How To Talk To Your Stylist

Getting my hair cut is downright terrifying. Whether you've got hair down to there or a super close cut, getting a bad haircut can totally disrupt your look. Why? Because hair is an inherently personal part of your look; it's not something you apply, but rather something that reflects your mood and your style. For example,  you're practical but fun, while long beautiful curly locks might suggest you love all things glamorous. Either way you look at it, your hair makes a statement—whether you want it to or not. That's why I've been avoiding the inevitable: finding a new hairstylist.

I recently visited Gina Khan Salon in San Francisco. Walking into the trendy San Francisco down town studio, I started to sweat—I personally prefer really classic cuts, nothing at all like the pictures on the walls. But a stylist smile, and I knew it was going to be okay. As a stylist with over 10 years of experience, she's seen a lot of clients with different needs. And guess what? She meets them, including mine. Here are her tips for getting exactly what you want when you're in the chair:

Keep it short. Not your hair—your pitch! "The best consultations take 30 seconds," she says. "The more you talk about it, the more muddled it gets. A good stylist only needs a few minutes to get a good sense of you, your style, and your wants."

Show and tell.   bringing a picture is a great way to get your ideas across, but don't expect an exact replica. "It's great when clients bring in photos because it gives me an idea of the kind of shape and styling they're looking for," she says. "But bear in mind that you'll never get exactly what's on the page. It's our job to customize that picture for you.

Problem Solving "Don't worry about speaking in cosmetology jargon. Speak in general broader terms, starting with how you want to change your length,"  Try to relate your cut to a problem-solving experience. For example: "My hair feels heavy on this side" translates to a need for more layers, while "It takes too long to dry!" might tell her to cut some length and thin it out.

Be open minded. They're trained for a reason! Unless there's a major miscommunication, sit back and relax in the chair. Know that your stylist is schooled in making a cut (or color!) work for your skin, shape, and age based on the parameters you give them. "If you're doubting their competence to the point where you can't relax, consider switching stylists,"


Gina Khan salon use the best hair products to color, style and nourish your hair.