Hair stylists' secrets

Hair stylists' secrets

Hair salons share their secrets for saving money, getting a great hair cut, and more.

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The clients I dread the most are those who say things like “Do whatever you want”

The clients I dread the most are those who say things like “Do whatever you want”
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Or: “I’m pretty easy to work with.” Nine times out of ten, hair stylists say, it’s not true.

We know you hate the word bleach

We know you hate the word bleach
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So we hairdressers use words like lightener and decolouriser. But no matter how we prettify the language, if we’re lifting a dark colour out of your hair, we’re using bleach. If you’re not sure exactly how much lighter your hair should be, here’s how to find the best hair colour for your skin tone.

Yes, I keep notes about you on your client card, and they can get pretty personal

Yes, I keep notes about you on your client card, and they can get pretty personal
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I may note that you don’t tip well or that you talked loudly about how drunk you were last night. I may also write down that you’re going through a divorce or that you’re into tennis so I can remember to ask you about those things next time.

After you’ve been late a few times, I ask our receptionist to say your appointment is at 2

After you’ve been late a few times, I ask our receptionist to say your appointment is at 2
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But really it’s at 2:30.

If there’s one rule to live by, it’s this

If there’s one rule to live by, it’s this
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Don’t make your first appointment with me on a Saturday. That’s our busiest day, and I won’t be able to give you the time and attention you want and deserve.

Find out whether your salon offers a discount if you get a cut and a colour together

Find out whether your salon offers a discount if you get a cut and a colour together
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Ask for one if it doesn’t. Doing both together eliminates some steps and should save you about 20 percent, according to most hairdressers.

 

It’s fine to use Groupon or another social media site to save money on your hairstyling

It’s fine to use Groupon or another social media site to save money on your hairstyling
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But be wary of hair salons that offer deals all the time. That’s not a good sign.

Thin hair doesn’t have to be worn short

Thin hair doesn’t have to be worn short
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I had a client who wore her super-thin hair short for years because she thought she had to. I finally talked her into growing it out into a stacked bob, and everyone now says she looks incredible.

Check out the 40 best hairstyles for women over 40. 

Always dry your hair completely before using a hot tool like a curling iron or a flat iron

Always dry your hair completely before using a hot tool like a curling iron or a flat iron
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If your hair still contains moisture, the iron will damage it, hair stylists say.

Meanwhile, dermatologists share the things you should never do to your skin. 

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