Life Kit

How to get a great haircut

December 18, 2025

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  • Finding a trusted stylist involves researching their portfolio, paying attention to reviews that mention how the cut grows out, and asking specific questions about their cutting techniques (e.g., wet vs. dry cutting). 
  • To ensure a successful consultation, go beyond inspiration photos by understanding your 'why' for the cut, brainstorming descriptive adjectives, and allowing the stylist to guide you based on their professional assessment of your features and lifestyle. 
  • Always speak up during the haircut if something alarms you or if you change your mind, and if you are unhappy with the final result, communicate this immediately to give the stylist an opportunity to make adjustments. 

Segments

Finding a Trustworthy Stylist
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(00:05:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Researching a stylist requires examining their portfolio for similar hair textures and paying attention to reviews that confirm the haircut grows out seamlessly.
  • Summary: Start your search by asking friends for recommendations and thoroughly researching potential stylists online, looking specifically at their website or social media photos. Pay close attention to reviews that mention how the haircut performed over time, not just immediately after the cut. You can also proactively call or email the salon to ask technical questions, such as whether they cut hair dry or wet, or if they use thinning shears.
Consultation Green Flags and Intentions
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(00:07:39)
  • Key Takeaway: A successful consultation involves the stylist asking specific, detailed questions about desired lengths and features, and the client understanding their underlying ‘why’ for the change.
  • Summary: Green flags during a consultation include feeling comfortable, the stylist actively listening, and the stylist asking precise questions about bangs, tapers, and where the hair should fall relative to the neck or shoulders. Clients should define their intentions, considering if the haircut is for maintenance, a major life change, or self-reclamation, and gather photos of looks they both like and dislike.
Stylist Guidance and Customization
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(00:11:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Clients should remain flexible and allow experienced stylists to guide decisions, as stylists consider factors like face shape and maintenance commitment when customizing a style.
  • Summary: Trust your stylist’s professional opinion, especially regarding how a desired cut (like a bob) will suit your face shape or daily routine, such as blow-drying commitment. Thoughtful stylists ask about lifestyle, washing frequency, and desired maintenance level, using these answers to customize the final look rather than just following a photo blindly.
Navigating Difficult Hair Situations
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(00:15:58)
  • Key Takeaway: When facing hair loss or medical treatment, stylists can act as allies by suggesting solutions like extensions or specific cuts, or by encouraging experimentation before anticipated loss.
  • Summary: If experiencing hair loss due to stress, seek medical advice first, but a stylist can help navigate beauty solutions like curtain bangs or extensions to cover affected areas. For those anticipating hair loss from chemotherapy, a stylist can help lighten the mood by trying out desired cuts beforehand, prioritizing confidence building.
Speaking Up for Your Hair
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(00:18:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Clients must speak up immediately if alarmed by the cutting process or if they dislike the result, as stylists value honesty over performing satisfaction.
  • Summary: If a stylist cuts off more hair than expected or uses an unwanted technique (like a razor), voice your concern in the moment, even if it feels difficult. If you realize you dislike the cut after leaving, contact the hairdresser immediately to allow them the chance to make adjustments, as silence hurts them more than constructive feedback.