How to ask a hairdresser for what you would like & get it

[longtompot]

Seems a silly question, you say I'd like this done please and they do it. But today I found out that when asking the hairdresser to cut my hair to a certain length they cut it much shorter than I have previously had done when asking the same question.

I even had a photo. Of me, I hasten to add, with the length I wanted.

I'd love to know just how to word things so we both are clear of what is going to happen. For years I asked for short layers, in my mind meaning just take a bit off the ends to give me layers, and wondered why I had very short layers. I learnt this one a few years ago, so no worries on that one now😜

Find one who is talented and cuts like magician and never let them go.🥴
Seriously, like unicorns really good hairdressers are, specially if you are outside large cities or a bona fide country bumpkin.
I certainly wouldn't advocate stalking said unicorn once found, but all's fair in love and hirsute matters.🥸
Taking a photo of the cut one aspires to helps as well.

I agree, but I did show a photo which is at least 2 inches longer than what she did. I go to the same salon each time but don't have the same person. Plus, I only go a couple of times a year so they can't get to know me.
I am going to take my yd to visit another salon so I will see what they are like and maybe try them. I follow them on Instagram anyway and get a good feeling from them

Say what you want and ask them if it is realistic
If you ask for short layers you will get short layers

If you ask for a length, what do you ask? Do you say 'no more than 3 cm off the ends' o

r do you say 'to here' or collar length or something?

sorry. MN page went weird

It’s hard. I get the best results when I am really really firm before they start cutting, you need to wake them up and get their attention “I’ve had cuts in the past that were a lot shorter than I wanted, and last time I said to you two inches and I’m afraid somehow four came off, so can we get really clear on the length now.”

I’ve got a lot firmer since one lady took off SEVEN inches when I’d asked for three off.

Just ask for a trim if you don't want much off the length. Or demonstrate where you want it cut up to with your hands and your hair. If you find someone that cuts it the way you like it then keep going back to them

I usually say 'Keep the length' so that I only get the ratty bits off.

If you say something like chin length or shoulder length,it will be about 2 inches shorter than you want

I take my inspiration photos and the photo of me when it was just done and really happy with it. The hairdresser always holds the hair so we can both agree on how much to come off the length. I have the same style just longer or shorter at times.
The hairdresser is on maternity leave at the moment so I have a note in my phone for square layers, shaping around the face with no wispy bits.

I mean ideally the hairdresser helps advise as to what would work for your hair, eg not loads of layers if you frizz easily and taking your face shape and hairline into account. I tend to just trust mine but then never really no know what I want. She usually uses her hand to sort of show how it will work/how short. She is talented, always like what she does to other people who are before me.

Also better to change styles incrementally so no big shocks and it grows out quickly if something isn't quite what you like or can be made more drastic if you do.

I like to keep my hair below chin length (to hide my double chin!). They always say they'll just take off half an inch but then they have to straighten it and then even it and then shape it. I often come out tugging at the length. Why can't half an inch BE half an inch?!

I think a lot of hairdressers cut shorter in order to make sure the cut grows out well. If you had a small amount off at the appointment then in a couple of weeks it would have grown out and looked scruffy /out of shape - although that obviously depends on the structure of the cut in the first place.

This has never been my experience. They all ways seem to reluctant to cut more than you ask. Most times I ask for at least 4 inches to be cut off the length so I am not adverse to having lots of hair cut off.
I also did show a photo of a previous hair cut which I was very happy with the length of, but she didn't seem to take that on board.
I think my biggest gripe over the particular visit is the hairdresser didn't really have a look at my hair before washing it, and then didn't really seem to take on board what I asked for.
I am thinking of contacting the salon just to explain why, although I am happy with my end result, it really isn't what I asked for and what I felt went wrong with the appointment. I must remember not to book with this person again though.