by Aylah Hollis

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2012

The best way to communicate your ideas for your hair to your stylist is to first know yourself and your hair. Find all the pictures that you can that are close to or have some of the qualities that you are looking for in your hairstyle. Don't limit yourself to the resources of which you find your hairstyle. When choosing color you should always have a picture of the color that you want; it is much easier for a stylist to understand and be able to match the specific color that you are looking for.

When you first go to the salon, you should show your stylist the photos you chose, and ask their opinion on what they think it would look like on you, and whether or not they can achieve that style for you. You may want to be very tactful when finding out whether or not they are capable to do it for you. When communicating with your stylist, you should be comfortable enough to talk your way through whatever style you two are creating. It helps if you can view the experience as a joint venture in creativity. Most stylists won't mind and may even enjoy the process. If you happen to come up against a situation in which the created style is not at all what was expected, don't ever be afraid to tell your stylist that you are not happy with it. Tell the stylist what exactly it is that you don't like, and maybe what could be changed to make it better for you.

You always have to be realistic with yourself about your hair type and your hair length and thickness of your hair when you chose a hairstyle. You have to be realistic about what your hair can do, and be open to other options for achieving the style you want, such as hair weaves and pieces and wigs.

One thing you should never do is decide to make a drastic change on the spur of the moment or on a whim. Those usually turn out to be the very times that you won't like your hair. You and your stylist should figure out and determine what things really work for you to make you look better and younger and brighter, things such as whether or not to have bangs, full, side, long or short. Also you can determine what lengths are the most flattering on you, what color hues. The goal of course is essentially to make you look good. That's every stylist's true goal and desire. All you have to do is just be very open and honest with your stylist, and do your best to make them understand you and what your desires are for your hair.

Ultimately you should start your "communication" weeks ahead of the time you actually want to wear the style, because that way you and your stylist can figure out the best time frame, the best color, and the best methods for you two to achieve the hairstyle. And it gives you a chance to prepare yourself for the change, thus you will be truly excited to get and wear your new look.

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