Want to get the most out of your visit to the salon? We do, too, which is why we asked Lifestyle Salon’s International Creative Director—and hairstylist extraordinaire—Louis Phillip Kee for his tips on how to enjoy your experience at the hands of your stylist or colorist so you can leave with the most gorgeous locks ever. Continue reading below to find out how you may be sabotaging yourself from getting the cut—or color—of your dreams, and make sure it never happens again.
1. Not scheduling your hair treatments with a trusted stylist
One of the biggest mistakes you may make with your hair happens even before you set foot in the salon. When life gets busy and finding some “me” time is the last on your list of priorities, it’s tempting to just walk inside any salon when the urge strikes you or time frees up suddenly. But a great cut or color always starts with finding a good stylist, making time to see him or her, and scheduling regular trims.
2. Assuming your stylist knows what you want all the time
Are you the kind of person who always knows what she wants? Probably not. And, well, your stylist may be great, but he or she won’t always know what you want, either. Whether you’re dealing with your tried-and-true hair friend or a new artist, it’s safe to assume that they can’t read your mind. So always talk to them about what you want and need to happen from your appointment. “It is very important for both the client and the hairstylist to engage in a consultation to reach the ideal color and cut to get the desired results,” explains Louis.
3. Coming in with greasy, dirty hair or hair in a ponytail
Sure, we know you’re going to the salon to get a shampoo, cut, and style but that doesn’t mean you should show up with your hair at its worst. If you want your stylist to get a good grasp of how your locks behave normally, come to the salon when your hair is “acting” as it usually does. “I personally would much prefer the clients to come in with one-day-old washed hair because I’m able to see the way their hair behaves and [its] style. Then I can immediately gauge the type of cut and style in accordance to their lifestyle,” says Louis.
4. Coming in after an at-home color
Of course it’s a free country and you can color or cut your own hair at home but don’t expect to get perfect hair when you do finally see your stylist at the salon. “Ideally, clients should seek professional salon services for a color and cut. It is not easy to apply a thoroughly even color through the hair since that comes with years of practice. Not all home colorants will [ensure] you achieve the desired results, which can be disastrous,” says Louis. “Depending on the quality of the at-home color kit, hair can also suffer and will require color correction and treatments before it achieves the shade and good hair condition that a hairstylist with great knowledge in the science of coloring can give it. And don’t forget, your hair is your crowning glory,” adds Louis.
5. Fussing with your hair
Constantly touching or rearranging your hair shows the stylist your dissatisfaction with his work even if you may not mean it that way. Similarly, insisting on a hairstyle peg can dishearten the artist who wants to help and advise you on a style that looks good on you. Even talking on your phone for too long can be a distraction to him. “I lose my rhythm and my inspiration to give a good cut,” admits Louis. If you want to build a good relationship with your stylist and get the most out of him, let him finish his work in peace.
Lifestyle Salon (formerly Tinette & Co.) is located at #120 Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Avenue corner Crescent Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila.