How to get the hair service you want from your stylist.

        You and your stylist -  what an important relationship! But it can be scary - right? Especially for a curly girl. I once had a  new client tell me that getting her hair done was like going to the dentist: Stressful at the least, painful at worst. That made me so sad. I asked what the experience had been to cause those feelings, and of course  it was a variation of what we have all experienced: a stylist who doesn't listen, who tells us what is right for us, who is intimidating . The list goes on. When did we stop believing we had a right to be listened to, as well as a right to be heard ?   Well  you do have those rights! A stylist/client relationship should be a collaboration. Yes, I am the professional, meaning I have been a hairstylist for many years, and am knowledgeable about hair tools, products, and styling techniques. What I don't know is you : not just your hair, which you know , since you have lived with it all your life, but who you are. What is your lifestyle , your personal style, your profession -  all that makes you you. I find everyone has a bottom line. Some people can't tolerated hair in their face or the flip in the back. More importantly, you know your hair . Do you have a coarse spot, or an area that's curlier or straighter?  Has your hair texture changed and if so why? What does your hair do in the humidity? Anything that matters to you matters to me. My job as your stylist is first to listen to you.  Then I tell you what I have heard and how that could impact what we then decide to do. My knowledge and experience then enters as I hear what you say, study your hair, it's texture , movement, and shape, and offer possibilities . I  feel very strongly that my job is to see the whole picture of who you are, meet you where you are in your comfort level, and offer possibilities and options.  Maybe you aren't ready for a change. Yet. That's ok, but I want you to be able to visualize possibilities . This collaborative relationship we have requires trust, and sometimes trust takes time.
    Recently I had a real lesson in the importance of trust between me an my clients. After many many years of using and being only loyal to Deva products and techniques, I learned about different product lines from my wonderfully knowledgeable CHA pals. I explored the Jessicurl line and decided to begin using it and see what everyone thought. I did this with great trepidation : What would all my clients think? After all this time of  recommending only Deva products would they feel betrayed? The short version is it was not a big deal. Everyone was interested, asked questions, and was open! What they told me is my clients trust me, and know I would never suggest products that are not the very best for their curls.
   So ~  you as a client have a right to be heard. Insist on it and don't stop until you're satisfied !