Whether you're walking into the salon for a subtle trim or a bold transformation, one thing is certain: your communication with your stylist makes or breaks the result. After 30+ years behind the chair, I’ve learned that the clients who love their hair know a few key things before sitting down in that chair. And I want to make sure you know them, too.

*Woman looking confident after successful hair appointment*

Let’s dive into the 6 things you should absolutely know (and do) before your next hair appointment so you can walk out feeling confident, not regretful.

1. Don’t Rely on Trendy Hair Terms

Skip the buzzwords and get specific.

Sure, you may have read about the “bixie” or the “wolf cut” online. But here’s the catch: stylists might interpret those terms differently or not know them at all. Instead of saying, "I want a bixie," explain what you mean:

“I like how the layers frame her face.”
“I love that the back is shorter but still soft.”

Describe what you like and don’t like instead of assuming trendy terms will translate.

*Two women with similar but different short haircuts showing style confusion*

2. Never Say, “Do Whatever You Want”

Even if you trust your stylist, this phrase is dangerous.

Why? Because it puts all decision-making power into their hands, when what you really mean is, “Do what works for me within my style and comfort zone.”

Instead, talk through:

What styles you’ve liked in the past
What you don’t want again
Your comfort level with length, volume, or color changes

Collaboration beats blind trust. Every time.

**3. Say What You Don’t Like, Too**

Telling your stylist what didn’t work is just as helpful as what did.

For example:

“I liked the bob shape last time, but it felt too short around my chin.”

This narrows down what’s safe to tweak and what’s off-limits. It helps your stylist avoid repeating past mistakes even if those mistakes were made by someone else.

Clarity > guesswork. Always.

4. Don’t Show Up Late (Seriously)

Running 5-10 minutes late happens. But beyond that, it can affect your result.

Why? Because your stylist still has clients after you. If you're significantly late, something's going to get rushed, your consultation, the cut, the styling, or even your chemical processing time.

Showing up on time = better attention, better outcome.

5. “Just Trim It Like Last Time” Can Backfire

You loved it last time, so you say, "Just trim it the same." But here’s the issue:

Your stylist might not remember the exact tweak they made that made you love it
A small shift in shape, layering, or styling could be the reason it felt so good

Be specific.

“Last time, it felt lighter at the ends and looked fuller around my face, I loved that.”

That detail helps your stylist recreate the magic.

6. Bring Photos of What You Love and What You Don’t

Yes, bring inspo pics. But don’t stop there.

“I love this pixie cut but not the super short bangs.” “I like the shape of this bob, but the back’s too short for me.”

Photos help your stylist understand your taste faster than words ever could. And bringing examples of what you don’t want is just as helpful as what you do want.

Bottom line: It’s not about copying a photo, it’s about communicating clearly.

*Client showing hair inspiration photos to stylist during consultation*

Final Takeaways Before You Book Your Next Hair Appointment

Ditch industry terms and describe your preferences clearly
Avoid saying “do whatever” be part of the decision-making
Point out past dislikes so they aren’t repeated
Show up on time to get the best results
Be specific about past wins so they can be repeated
Use photos to clarify both likes and dislikes

You deserve to love your hair. And it starts before the scissors even touch your head.

Want to see this advice in action? Watch the full video below.

Got your own salon communication hack? Drop it in the comments or share it with a friend before their next appointment.

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