointments, haircuts and better -- or free! -- services

July 15, 2009 | by Sarah Carrillo | 62 COMMENTS

An inch is not just an inch �

When you're talking about hair. This little measurement can mean vastly different things to you and your stylist. So instead of staying, "take three inches off," show them how much of your hair you want cut off so there's no confusion.

Other terms that are often misinterpreted: "brassy," "ash," "layers" and "graduation." All of these can mean different things to different people, even different stylists. To be clear, use pictures or other adjectives to describe what you want or ask your stylist what these terms mean so you're on the same page.

SEE NEXT PAGE: If you're desperate for a last-minute appointment �

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Haha whoever below is getting all indignant about tipping clearly doesn't understand how the service industry works, at least in this country. Different countries and cultures have different standards, as do different industries. Sure, you don't have to adhere to them, but if you don't, then you can't expect to get the best service. Treat your stylists well and they will treat you well! Also a good idea to treat the reception team well, and value a stylist who does the same!

by kikiriki Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 12:04PM Report as inappropriate

Tiping? really?..I dont feel the need to tip someone for doing their JOB

by syren2030 Friday, May 10, 2013 at 08:47PM Report as inappropriate

some great tips!

by Chris213 Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 06:57AM Report as inappropriate

you better not go a day before holiday also. it most crowd anyway. i once did and my simple trim turn it a full 3 hour session when the hairstylist keep stopping to attend to another client.

by hazr_rayn_hashim Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 04:42AM Report as inappropriate

Loved this article!

by heidihannibal33 Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 08:01PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips. I used my mom's stylist when I was home and I wasn't happy. I have where I live an next year I'll be back in FL for a time and will have to get my hair cut. I'm not sure who'll use. I'll keep my eye out for gal's who's hair is similar to mine.

by asiagirl4ever Monday, July 16, 2012 at 07:19PM Report as inappropriate

I don't think I will remember all the tips, but will try.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 09:39AM Report as inappropriate

This article is dead on-well some of it! I used to work at a salon (shampoo girl) and yes it is true that we would get ignored and it didn't really make sense since we doted on the customer more so than the actual stylist did. Also the 'tip' about a stylist telling you you like exactly so-and-so is completely right! I went to a stylist wanting to go really drastic and brought in pictures of Victoria Beckham's edgy long pixie cut and was sent to the moon and back during my consultation. When the end result came around, I wasn't too impressed and she was said 'well hunny what do you expect? You have thicker hair than she does..." I was kind of perturbed because I asked her if she thought it would look bad with my hair, face shape, etc. Ugh....

by cuteAsAbutton Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 03:21PM Report as inappropriate

I read this article just for the sake of it. I actually been cutting my own hair since I'm 17 years old, and I must say, I've been doing pretty great on my own.

by hananoire Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

My whole family takes pictures into the salon when they want a certain cut, and we are always happy when we leave.

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by cielona_boco Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 08:00AM Report as inappropriate

Of course, the stylist works for the client and we should get the best service any time of the week (or day). But, as stacy3040 said, stylists are not robots. And if your hair ends up badly because your hairstilist was tired, it will be his/her fault, no doubt. But it won't change your hair back! Si in general, the scheduling tips are helpful. Except that if you work full-time, you don't really have much choice for appointments :/

by patricia89 Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 07:50AM Report as inappropriate

Article is not entirely accurate..... "best way to get the appointment time you want"?? As a hairstylist, I, along with my co-stylists would always recommend "PRE-booking" . That is no "secret"! Newsflash to those who expect stylists to be always alert, super cheery & give you exactly what you want 100% of the time: We aren't super-human nor are we computerized robots. Many do really try their hardest but even stylists have their days. Ask yourself.... are you on top of it 100% of the time? No, you wouldn't be human. Nobody's perfect. Cut them some slack if they are at least trying.

by stacy3040 Monday, January 23, 2012 at 03:42PM Report as inappropriate

I couldn't imagine scheduling around the stylist like that. I go on Friday evenings because I work full time and that is my stylist's late day. I always end up with a great cut, because she likes her job and does it well. One question I do have- she has an apprentice who is still in school, but does all of her shampooing and such. Do I tip her? From my experience with other things, those in training do not get tipped, but should I be tipping her?

