Can someone answer my stupid hairdresser questions?

[ilovecarbs90]

So, I very rarely go to the hairdressers - probably twice a year and I always have a dry trim. I've only started doing this for 4 years or so, before that I cut it myself (badly).

So I don't really understand what some of the things mean, and too embarrassed to ask.

Wet cut - does that mean you go to the hairdressers with wet hair and they cut it, or do they wash it?

Colour - do they have to do a 24 hour test on your hair beforehand, or can you go in and have it done immediately?

Also, if you want a colour do they expect you to know the exact colour, or will the hairdresser help you pick one?

Thanks in advance

Wet cut - does that mean you go to the hairdressers with wet hair and they cut it, or do they wash it?
I think they wash it but I don't know. You could ask.

I usually ask for a wash and cut. I have wavy hair and a dry cut will be awful.

Colour - do they have to do a 24 hour test on your hair beforehand, or can you go in and have it done immediately?

I've never had colour, just highlights, but you can ask.

Also, if you want a colour do they expect you to know the exact colour, or will the hairdresser help you pick one?
I'd go in with an idea, and they should be able to say if it would work with the tones in your hair and your complexion.

I think it is important to find a hairdresser you have some rapport with.

I go to the same one and have for decades. He has wavy hair, his wife has a headfull of natural tight curls. He's good. Not that my hair is anything special, it's just that he cuts it in a way that suits my hair so I'm not having bad hair days.

A good haircut need not be expensive. There was a thread a few days ago that will confirm this.

Ask someone with hair a bit like yours in terms of waviness and thickness who has a really good cut where they go.

A wet cut yes they wash it. Cut and blow is what I ask for if I want it washing cutting and blowing.
Colour yes a patch test is normal.
Yes a decent hairdresser will help you decide and give advice.
I

Well you aren’t alone!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3835592-What-is-a-wet-cut-at-the-hairdresser

I’m like you, rarely go & only have a dry trim.
I thought for colouring they have to do a patch test 24 hrs before hand to check you won’t have a reaction?

I had my hair coloured once, many years ago, and the lovely lady helped me choose a colour and suggested ones that she thought would look nice. I guess it would be good to look at hair colour and take a few screen shots to show what you like the look of though.

I didn't have a 24-hr test.

Don't be embarrassed. Hairdressers are human.
Some are nice.

If you are a bit shy, go to a local salon, not a flash one in an upmarket high street. A bit ageist but you might get a better cut from a more mature stylist because they remember pre-straightener times, and times when shortish styles were popular.

Some of the flash salons are franchises - you won't necessarily get a great cut.

I’ve never had a patch test for a colour.

They will wash, cut and dry your hair.

Have an idea of colour and then they will usually have sample strands that they can hold next to your face to check your skin tone etc

A wet cut often means just spraying it with water rather than washing it
Strictly speaking they should patch test you beforehand

I've always had a patch test at my salon if it's been a while between colours.

I second KirstenBlest's suggestion about local salons. Some of the worst cuts I've had have been when I've booked into big name salons. In my local salon I show them photos and we discuss what would work or not work on my hair. When I went to some big name ones they weren't interested and either did their own thing without asking, or recreated a photo without any consideration of my hair type.

I tend to get a wet cut and they will throw a hairdryer over to get the worst of the wet out, but not properly blow dry it.

A wet cut here means a quick spray with water bottle.

24/48hr patch test is a must here. Won't put a colour on without.

Yes be very clear with the hairdresser and ask questions. I didn't want a blow dry when I was younger but they charged me extra. I now make it very clear I don't want a posh blow dry for £20 extra!

For those who are mentioning the patch test, I've never had one either but when I booked in with my hairdresser earlier in the week, she says I now need one by law. I've been having my hair dyed/highlighted for years with the same hairdersser but apparently there are new rules out that everyone has to have one because Covid has been making people react to the dyes

@MrsSnitchnose

For those who are mentioning the patch test, I've never had one either but when I booked in with my hairdresser earlier in the week, she says I now need one by law. I've been having my hair dyed/highlighted for years with the same hairdersser but apparently there are new rules out that everyone has to have one because Covid has been making people react to the dyes

This is Manchester by the way but I presume it covers the rest of England too

Where I am, a wet cut is they wash it but don’t dry it. I asked for a wet cut once thinking this meant they cut it wet. But then dried it. But no. They cut it wet and leave it wet. Or say ‘shall I just blow it off a bit for you?’ Which is about 30 seconds of hairdryer. However, it costs half the price.

A cut and blow dry includes a wash and blow dry
A wet cut doesn't include drying

At mine they blow dry it and will even offer to style/curl it a bit! I love it!

Wow so many salons breaking the rules !
Patch tests are a must !
I have never done a dry cut in my time as a hairdresser .the best way is to have it washed cut the dried and then more cutting checking after drying it’s called finishing the cut .
And a good stylist will always help u achieve an achievable colour that will be just perfect for you xx

@MrsSnitchnose

For those who are mentioning the patch test, I've never had one either but when I booked in with my hairdresser earlier in the week, she says I now need one by law. I've been having my hair dyed/highlighted for years with the same hairdersser but apparently there are new rules out that everyone has to have one because Covid has been making people react to the dyes

Yes I am in the SE and have been told this too.