IT’S a woman’s prerogative to change her mind when it comes to her hair. And change women do—from dark to blonde, from wavy to straight and a new cut; but not too short.
When a guy comes to our salon, the challenge is quite different. Most men are set in their ways. While they are open to a new style, they want to stick to their old routine: same styling, same combing, same product or no product at all.
Of course, repeating the process will end up with the same result. The key is to motivate them to a new approach and hope this will become the new routine.
We find that if they get an immediate positive feedback from people who matter, they are more likely to make the effort. So, we encourage them to go out and socialize that same day. We also demonstrate the way to achieve the style, what product to use, how and how much to apply.
Deep down, every man wants to look more attractive. It’s just that many are frustrated with the lack of consistency in some stylists and are fearful of looking ridiculous.
There’s the deaf barber who cuts precise and clean but no matter how you explain a style or what picture you show him, you always end up looking the same. He does any of three styles he masters and woe if that is not what you asked for.
Then there’s the chatty hairstylist who assures you that he’ll give you exactly what you want. When it’s done, you’re quite happy, he pinched every hair in place and the product makes it look cool. Except that after the first shampoo it never looks the same and a week later, your hair feels messy and sticks out in awkward places.
Sounds familiar? Everyone’s been there. Good if you find your go-to-stylist, who listens, pays attention and has the skill to make it work— and last.
The first visit with a new stylist requires a bit of communication. Every head of hair is different and so are bone structure, lifestyle and personal preferences. Be on time for your appointment, that way your stylist has a chance to familiarize him/ herself with your hair and your needs. A good hairdresser would give you a better hair cut the second time around and have it all figured out by the third time. What you are looking for is a stylist who will ask with your next visit, how was it? How can I improve on your last haircut?
Once that rapport has been established, you can then focus on your newspaper, laptop or social media without interruptions or a bad surprise at the end.
Finally, a few words about hair products.
Some men need only shampoo, others need both shampoo and conditioner. Your stylist can help point out which group your hair belongs to.
Styling products, like gels have changed over the years and there are great differences in quality.
New products have been formulated to cater to every style and preference. From barely there to max control. Quality denotes whether your hair feels sticky, attracts dust or feels heavy after shampooing.
The sheer number of new products makes it hard to choose the right one. On top of that, different pastes, doughs, waxes and creams are used in varying amounts either in wet, moist or dry hair, to the roots or ends. It’s enough to make your head spin. Again, that’s where a good stylist comes in to demonstrate and guide you.
So, what do you say? Give it another try and, who knows, you may be surprised at your style quotient going way up!