Blog: The Secret to Getting Your Best New Look at the Salon  

OK... So you aren’t getting any compliments on your hair, and you’re bored with your hair style. You want a fresh new look—a makeover—but you are worried because you don’t know what you want, what would look good on you, who to go to for the new look, and how to communicate that which you don't know.

The first thing tip when it comes to a makeover is that what you absolutely don’t like is far more important than what you do like. Why? Because that will keep you open to a variety of different possibilities. 

Here some tips to simplify your makeover experience:

Find the right stylist

There are three types of stylists out there:

1. (Type A ) This stylist is a designer first and foremost. He or she is motivated by the love of the art of makeovers and creating something new. The key here is inspiring this stylist, otherwise you may being going home looking for a hat.
2. (Type B) This stylist is a great engineer or a maintainer of your style. He or she is motivated to give you what you want, so then the key here is you have to know what you want, otherwise you will go back home with the same style and color that you had before.
3. (Type C) This stylist is great at getting clients in and out of his or her chair. So, this stylist is motivated by how quickly you would be out of his or her chair and is not a good match for your makeover.

Communicate effectively

Here are some important tips when working with a type A stylist:

1. Inspire this stylist by going to your hair appointment wearing the clothes and makeup that you would wear if you where going to an important function or a meeting.
2. Take pictures of the clothes and fashion that you like with you; this helps a type A stylist’s creative mind visualize the bigger picture.  

Here are some important tips when working with a type B stylist:

1. Take three pictures of haircuts and hair colors that you like with you to your appointment.
2. Communicate about your lifestyle and your ability to style your hair.
3. Make sure your stylist is very comfortable with the final decision and not just agreeing with you.

Important tips for when you go to a new salon

1. Always call and ask for the most creative stylist in the salon, and be prepared not to be taken in right away.
2. Never ask for a same-day appointment.
3. If possible, book an appointment for a consultation only. Make an appointment for the services only after having a consultation.
4. If you must combine the consultation with the services appointment, try to stop by the salon a few days before your appointment to check out your stylist in action.
5. Go to your hair appointment alone—no distractions. Anybody you take with you  would be a distraction not only to you but to your stylist as well.

Prepare your family, friends and coworkers before you go in for a new look

Give yourself and the people around you time to get use to the new you. Remember, when it comes to changing your look, I always say, "There are only two options in life: One, stay with the same style for the rest of your life, or two, change your style as often as you can." Change is scary and exciting at the same time...choose to feel the excitement.

By Ed Hart, Salon Maximus