How to handle a bad haircut

One of the most important things in our salon is comfort. We work really hard to create an environment in our salon that is truly very pleasing and comfortable. This is only one of the many components that need to be brought together in order to create a successful client/stylist relationship. A great surrounding and a well educated, caring stylist who is a very good listener helps as well. A good relationship with a stylist can be a priceless relationship.

So when you walk out of a new salon, or even your regular salon, and are displeased with your cut, it can be very upsetting. It might take a just a moment, or it may take a day or two to figure out that... your new do just won’t do!

( I was going to say your new do looks like doo-doo, but my mother just might die of embarrassment if I did.)

I will spare you the potty analogy – you’re welcome, kind of. It’s hard enough to explain to your regular, trusted stylist (let alone a new one) the cut you saw on the girl at the Chiefs game last Sunday... or at the gas station as she drove away. Get the drift?

Sometimes cuts are just a bit off, and sometimes they can just be bad.

Here are a few tips to help you get though the bad time. Next week, tips on how to bridge the communication gap.

Don’t panic. Hair can actually go into a temporary state of “shock” immediately after it is cut.  Give your hair a day or so to relax into the new style.  You may discover that your hair is falling nicely into place.

If not, contact your stylist and ask them to adjust the cut, if it can be adjusted. It usually can be tweaked, even if you have to agree to a style that is a bit shorter.

It is better to forgive your trusted stylist that already knows you and your hair than to just find a new one all the time. Give your guy or gal a chance to make it right by you. Last I checked, no one was perfect, and your hairdresser belongs in that category, as do you.

Remember, even the best stylist has an off day. Be willing to let them try and tweak the style to your satisfaction. Most hairdressers will be pleased to be able to adjust a bad cut without 48 hours without additional charge. Ask politely and don’t wait too long after the original cut.

If the hairdresser is new and you don’t feel that you can trust them, go back to a trusted stylist that you have seem before or ask someone you know for a recommendation.

If after all this you are trying to grow out a bad cut, try adding some style and accessories. For instance, if the hat fits, wear it! If you hair is too short, try having some extensions added, pick up a few hairpieces or the new really cool clip-in extensions. You can add gobs of hair in just minutes.

For bangs that are too short, blow dry them straight down and sweep aside. Then, secure them with a hair clip or glittery bobby pin.

Add body to your hair with Velcro rollers or whip out the old curling iron and hot rollers. Bends and waves can hide a bevy of mistakes. Soft curls and waves are in style. For those of you with wavy hair, go straight to add length. If your hair is wavy or kinky, straighten it out to give it some length.

Remember that your hair will recover, no matter how bad you think it looks. It grows about a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch a month, and, very soon you will be back in good shape!

Have a beautiful day!