A bad haircut ranks high on the list of things that most people want to avoid. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent a bad haircut, as long as you are willing to take control of your hair and your session at the salon. Getting the haircut you want does not have to challenging.
Start by doing some research on stylists. Ask friends who they use, and try to seek out people with hair types which are similar to yours for recommendations. If the same stylist keeps being mentioned, book an appointment with him or her, and think about what kind of haircut you want. It is extremely important to know what you want when you get a haircut. Print out pictures if you can, so that the stylist has something to work with.
Before your appointment begins, sit down for a consultation with the stylist. Explain exactly what you want, using your hands to indicate desired lengths of hair and specifying things that you do not want. You should also be honest with the stylist about how much time you spend on hair maintenance; you don't want to end up with a haircut that only looks good after extensive styling if you prefer to wash, towel dry, and run. Finally, trust the opinion of the stylist; if he or she says that a cut will not work on you, ask for suggestions.
Although gesturing with your hands to prevent a bad haircut might seem silly, it's actually incredibly valuable. By physically showing the stylist how you want your hair cut, you can ensure that both of you are on the same page when it comes to the way you want your hair to look. This is especially important for those of you with longer locks, as failure to prevent a bad haircut with long hair can result in a long period of regrowth.
Once the haircut starts, sit up straight in the chair. Changes in your posture can change the way your hair looks, potentially messing up the haircut. It's also a very good idea to keep an eye on what the stylist is doing. Do not be afraid to speak out if you think he or she is moving in the wrong direction with your hair, and ask questions about how to style your hair so that it looks great. When your haircut is over, take the time to look it over carefully in the mirror. If you are not satisfied, express this immediately, as the stylist will work with you to fix the look until you are happy.
It is traditional to tip hair stylists at least 15%, and to offer an additional 5% tip to the person who washes your hair at a salon. This can help to prevent a bad haircut in the future, as you will become a well known figure at the salon. Finally, prevent a bad haircut by finding the perfect stylist and staying loyal to him or her.