Strategic Consultation and Communication for Satisfactory Haircuts

Key Quotes

"A lot of us have these stories. Marida is a hairstylist and barber in Providence, Rhode Island, and works with people who have a masculine of center presentation. Hair can really be a huge factor for how one feels about their presentation. It's a big deal in my opinion, and if you got botched, you might be afraid to get your haircut ever again."

This quote highlights the significant emotional impact a haircut can have, particularly for individuals whose presentation is central to their identity. The stylist, Marida, emphasizes that a negative experience can create lasting fear and reluctance to seek further hair services.

"Finding a hairstylist that you really feel like you can trust is like the biggest gateway to like having the most amazing beauty experiences. And when you do find the right stylist, the one who's willing to take time to listen to you, to ask you smart questions, and be honest with you, they can help you figure out what it is that you're actually seeking in this cut."

Alicia Luciano, a hairstylist, explains that trust is paramount in the client-stylist relationship. She suggests that a stylist who listens, asks insightful questions, and communicates honestly can guide clients to discover their true desires for a haircut, even if those desires differ from their initial requests.

"I have seen time and time again people will be like, 'This is what I want,' and then we end up doing like, I don't know, take like two or three inches off their hair, and they're like, 'Yes, this is exactly what I wanted.' And it's like, they didn't come to me for a pixie cut, they came to me for my discretion on this episode of Life Kit."

This quote from Alicia Luciano illustrates how a skilled stylist can interpret a client's underlying needs, even when the client's stated request might not be the ideal solution. The stylist's expertise allows them to provide a cut that satisfies the client, even if it differs from their initial, perhaps less informed, desire.

"If you happen to know there's a haircutting technique that you like or don't like, you can call or email the salon and ask questions. For instance, if you've gotten a few haircuts that were dry cut and felt like they were inconsistent and didn't grow out well, I would just say, 'Do you cut hair dry or do you cut hair wet?' Or you might ask something like, 'Do you use a scissor or a razor to cut hair? Do you use a thinning shear?'"

Liza Gotlieb, a hairstylist and salon owner, advises potential clients to ask specific questions about techniques before booking an appointment. This proactive approach allows clients to gauge a stylist's methods and determine if they align with past positive or negative experiences, helping to ensure a better outcome.

"Maybe you come in and you say, 'I want a bob.' Okay, go for it. But do allow your stylist to suggest some tweaks because the bob in the photo might not be the bob for you. Right? You want them to be like, 'Actually, your face is really, you know, round,' or, 'You aren't going to blow dry your hair every day.' You want them to still customize whatever they're creating for you."

Alicia Luciano encourages clients to remain open to their stylist's professional recommendations, even when they have a clear idea of what they want. She explains that a stylist can offer crucial adjustments based on individual features and lifestyle, ensuring the final cut is personalized and practical.

"Speak up if you notice that your stylist or barber is doing something that alarms you, like cutting off more hair than you expected or taking out a razor when you only like a scissor cut. Say something in the moment. You may not know what this cut is supposed to look like when it's only partly done, but you still get to ask questions and confirm what's going on."

This quote from Liza Gotlieb emphasizes the importance of client communication during the haircutting process. She advises clients to voice concerns in real-time, even if it feels uncomfortable, to ensure the stylist is on the right track and to prevent dissatisfaction with the final result.