Ever walked into a salon with Pinterest dreams but walked out with "well... it's not quite what I wanted" reality? Girl, we've all been there! But here's the tea: getting your dream hair isn't about luck—it's about knowing exactly what to ask for.
Let's break down the salon lingo and pro tips to help you score that perfect style!
Color Talk: Beyond "Just Blonde Please"
Instead of saying: "I want to be blonde," Try this: "I'm looking for a warm honey blonde with caramel lowlights to add dimension. My inspiration is Sofia Richie's recent wedding hair color."
Instead of: "Make it natural-looking," Try this: "I'd love a rooted balayage with a level 8 warm beige blend into level 9 butterscotch pieces around my face."
Some specific color requests that are trending right now:
- "Expensive brunette" with a glossy chocolate base and subtle copper ribbons
- "Vanilla cream blonde" with bright face-framing money pieces
- "Strawberry copper" with dimensional rose gold reflects
- "Caramel mocha" with a rich brown base and golden ribbons throughout
Cut & Style: Getting Specific
Instead of: "I want layers," Try this: "I'd love long layers starting at my chin with face-framing pieces beginning at my cheekbones to create movement while maintaining length."
Instead of: "Make it bouncy," Try this: "I'm looking for a voluminous blowout with a C-shaped curve at the ends and lots of body at the root. Think Sofia Vergara's signature bombshell style."
Popular cuts to ask for:
- The "butterfly cut" with wispy layers throughout
- A collarbone-length bob with a subtle A-line angle
- Curtain bangs starting at the arch of your eyebrows
- The "Italian bob" with chunky layers and lots of texture
Texture Talk: Getting the Right Finish
Instead of: "I want it smooth," Try this: "I'm looking for a glossy finish with movement but no frizz. Think Hailey Bieber's signature glassy hair texture."
Instead of: "Make it beachy," Try this: "I'd love loose, lived-in waves with a slight bend starting at eye level, keeping the ends straight for that cool-girl effect."
Slay Your Consultation
Bring Multiple Reference Photos
Show:
- The color from different angles
- The style in different lighting
- Similar hair textures to yours
- Examples of what you DON'T want
Talk About Your Lifestyle
Share:
- How much time you spend styling
- Whether you work out regularly
- If you air-dry or heat style
- Your washing routine
Be Real About Maintenance
Discuss:
- How often you can visit the salon
- Your budget for products
- Your styling skills level
- Previous chemical services
Red Flags to Watch For
If your stylist says: "We can definitely get you to platinum in one session!" (Spoiler: probably not) "You don't need a test strand" (For vibrant colors or significant changes, you do) "This won't damage your hair at all" (All chemical services cause some stress)
The Magic Words That Get Results
Try these phrases: "Can you walk me through how you'll achieve this look?" "What's the maintenance like for this style?" "How many sessions will this take?" "What products will I need at home?" "Can we do a test strand first?"
Pack Your Salon Success Kit
Think of your salon visit as a mini adventure - you wouldn't go camping without supplies, right? Let's pack that perfect salon bag! First, save those inspirational photos offline because, trust us, salon wifi can be spotty, and nothing's worse than trying to explain "that one TikTok you saw" from memory. Pro tip: screenshot them in different lighting and angles.
Toss in a few hair ties or clips - they're essential for trying different styles and seeing how your new cut might look up or down. Skip the scrunchies; a simple elastic will give you the clearest view of potential styles.
Next, gather up your current hair products. Your stylist can check these out and either validate your choices or suggest upgrades that might work better. If you're dealing with any scalp concerns or specific hair issues, bringing your current products helps your stylist understand what's working (or not).
One of our favorite tricks is keeping a "hair diary" on your phone. Note down any major hair events from the past year—that box dye experiment, the keratin treatment from last summer, or that time you tried to trim your own bangs (we've all been there!). Having this information ready helps your stylist make better choices for your hair's health.
Finally, write down your questions beforehand. We know how it goes - you have a million questions at home, but the minute you hit that salon chair, poof! They vanish faster than bobby pins. Having them written down ensures you don't leave wondering about that one thing you meant to ask.
Post-Appointment Game Plan
The moments after your stylist puts down the brush and hands you the mirror are crucial - this is your chance to set yourself up for style success! Start by having them walk you through exactly how they created your look. Watch closely in the mirror as they explain each step, and don't be shy about taking notes or even a quick video of specific techniques.
Get the scoop on every product that touched your hair during the service. If they used a magical volumizing mousse that gave you bombshell body, find out what it is! But more importantly, understand why they chose each product. Maybe that lightweight oil they used works better for your fine hair than your current heavy cream.
Pro stylists always say getting great hair isn't about one amazing appointment - it's about the maintenance plan. Talk through how long you can realistically go between appointments. If you're rocking a crisp bob, you might need cuts every 6 weeks, while balayage could stretch 3-4 months. Lock in your next appointment before leaving to snag your preferred time slot.
Here's a game-changer: Ask about "transition days"—those days when your style starts to fall flat. Maybe it's sleeping with a silk scrunchie to keep your blowout bouncy or a specific dry shampoo technique to refresh your roots. These insider tips can extend your style way beyond day one.
Your dream hair journey might take time, and that's okay! Being specific, patient and communicative with your stylist is essential to getting (and keeping) the hair you've always wanted.
Ready to make those hair dreams come true? Book your consultation at Blonde Faith Salon today—where we speak your language and make magic happen!
