I’ve had relatively long hair for the better part of my 20’s and now 30’s. Every time I wanted to make a change - besides the Friday night bang cut in the bathroom - I’ve been talked out of it. I get a lot of “but I love your hair long” responses. I have even walked into the salon multiple times with the “let’s chop it all off” attitude, only to get shot down by the stylist. This time around, I finally felt ready and I think it showed. After a short stint with a certain celebrity stylist, I decided returning back to my go-to girl was the way to go. I figured if anyone would tell me not to cut it - it would be her.
After a night of tossing and turning, and annoyingly asking my husband about 8,000 times what to do - I asked for her to cut a choppy bob (for reference, about 9 inches shorter). And, my stylist agreed. So, what was different this time around? Did my trusted stylist play a role? Or was it something I was giving off? I’ve decided - it’s both.
I am convinced that stylists are part therapist, part magician, and part mind reader! They have a kind of “sixth sense”, if you will, when it comes to giving you advice about everything from your hair to the latest date you went on. I think the difference in going through it this time was that I was mentally prepared for it and it showed. From the second we had the consultation I had a big, excited smile on my face (like a puppy). And, when she took the first big snip, I knew from the lack of butterflies in my stomach, that I did, in fact, make the right decision. Instantly, literally and figuratively, a weight was lifted.
Now, the reason why I am going on and on about the very trivial decision to cut my hair? Because, it has to do with the relationship that everyone has with their stylist, as well as the importance you should place on their opinion. Your stylist will be there for you no matter what decision you make with your hair, and if you decide that you want to be blonde one day and lavender the next, they will undoubtedly go along on the ride with you. However, it is also important to note that, if they persuade you in a different direction they are most likely right. Stylists have years of experience looking at different styles, various textures and the outcome it has on face shapes and skin tones. They are experts in their field for a reason and give their advice about what direction to take based on this. (This is also the reason I am such staunch opposition to using at-home box dye.) Read more about that here.
Whether you’re visiting your regular stylist or trying someone new, just trust in the process. If you aren’t in love with the outcome, talk with them. Some days it will be perfect, some days you’ll need to ask them to adjust, it is just part of it. Don’t be afraid to speak up and communicate your ideas, but also listen to what they have to say. Happy cutting and coloring!