by laura_schulz Monday, January 23, 2012 at 08:08AM Report as inappropriate

They do give out amazing advice when it comes to salon products. I had dry frizzy, damaged hair of a long time and tried everything. I went to a new stylist and she recommended joico kpak, I couldn't believe what a difference it made to my hair! I've been loyal to her ever since!

by ladyboarder9669 Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 09:00AM Report as inappropriate

Article title a bit misleading... nothing about free anything mentioned, except the free consultation....

by ranza6980 Friday, January 20, 2012 at 07:09PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with SunBunny. It's ridiculous to think that we'd plan our salon visits to accommodate the hairstylists' schedules, for example when the hairstylists' are not tired, hungry, etc. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

by olga_cirlugea Friday, January 20, 2012 at 03:39PM Report as inappropriate

I liked the scheduling tips

by sportimonki13 Friday, January 20, 2012 at 03:36PM Report as inappropriate

Not anything new really, most info is common knowledge I think.

by ColeyStrasz Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate

Seriously? Don't come in the morning lunchtime or evening. Don't come on Saturday or Friday. Let me just say the stylist works for the client not the other way around. And if every visit costs me over $100 she better be nice and accommodating no matter if she is tired or hungry.

by SunBunnyxxxooo Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:09PM Report as inappropriate

An inch is an inch and if the stylist doesn't know measurements, time to find a new one!

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 12:37PM Report as inappropriate

great to konw

by Nicole2814 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 06:03PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know.. :)

by ladyboarder9669 Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

nothing really new...

by jenstar313 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:19AM Report as inappropriate

Excellent article with honest helpful information :)

by rhonda_halliday Monday, November 14, 2011 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate

My favorite hairdresser is my husband--he's been cutting (and coloring) my hair for years. And since I get compliments, he must be doing a good job ;)

by manicuredslayer Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 09:36PM Report as inappropriate

Good to keep in mind.

by haleedear Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:26AM Report as inappropriate

Referrals are definitely a good idea. What's worked for me the best when moving to a new city is asking someone whose hair you like who their stylist is.

by busyme33 Friday, November 11, 2011 at 05:44PM Report as inappropriate

So what do you do if (like me) the best hair stylist you've ever met that usually cuts both your hair AND your significant other's hair has decided to "take a break" from doing hair for awhile due to a family crisis (a fire) and they were the only stylist who knew both of your hair textures inside and out and was the only stylist who ever got both of your haircuts "right?" (as in, she told me that going to these cheap "salons" was ruining my hair because those stylists didn't take as much care and caution in trimming my slightly damaged, thick long curly girl hair and she gave me a cut that actually helped my hair get better and kept it this way for months before I needed a new trim) What should I do? Lol. I'm at a loss - I really don't want to go to one of those Holiday Hair or Master Cut places if I don't have to and there are no other good stylists in my area! Sad face!

by KathrynMarie Friday, November 11, 2011 at 02:19PM Report as inappropriate

If you are having trouble finding a stylist look at people's hair everywhere you go and when u see someone who's hair type is similar to your and you like the way it is cut ask that person where they got their hair cut. They will tell you even if you are asking a stranger. If you are asking someone where they get their hair cut that are going to take or as a compliment and be willing to give you info bout their stylist

by diane_magel Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

Friday doesn't count as the beginning of the weekend for a stylist, we work all weekend therefore our weekend starts just before our first day off and many stylists don't even get the option to have 2 days off in a row since most salons are now open 7 days a week. Most stylist will recommend that people come in earlier in the week because the earlier part of the week are slow days and no one wants to sit around and do nothing when they are at work.

by diane_magel Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

I need a haircut

by andyv1217 Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 06:30PM Report as inappropriate

nothing really surprising...

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 12:46AM Report as inappropriate

I'll have to remember these for my next salon visit

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 01:42PM Report as inappropriate

This may be true for some stylists but not for me. I enjoy cutting, coloring, styling, etc. I like Fridays, mornings, etc. If I am hungry, I grab a quick granola bar to hold me over through my next appointment. There are too many good stylists out there to settle. Keep looking!!!!

by avril1919 Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

None of these were exactly 'secrets'...

by katiespeaking Friday, June 3, 2011 at 05:29PM Report as inappropriate

that was an OK read, nothing really new...

by martha85 Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 12:46PM Report as inappropriate

It is hard to find great hairstylist in my area and mostly are walk-ins. So no scheduling.

