by Barbara Claire Schaefer

Created on: January 15, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Trust, trust, trust

The most important key after finding a good hairdresser is trust. Once you have found a really good one, hang on to her/him even if you have to go down kicking and screaming. The best one I ever had moved to another state and I've never found another one quite like her. I do, however, have another excellent beautician now and have been going to her for about five years. Hmmmm, things could get unpleasant if she too moves away.

If you stick with a good beautican he/she soon learns how to cut and style your hair, your hair texture, what works on you - and what doesn't. She will also be truthful when you ask for a hairstyle that she knows would look terrible on you. You know, all the women who want a style like the newest film star. Does Jennifer Anniston ring a bell? Nine times out of ten you won't have the hair to make that style possible.

The old adage, "You get what you pay for" is definitely true when it comes to knowing and trusting your hairdresser. Finding a good hairdresser is sometimes a hit or miss exercise but you can't go too far wrong if she/he is recommended by several other people. Unless you want to live dangerously, avoid going to the ones who advertise all haircuts $5! Also on the risky side is going to Beauty School students.

We've all made an appointment with someone new and came out looking like Edward Scissorhands was on the loose. You can tell them you want about an inch cut off but their idea of an inch and your's is quite different. Instead, show them EXACTLY where you want your hair to fall between you ears and shoulders. There's much less chance that they will crop it off up to your ears. This can be especially bad if you have ears like Spock!

It also helps to look at pictures and, if possible, take them with you. There's no need to buy expensive magazines, you can go to the public library and look through all their magazines. When you find a style you like, make a copy so you can take it with you. Do NOT tear the pictures out. There's nothing more maddening than looking through a library magazine and finding someone has cut out all the styles they like and it's left with big gaping holes in the page. Awwwwwwwh!

So, two of the most important keys to a good haircut is finding someone who will listen and work with you, and then build up a trusting relationship.

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