Before getting into the chair and having your locks trimmed or coloured, make sure you take the time to ask your hairdresser these questions.
Unless you want to be a novice hairdresser's test run, you'll want to make sure your hairdresser knows what they're doing. You can ask them for examples of their previous work, with a focus on the style that you're looking to get.
Thanks to social media, it's easier than ever to source photos from hairdressers who are proud of the work they're carrying out. Just make sure you're paying attention to hairstyles that are possible for you.
If a hairdresser can't show a portfolio, they're either inexperienced or hiding low-quality work. In those cases, the best move is to find another hairdresser who is more likely to give you a high-quality trim.
You might have a good idea of the type of haircut you want, but that doesn't mean it's going to work for you and your hair. If you don't have a suitable hair type, hair length or facial structure, it's not going to look good.
Make sure you check whether your chosen hairstyle will work for you. If it doesn't, or if you're looking for inspiration, your hairdresser can make suitable hairstyle suggestions. Once you find something you like, you can get their haircut knowing it'll work for you.
It's all very well having a haircut that looks great following your appointment, but what will it look like after a week, a month, or a few months? By asking how a haircut grows out, you can learn whether it's the right fit for you.
Yes, you can ask about maintenance and styling tips but, in some cases, only more frequent haircuts will keep a style looking good. This is something you need to know before committing to a hairstyle.
Your hairdresser will cut and style your hair to look great, but they can't keep it healthy and well-styled between salon visits. What they can do, though, is offer advice and support on how to treat and maintain your hair during those periods.
You might need to use certain products – shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products all come to mind – or specific tools – hairdryers, combs, brushes, and so on – could help. Whatever it is, hairdressers can educate you on how best to treat your hair.
In some cases, hair treatments use chemicals that could cause harm to people with intolerances. This is most often the case with hair colouring treatments, which is why hair professionals should carry out patch tests before a full hair colour is administered.
For this reason, it's always smart to ask your hair care professional whether there are any potential risks or side effects. If they mention any, they should also tell you about what they're doing to mitigate those risks.