by ebbsandtides Friday, May 27, 2011 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

Can never find a good hairstylist!

by Jhanooman Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 11:51AM Report as inappropriate

I need to trim my hair badly! Split ends are really ruining my look.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, April 15, 2011 at 08:40PM Report as inappropriate

Just trimming my own curly hair has made me face less tragedies than going to the salon

by debjosh Monday, April 11, 2011 at 03:38AM Report as inappropriate

i'll just trim my own hair. o___o

by yckitsmary Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 07:30PM Report as inappropriate

This is more like salon etiquette than "Secrets".

by volta Friday, March 25, 2011 at 12:38AM Report as inappropriate

lol naughtnone i was just thiking the same thing! wtf i dont trust stylists anyways i do mine myself.

by sarbear86 Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 06:43PM Report as inappropriate

Don't book in the morning, evening, lunchtime, or weekends...um, when SHOULD I book then?

by naughtnone Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 01:33PM Report as inappropriate

i also cut my own hair i have been doing it for years so far so good

by yvette_jones Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 08:27AM Report as inappropriate

This was SUPER helpful for me, considering I am getting my haircut tomorrow!!!! I have really thick hair, naturally curly hair that I straighten and it never dawns on me to tell them ahead of time so they aren't shocked when they wash my hair. I always end up at the salon for at least 3 hours because of my hair length and texture. By the time they get the cut done and then blow dry and straighten it we're both pooped!!! I will also remember to tip the shampoo person, if there is one. My old hairdresser did it all herself, as did everyone at that salon. Thanks for these tips TB!! Now hopefully my haircut comes out fabulous tomorrow!!!!!

by lisa2683 Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 04:42AM Report as inappropriate

i dont have to worry about any of that, i simply dont go to the salon, i trim my own hair and i always get compliments!

by judyangel101 Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 06:18PM Report as inappropriate

so wait... when SHOULD I get a hair cut??

by Bon_Bon Friday, February 18, 2011 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

Ok there were a few things about this article that were offputting. No appointments first thing in the morning, weekends, lunchtime or nightime? If anyone were this touchy or easily irritated, I wouldn't want them cutting my hair either way. Also, not everyone has a flexible enough schedule to book 4-8 weeks in advance.

by bailey7 Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10:39AM Report as inappropriate

I think these are really helpful tips..I've probably overlooked some of these

by LittleBunny Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 09:39PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with Kenya, these are all things I knew already or my stylist told me about... why would they keep these a secret?

by pynkNymphette Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 02:52PM Report as inappropriate

a lot of these are common sense lol

by kenya Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 01:56PM Report as inappropriate

Don't book in the morning, the evening, lunchtime or weekends - in other words, any time that's convenient for you! Really?

by icbenjamin Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 01:30PM Report as inappropriate

Are you telling me that the shampoo person cannot manage to rinse my hair "correctly and at the right time" if I don't tip him/her well? It's their job!

by Runnerup Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

ok.. so I have been a stylist for 10 years now... this article makes us sound like we are cranky people who only care about ourselves... now, I'll admit, there are MANY out there like that, but there are also some who genuinely care about their customers and are nice.... and I dont know what the reporter was talking about lunch times.... stylists rarely ever get a lunch break... we eat when we can, so we REALLY appreciate that Starbucks or cupcakes that some of you are so nice to bring us (hint hint)

by Chrissy_B Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 04:41PM Report as inappropriate

please help me everytime after i shampoo and condtioner i se alot of hair that i lose is this normal?

by valerie572 Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 06:43PM Report as inappropriate

Jeez, is there any time a stylist actually wants to be at work?

by jraehol Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 04:04AM Report as inappropriate

Helpful info. to know! THANKS!!

by lamb727 Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

On page 2 of 14 secrets your hairstylist won't tell you, it should be "whose hair you like", not "who's hair you like".

by KatherineLang Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 05:58PM Report as inappropriate

@ Kirina: Wallgreens sells Jhirmack at their website. Hope this helps.

by sheenablackcat Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 03:42AM Report as inappropriate

I'm 44 and have silver hair since I was 21,always use Jirmack shampoo,but now I can't find it help!

by Kirina Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 12:28PM Report as inappropriate

This is very helpful although I already have a great stylist. But treating her better is great to know. Not that I don't already. THANKS!

by Dulce707 Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 12:09PM Report as inappropriate

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