The Stylist’s Evaluation

Tip No. 3: The Stylist’s Evaluation

Now that you have found a great stylist, it is important to know what you should discuss during your initial style evaluation. Instead of feeling anxious and nervous at your initial appointment, go in with a feeling of excitement. You have done your research, and it is now time to take the next step towards fuller looking hair, and increased confidence. The following guidelines should be used by your stylist during your initial evaluation.

  • Hair evaluation: This step is the most important, yet incredibly overlooked by many stylists. This is where the texture, condition and thinning of your hair should be discussed. Make sure your stylist does not rush through this step.
  • Face Shape and Lifestyle Analysis: Your stylist should recommend styles that are suitable for your face shape and area of hair loss, and which ones are not. Living with thinning hair is a lifestyle adjustment, so at this stage it is important to discuss the challenges that you face every day with your hair.

For example:

“I love my haircut as is, but I feel like it brings attention to my thinning areas on top. I would like a haircut that conceals it better.”

“I work out a lot, and am finding it increasingly difficult to tie it back as it thins. Is there a shorter cut that will work with my face shape so I can go to the gym and not have to worry about tying it back?”

“My hair thinning has increased over the past month, so I need a cut that makes it look fuller all over, but something that will be easy to style at home”

Bring a list of your concerns with you to the appointment so you can discuss each one with your stylist.

  • Hair Loss Analysis: Your stylist should be well educated on the different types of hair loss and how to work with them. Give them as much information as you can about the hair loss that affects you such as:

Where are your problem areas?

Have you noticed an increase/decrease in thinning?

Has your physician given you an idea of what to expect? Depending on the cause of your hair loss (genetic, hormonal, illness) you will experience different stages of hair loss.

Knowing in advance what you can expect will let your stylist plan a cut that will work with your situation.

  • Style Inspiration and Research: You and your stylist should now go through magazines and color books to discuss what you like, and what will suit you. During this process your stylist should suggest ways to customize the cut and/or color to flatter your face while also working with your problem areas.
  • Plan of Action: When you have come to an agreement on the look that you want to achieve your stylist should now give you an idea of what happens next. At this stage you should feel as if you are part of the process and completely comfortable to proceed.

If at any time during the evaluation you feel as if you are being rushed or not valued, then it is acceptable to explain that you are not ready to move forward and will re-book at a later time. Many salons have cancellation policies where they charge a fee for missed appointments, but it is also their responsibility to ensure that their stylists take the time to make each client feel valued and comfortable.

Just remember – spend whatever time it takes at this step to build the right foundation and the results will be spectacular!

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"Great Tips for people with thinning hair!"
~ Sally La, award winning stylist

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