Communication

Are we speaking the same language?

Justin Paul

Last month we talked about the struggle of finding your one true love. The soul mate of all soul mates. The one person you can divulge your deepest darkest secrets to. Your hairstylist! OK, so you at last have found
that special someone … Now what?

Dear Justin Paul,
Thanks for your advice on finding a great local stylist!! I followed your column step by step and think I may have found “the one!” Now that I have this great talented hairdresser who all my friends recommend, how do I ensure that I get the best cut possible for me?
Sincerely, Style Challenged

Dear Style Challenged,
I am so glad you found a great stylist you feel comfortable with! So your next step is the most important part of a good haircut! The Consultation. Most good salons will give you a complimentary consultation before booking you a haircut. Let the salon know you are new and need a little extra time to agree on a style that fits your face shape and best suits your lifestyle.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Prior to your appointment look through magazines and cut out photos of styles you’d like. But be careful:
Not every style works with every type of hair. Please look at the hair in the photo you’re admiring and realistically think, “Is my hair capable of looking like this?” and “Am I willing to get up every morning and style it like this?” These tend to be the biggest problems when searching for a style. If you want a ‘celebrity hairstyle’ find a recent picture of them because your stylist may not know who you are talking about.
Or worse yet, there is a huge difference between the “bobbed Britney” and the “bald Britney”!

COMMUNICATE!

If your stylist suggests doing something you don’t like, just say so! If you allow yourself to get talked into something you really don’t want, you won’t be happy with the end result, even if it looks stunning to others. Having said this, when you have found a hairdresser you trust, allow yourself to take a few risks with your hair and they may give you a style you’d never have dreamed of that suits you perfectly.

MAINTAIN THAT SALON LOOK

Ask what products they used on your hair, and what they would recommend you use yourself. Also ask for tips on recreating the look at home. Don’t be afraid to take a few minutes after the cut to ask some questions. Bottom line: Communication is the key to a great cut and color! Finally, if you still get a bad haircut (were you listening to a word I said?) wear a hat or a wig and rest easy in the knowledge that it will grow back, eventually! “True beauty comes from the inside… Inside your favorite hair salon, cosmetic counter, and local dermatologist’s office.”

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next Month, Justin Paul

Justin Paul owns Justin Paul Salon in Duluth. As the former Regional Salon/Spa Director for SAKS Department Store Group and National Sales Manager for Wella/Sebastian International in Chicago, Justin has worked up close and personal with the people responsible for today’s and tomorrow’s trends.

Email questions and comments to:
justinpaul@duluthsuperiormagazine.com