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Original poster

How do I convince the hairdresser NOT to give me a graduated bob?

21 replies

NomNomNom · 20/04/2011 22:13

Right. I would like to get my hair cut quite soon. Over the last 2 years I have got married, had a baby and separated from my husband. Now that the dust has settled a bit, I would like a completely radical and new haircut. Something exciting and edgy yet easy to sort out in the morning.

The problem is that every single time I go to the hairdresser's, I walk out with a graduated bob. I think they look great, I really do! It's just that now I really want something more interesting.

So: what should I ask for? And when they inevitably say "Soooo... you'd like something a bit different... oh I know! How about a graduated bob!" - how do I politely decline without looking like someone who's got no idea about fashion and nice hair?

For your reference, my hair is dark brown, about shoulder length and a mixture of ringlet-y curls, wavy hair and fuzzy frizz. (A day after washing it it's mostly frizz tbh!) But it's not quite curly enough to stick out/stand up (iykwim), so it usually hangs down a bit like a spaniel's ears.

Help please!

OP posts:
MrsKwazii · 20/04/2011 22:15

Have you looked in some hair mags and shown them what you do like? Might be worth going in a bit before your appointment and flicking through them. But, whatever you do, make it v clear when they ask that you do not want to walk out with a graduated bob. You're the customer.

The other option is to go to another hairdresser! Good luck Grin

Original poster
NomNomNom · 20/04/2011 22:28

That's the thing, I occasionally try out new hairdressers and the same thing keeps happening!

I know the magazine thing is a good idea, it's just that I would feel so awkward doing it. Would they not find it a massive imposition to sit there with me and go "ooh that one's nice", "I like that one" etc.?

I would really like a hairdresser to have a proper look at my hair and face and tell me what would suit me and then really advise me on what would look good. I just don't know how to make them do that though. fashion incompetent Blush

OP posts:
Emo76 · 21/04/2011 08:28

Tell them exactly what you DO NOT WANT. Don't take yes for an answer!

washnomore · 21/04/2011 08:38

Nom I just wanted to say I know exactly what you mean. It drives me nuts - it seems impossible to find a hairdresser who actually takes even a few minutes to properly look at my hair.

DukesOfTripHazard · 21/04/2011 11:56

Get a recommendation then book for a consultation before you book for a cut. They should be prepared to be as obsessive as we are I reckon. If they aren't perversely interested in hair they're in the wrong job!

southeastastra · 21/04/2011 12:00

say 'give me the opposite of a graduated bob' that will make her think

JaxTellersOldLady · 21/04/2011 12:01

This is why I LOVE my hairdresser! She knows what suits me, colours, style and always cuts my hair so that I get compliments. Worth her weight in gold!

Sometimes a hairdresser will recommend a style (graduated bob) as it is easy to manage and suits your face shape/lifestyle.

You need to go for a consultation and tell them what you want and dont want. Alternatively google hairstyles on internet and put a photo of your face in them to see if it suits you, print/cut out what you like and take it with you to hairdressers. This is what my crazy friend does when she wants a new colour/style.

Grin
Cheeruploveitmightneverhappen · 21/04/2011 12:13

I sometimes see people with these hairstyles and think they look very cool and edgy, would something like that fit your brief?

A decent hairdresser will appreciate being given a few photos for reference.

I know where you're coming from re always ending up with a version of the same haircut, I'm stuck in long-with-layers groundhog day myself!

Original poster
NomNomNom · 21/04/2011 13:47

Oh no, I hadn't thought of that. What if a graduated bob is 'my hairstyle'?! Argh! Am I doomed for the rest of my life?

Cheeruplove Yes, that's kind of what I mean, something that looks cool and exciting. Those ones probably wouldn't work with my hair though as it's too wavy.

I tried the photos thing a while ago and the hairdresser just kind of glanced at them, pulled a face and did something different, so I felt really stupid.

Good idea about going in for a consultation a few days before the actual appointment, will see what they say about that.

OP posts:
Ormirian · 21/04/2011 13:54

Ha! Nom - same here! No matter what I think I want I always comes out looking more or less the same Grin

In my case I think it's partly because I don't really know what I want so end up going along with the hairdressers' recommendation. Also I have very fine hair that doesn't take to all styles and a weird face that I don't much like.

scotsgirl23 · 21/04/2011 13:56

When you go in, rather than saying something different why don't you actually say "I've had a graduated bob on and off for a while so I'd like to try something new"

Pre-empt them rather than turning down their idea, IYSWIM

bristolcities · 21/04/2011 14:29

My best friend had the short on sides long on top hair cut and it looked amazing. But it was very high maintenance so she now has a range of wigs.

Original poster
NomNomNom · 21/04/2011 16:00

Ooh, pre-empting - that's a good idea!

I do like Frankie's hair, but that swishy-across-the-eye thing would drive me demented I reckon. I'm quite scruffy lazy low maintenance Grin

OP posts:
noddyholder · 21/04/2011 16:01

It is their favourite thing or a 'choppy' do!

bristolcities · 21/04/2011 16:15

How about something like this (pardon the crap link, only pic I could find) it would be perfect for your type of hair and would so be very low maintenance.

JJ · 21/04/2011 16:15

I've done this - just kept repeating "Not a bob". It's now a joke - to his credit, he always listens. Have to admit I'm not sure what my haircut is called but it's definitely not a bob, graduated or otherwise!

My hair is much much curlier when shorter - it sounds like yours although is only brown because I have the grey dyed.

bristolcities · 21/04/2011 16:19

And I'm guessing this is what it looks like with a bit of styling.

Original poster
NomNomNom · 21/04/2011 21:34

I quite like that one, bristolcities. Though I'm not sure my hair is fringe-able, that would be a major change.

My hair used to get more curly every time I had it cut, but since being pregnant it's been really floppy.

Any more ideas what to ask for/pictures of haircuts? (pleeeeease...?)

Also loving the sympathy, it's good to know I'm not the only one who feels like this!

OP posts:
bristolcities · 21/04/2011 22:11

Katie Holmes? classy rather than jujji.

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