Allow me to cut straight to the point. A haircut is not just a trim that you approach with eyes closed, literally or figuratively. It’s one defining aspect of your image.
Phrases such as “a little off the ends” or “just a few layers” give the stylist too much room for imagination, unless you truly want whatever the stylist thinks would be best for you. Sometimes that’s what a client wants and can be tons of fun, but that’s another story.
I encourage all my clients to get involved in the process, talk with me about what they like and don’t like and, well, be present. It works best as a collaboration. Sit up straight, put down the iPhone, and close the Vogue magazine for a moment.
Most of the guests in my salon leave with a wealth of knowledge about facial shapes, hair textures and the differences in blunt, textured or fringed. Now, I know there are a few just along for the ride who don’t want to be overwhelmed with too much information. That’s fine, but if you want answers, you have got to ask questions of your stylist. After all, you are going to wear this look, not your stylist.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but in David’s world, only one really matters — yours. There should never be a one-size-fits-all pattern for haircuts. That leads to boring. The cut should be just as unique and extraordinary as the person wearing it. Having said that, there are a few basic words in the beauty vocabulary that you might consider for future visits to any salon.
A haircut can be performed using a variety of tools: shears, razors, blenders, clippers and various texturizers. The shears are the stylist’s basic instrument of choice, just a fancy word for scissors. Shears are used to remove hair from the ends or to create textures within the hair by cutting artistically, most often referred to as “point cutting” or “slicing.”
The razor is a tool I love because it transforms the haircut into otherwise unachievable shapes for a customized “just for you” cut. Blenders are thinning shears that remove bulk, weight and thickness. Clippers are those little pesky buzzing things that are used for shorter haircuts and to create clean lines around the edges. A number of texturizers help the stylist magically alter the cut for unbelievable fringes, exaggerated bangs and most anything you and your stylist can dream.
Whether it’s a bob or a pixie, yours can be all your own with the artistry of a gifted stylist. A few more essential things to know: to stay on top of a new look, keep it fresh with a cut every five weeks; the most famous stylists in the world usually advise their celebrity clients to switch gears with something modern at least every fourth salon visit. As different as the hairs on your head, so are the stylists of today. Find the one that is right for you.
Before I cut this column short, remember that the hair is the one accessory you can never take off. It’s with you wherever you go! Make it sensational by giving your stylist the room to be an artist and by balancing that trust with your own clearly stated expectations.
Former Columbus resident David Creel has 20 years experience in the beauty industry and owns Beautiful With David salon in Ridgeland. Contact him at [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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