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Someone once quipped that the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is "two weeks." Although this may be true when it comes to an acceptable length of hair, the overall success of a haircutting experience depends on so much more.

1. Timing

A good haircut has a lot to do with timing. Don't make an appointment the day of or the day before you need to look your best. Plan at least a week ahead, and explain to your stylist what it is you need done. If you're trying a new and dramatic change to your hair's appearance (such as a color or perm), allow enough time for the procedure.

2. Planning

Did that latest People magazine have a style or look you crave? Bring the picture with you to the appointment. Don't rely on your own ability to describe the style without a visual aid to back it up. The mental picture you have may differ wildly from what the stylists presents.

3. Be reasonable

If you have thin, flat hair, don't expect a bouncy, full cut to look the same on you as it does on Faith Hill. Remember that the images you see of celebrity hairstyles require hours of preparation. Unless you have a personal attendant ready to assist you every morning, select a haircut or style that fits your style.

4. Keep an open mind

How a style looks in the salon and how it looks in the rear view mirror on the drive home may be different. Before you decide whether it's a good haircut or a bad one (and subsequently cry over a pint of ice cream about it)give it some time to "settle". Try styling it on your own after using your own shampoos and conditioners.

5. Do be loyal

Some people have tremendous luck (and yes, it is luck) getting a great haircut at a different mall every month. For the rest of us, there is great advantage to being a loyal client to a particular stylist. A good stylist will be able to recommend flattering hair cuts for your face shape, hair texture, weight, etc. Eventually you will learn to be comfortable in letting him/her take the reigns and give you what their professional expertise recommends.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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