How to Get a Decent Haircut?

[vhoffman]

Ok, I give up, what am I doing wrong?

I usually get a decent haircut about 25% of the time overall. I usually start out with a good haircut, usually from someone recommended by another customer. I do everything right--always show up on time, tip generously, don't drag my kids along, cancel rarely and well in advance (never at the last minute), am always pleasant. Well, the first time's the best--then it always seems to go downhill. I can always get a few good haircuts, then they start getting lax and I end up looking like I backed into a lawnmower! Then I start all over again, finding someone new!

Just what does a person have to do to find and keep a decent hair cutter? My last hair appointment I spent $165 for cut, color, highlights, then a $40 tip! My ds said "Mom, you got gypped". The kid was right--I looked like I needed to go to the salon, not like I'd just come from one.

I'm starting to consider a beauty school. Who knows--maybe I'll get a decent haircut with someone supervising their work. At least it will be much cheaper! Right now seems like my whole life is a bad hair day!

 

[we3disneygo]

wow....I have been going thru the same thing and so has my mom.....we were going to the same guy, so she went back to someone she used to go to he cut her hair, but didn't use any styling products and wouldn't let her make another appt.? what's up with that? my last hair cut was awful, I've let it grow out but now I need it cut before back to school night and our trip!!! I don't know where to go---figure it can't be too much worse than the last cut???? good luck!

 

[minniebeth]

I understand I own a business in the hair care industry and it is hard to find staff with really good haircutting skills, at least who stay long enough. The really good ones usually move on to bigger and better things!
Finding someone who fits for you is like your doctor. Everyone has different need and expectations. Someone who loves so and so just might not work for you. You may love someone that doesn't work for someone else. It's like, you have to kiss 1.000 frogs before you catch a prince. Keep at it and you will find someone who works for you! (and hopefully not too many bad hair days in between.) GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[PirateKitty]

So glad you brought this topic up! I was about to give up and just never cut my hair again! I used to go to the same stylist for 6 years, she did the most amazing job on my hair. I moved a year ago and have yet to find someone who can do a decent job. I try to tell them that my hair is really (and I mean really) thick. So when they cut it, if its cut the wrong way, it looks like I've got a triangle on my head! I'm thinking about making the 2 hour drive every few months to go to my old stylist!

 

[seashoreCM]

I was about to give up and just never cut my hair again!

Ponytails are very carefree (for guys also). Every strand of hair, from the forehead to the back of the neck, is pulled back and tied up. If or when the ponytail gets too long, a "haircut" consists simply of cutting off the end.

Guys almost never do anything with a ponytail other than perhaps braiding it but girls are likely to twist it into fancy shapes.

It usually takes two years for the hair in front (for a typical boy) to grow long enough to be tied in the back.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Patsfan7]

This always happens to my mom and I too. She is so funny .... every single person she sees that she likes their hair she asks where and who does it! Every so often I do too, but like you said, then after a few times, it isn't as good as the first time! I was lucky enough once to win a haircut at a silent auction. The salon was on Newbury Street in Boston, and the stylist was the owner.... regular price of haircut = $220! Now, after having so many bad cuts and highlights for around $160 plus tip, I am concidering going natural color and paying a couple times a year for the great cut! What do you think? Also concidering trying other (cheaper) salons on Newbury hoping that if you have a job there, you must know what you are doing?????

 

[Not so Dumbo]

Glad I'm not the only one. I went to an expensive place and the first time I brought her a picture of what I wanted and she cut it perfectly. The next time I went back to the same girl and brought her the same picture and it was horrible. So now I'm thinking Now what?

 

[vhoffman]

It always starts off good, then goes downhill. I simply can't understand why. When I find a good stylist, they're only good for awhile, then decide I'll put up with anything. I should give a beauty school at least a try, they can't do much worse than I've had and it would be a lot cheaper. Also,I used to color my own hair, I should go back to that. That cap thing works about as good for highlights. Right now I'm shelling out about as much as I would for a small car payment, and look like I've never even been to a salon!

 

[rhiannonwales]

I have a stylist for sister but i don't let her touch my hair!

But that being said i do have a good stylist. Some things i have learned.
Before you go to a stylist for the first time, i always ask for a consultation ( i usually pay for it) then i talk to them and we discuss my hair type, and best styles and stuff for me.

NEVER go into a stylist with a picture and expect similar results. There are styles that i love, but when i ask my stylist she will tell me honestly, that its not right for my face shape and hair type.

Be flexible. I have found that the best cuts i have gotten are when i go into the salon and tell my stylist to be creative. She knows the limits of what i would tolerate, and i've gotten great cuts that i never would have thought to try on my own.

More $$ isn't always better. My stylist only charges 18 for a cut (no dry) and 25 for a cut and dry. Once when she wanted to try a new highlighting procedure she offered me a cut and a whole head of multi colored foils for 50.00 It came out great!

The more restriction you put on a stylist the fewer chances of getting a great cut are. I have seen people go in and say, "I want this and this and this and this" and then complain that they dont like the outcome.

 

[penguin087]

I feel your pain...at least I used to. I have had the same girl cut my hair for the last 10 years or more. Once I found her I wasn't letting go. I have followed her to 2 salons (soon to be 3) and since I've moved myself I now drive 35 mins to see her. My husband doesn't understand this but I know you all do
As a bonus she is not that expensive. I have really, really thick hair, curly but not tight curls. She has hair a lot like mine so maybe that is the key.

 

[Cinderella_68]

ITA with Rhiannonwales! The stylist I have now is midpriced range. I went to that salon regularly and would see the magic she'd work and finally got the nerve to let her do my hair. I told her to just do it! She did some highlights and razor cut instead of scissors. At first, I felt weird, it was not what I would have picked. I love the way my hair moves, but the hair was lighter overall than I would ever have dyed it, plus with the highlights... But I have never gotten so many compliments before! I have learned how to do my hair "her way." and now I love it! It is easy to do, looks polished and contemporary.
We've been letting it grow out some for an updo for our Fairy Tale Wedding, and we've been on the same page. I've never had my hair look this good when growing out!
The only direction I've ever given her was when I wanted to grow it out a little.

 

[ribbot]

I love my stylist! I found her at one of our local "Famous Hair" Salons....and then she left there and got her own shop. It's just her and her sister (and her sister isn't even a stylist, but does the washings, cleanups, etc.) I'm sorry to all of you that have to pay that much for cuts, colors, highlights, etc---I pay $12 for a cut, shampoo, dry, and styling! Highlights are $35 and touchups are around $20. Now I guess I'm kinda glad I do live where I live! (amish country-PA). A $40 tip? WOW-that's amazing. My hair is one of my best features I'm told, so she must be doing a great job.

If I were you and unhappy--I'd just keep going to different people until you find one you are comfortable with and can talk to. Have any coworkers or friends you can ask where they get theirs cut? Or just go down the phonebook and try em all! If I feel like trying something different or a different color, I come right out and tell her before my butt hits the chair and she's always fine with it. You gotta have someone you can communicate with!