New Hair & Hair Salon Tips

Before

accidental "L'Oreal swish" photo

After

I was feeling a bit fed up with my hair, as it looked really red and my roots were growing out, so I decided to get it redone. Learning from my past mistake of trying a different hairdressers, I stuck to my all time favourite one, Lisa Emmerich Coiffure in Bereldange. I knew I wanted to go dark for the colder months, and I figured it would be easier to maintain because my roots would grow out and there wouldn't be a line where one colour starts and the other ends. But I also wanted to have parts that were a lighter colour, to have a slight, subtle contrast instead of just one colour all over. What I didn't want was a full on ombre look. And I didn't want blonde or red streaks. So I spent some time looking for a good inspiration photo, which I found eventually. Since my hairdresser, Marina, had to dye all of my hair dark, she suggested that I only have a few dark brown highlights put in on top, rather than all over, to maintain the condition of my hair. I was just thrilled to no longer have two toned red brown hair.

After getting an amazing head massage (I almost fell asleep!), we moved on to the cut. I wanted all of the dead ends chopped off, but to keep it as long as possible, and a few long layers put in, so my hair wouldn't look like one big block. Marina also fixed my fringe, after it had been cut far too short back in April and looked dodgy. 

I'm really happy with how it turned out, although I feel like my hair is so much shorter now! My hair care routine managed to help it grow quickly after I got it cut last time, so I'm definitely sticking to that. 

I thought I would add some of my tips to going to the hairdressers and avoiding disappointment, as some people find it difficult and even avoid it sometimes. If, like me, you are useless at taking matters into your own hands and cutting/dyeing your own hair, then you might find these helpful.

1. Always know exactly what you want before you go.

There's no point in going to get your hair done if you aren't 100% sure about what you want to have done. It's basically a one way ticket to disappointment. Spend some time looking through magazines, blogs or Pintrest to get a clear idea of what you want to have done. Cut, colour, style, everything. If you want a trim and you are scared that they will chop too much off, say you want them to just get rid of the very ends and to maintain the length as much as possible, because you are trying to grow your hair out.

2. Always take photos!

Explaining what you want to your hairdresser can be hard because the image in your head might not be the same as their one. I think it's safe to say that the majority of people have a smartphone or a tablet or even a printer, so there's no excuse for not being able to bring a photo. I would suggest bringing a minimum of three photos: one of the colour, one of the cut (and fringe/bangs!) and finally one of the style. 

3. Don't be afraid to speak up!

I am painfully shy and have anxiety about talking to people (among other things of course). I was so nervous before going to the hairdressers, but I told myself it's your hair and if you don't like something then say so or suffer the consequences after. So if you aren't completely happy with the way your hairdresser is cutting your hair, then say so. If the water is too hot, speak up! If you want your fringe differently, say so. If you don't want layers, say so!  Even if they suggest it, if you don't want it done, let them know. I always make sure to have a chat with my hairdresser first and go over exactly what I want done. If I'm not sure about something, I will ask for their advice. But at the end of the day, it's up to you. 

4. Ask questions.

If you aren't sure what they are doing or if you are curious about something, ask them. It's always good to learn new things and understand their techniques.

5. Don't try to use professional terms.

Unless you are a professional, of course! But if you aren't, it's probably best to just describe what you want rather than use words that may not mean what you think they do. 

6. Don't feel pressured!

Don't feel pressured to buy the products they use. Don't feel pressured to agree with what they suggest. Don't feel pressured to be a chatty person, some people are just shy. It's ok to sit and read a magazine instead of trying to make conversation. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't say a word throughout the whole thing though.

7. Don't drink too much!

If you are going to get your hair cut and coloured, it's bound to take a long time, so it's probably best to avoid drinks that will probably make you desperate for a wee half way through the colouring process. And yes I speak from experience! Ask for a drink when they start to cut your hair, that way you will probably be safe.

8. Finding the right hairdresser is like finding your one true love.

It may sound overly dramatic but takes time to find the one that works for you. You have to go to a bunch of different ones, and you might not always be happy and you will feel disappointed at times but eventually you will find that one hairdresser where you come away feeling amazing every time. Remember, hair grows! 

I hope these tips help you!

What do you prefer to do with your hair during the colder months, go lighter or go darker?