The consultation is the most important part of salon service. If neither you nor your stylist is completely happy, the end result won’t be satisfactory. A 15-minute consultation should be enough to express your likes, dislikes, and expectations. To prepare, bring in photos of cuts and/or colors you like so you and your stylist are on the same page; expect these questions to arise during your consultation.

• What do you expect from your first visit? Do you require a trim, a new look, or just maintenance? Your stylist will take into account your lifestyle, profession, personality, face shape, body proportion, and your ability to “fix” your own hair. I always ask, “Do you want to walk into a room and be noticed or blend in?” Do you want your hair to whisper or shout? All these should give your stylist an idea of your wishes and personality.

• How tall are you? If you’re under five feet tall, long hair will make you look dwarf-like. Up to five feet four inches, the hair shouldn’t go past the shoulders, as you’ll look shorter; above shoulder length will make you look taller. If you’re tall, you can do varying lengths, but avoid letting the hair get past the waist. If you’re over six feet, however, avoid too short hair; otherwise you’ll get a “pinhead” effect. Also, do you want to be able to wear your hair up? This helps determine the final length.

• How much time do you want to spend maintaining your hairstyle? If you only have five to 10 minutes a day, you need something quick and easy with minimal styling. Most people say about 20 minutes, which is enough to use a hairdryer and maybe hot tools.

• Do you like your hair to look groomed or messy? If you want your hair to look neat and polished, you can’t go crazy with layers. If you don’t like hair on your face, a fringe or face-framing layers are out.

• Do you need your hair to be versatile? Most textured styles will enable you to have a versatile look.

• What do you currently like and dislike about your hairstyle? Problems such as frizziness and lack of shine may be a styling issue. Medical and hormonal problems also could be the culprits when hair isn’t cooperating.

• Which products and styling tools do you use on your hair? Your stylist should give you a product “prescription” for your hair type. If you’re using hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners, you should use a thermal protective product. Silicone-based products will provide protection and shine and counteract the frizz.

• How long do you expect your haircut to last? If you want a cut to last six weeks, you can have a more textured, unstructured cut. Anything between six to nine weeks requires a strong structure within the hair cut. Most cuts require a trim every four to six weeks.

Maintain a relationship with your stylist, and be open to change and suggestions. I like to work with someone a minimum of three appointments, so I can get to know her and her hair and provide the best care.  TPW