As the weather warms up and we start feeling sassy, we often want to do something new and different with our hair but, sometimes what we have in our head is hard to translate and we end up dissatisfied with the results. Here are some tips for communicating with your stylist to convey your ideas and figure out what will work—along with some ideas on top cuts for different types of hair.
Getting What You Want: How To Talk To Your Stylist
On a certain level, your stylist is a translator, taking your vision and bringing it into reality. That can be a big task, but with a trusted and talented stylist, it can (and does) happen. Here are a few suggestions for better communication with your stylist:
- Bring photos – More than one is great. Starting a scrapbook and/or board on Pinterest is a great idea. There are so many pictures of the best cuts and color on the web—you don’t have to limit yourself to your salon’s hair magazines.
- Spend a few minutes with your stylist before you get a wash – Let her touch and look at your hair—even if you’re a regular. Talk about ideas for what you want as well as problems you want to solve (such as color damage, lack of volume etc.). Those first few minutes are so important in setting the tone before the cutting begins!
- Ask about products – They can be a big part of your look as well as maintaining it. Find out what your stylist uses and what she thinks will work best for you. The right stuff can help avoid that feeling of disappointment the first time you style it yourself.
- Be realistic – Take your hair type into consideration (including texture, thickness, and current length). Be honest about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. These aspects play a big role in what cuts will work with both your hair and lifestyle. A professionally styled cut that looks great in a magazine may be hard to reproduce in daily life—while other great cuts are relatively low maintenance. On that note, find out what your stylist thinks. You’re in charge, but your stylist knows your hair, and may have great ideas about what will work, and what won’t.
The Spring Cut: Best Haircuts For Thick Hair
Thick hair is a luxury—embrace it! Although we know sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. Lots of stylists like to create layers for thick hair and if your hair is really thick, talk to your stylist about an undercut, which involves taking out a layer under long hair. Thick, textured waves always look great—and your stylist can recommend products to get that piece-y look so many celebs are rocking. Medium cuts with choppy layers and blunt edges are also terrific for thicker hair.
The Spring Cut: Best Haircuts For Fine Hair
Fine hair can be a challenge, but it can also be fun. For longer fine hair, layers around the face combined with thin layers at the back and ends tend to work well. Bangs can also be a good look for long or medium length fine hair (think Taylor Swift). A stacked bob for volume, or a sleek, angular bob with a side part can also make the most of fine hair. The collarbone cut with layers is a tried and true favorite—it’s an easy, low maintenance style that gives you some of the bounce you crave.
The Spring Cut: The Best Short Haircuts
Many of us want to go shorter as the weather warms up. But there’s always a little bit of hesitation—especially if you’re thinking of taking off a lot. The bob is a great way to get cute and flirty for spring—without getting too drastic. The classic, angular bob as sported by Victoria Beckham is hot this year and gives a fresh, yet timeless look. The messy bob—with layers and blunt edges—is everywhere this spring–often done with natural looking balayage highlights.
Tons of stars have also been going really short with the return of the oh so popular pixie cut. To be honest, it takes some courage but many find they never want to go back after taking the leap and trying this adventurous style for themselves. The angled pixie with longer bangs is one of the cutest looks we’ve seen. And the super short pixie is all over the place—from celebrities to playground moms. Super short with a white or bright blond color is bold and fabulous—and we bet you’ll see some at the PTA this spring. But definitely talk to your stylist; some short cuts require a little more maintenance—and products—than you might think. You want to make sure the pixie look is right for your face.
How To Pick A Haircut That Makes You Look Younger
Since 40 is the new 20, we want to help clients find cuts that make them look younger without looking silly. One recommendation is to lose the over-coiffed “hair hat” look. Instead, go for soft waves, loose curls, or a cropped cut with highlights. Bangs (when done right) can also give you a more youthful look, but they’re not for everybody.
In some cases, going too short can make you look older, and too long can turn into old-fashioned (we want to avoid the pioneer lady look that long straight hair can sometimes create). If you like it long but want a more youthful look, think about a layered or “choppy” long bob (“lob”) with blunt ends. It’s fresh and modern without going too young.
The Spring Haircut: How To Get What You Want
We all know there’s nothing like getting exactly what you want. And there’s nothing like the bouncy feeling of the perfect spring haircut. With the right tools, good communication, and realistic expectations, you and your stylist can work together to find the perfect cut to give you a fresh, gorgeous look for spring! Start putting that photo board together and get ready to look fabulous.