Clothes and Hairstyle Advice

Hairdresser and client
Photo: LightField Studios/Shutterstock
Q: I read that it is extremely important to wear your favorite clothes when you have a hair appointment and go to a salon for a new hairstyle. Why is this? Why do hair stylists need to know what clothes you usually wear if you want them to give good hairstyle advice?
 
A: It’s an excellent question, and there’s a good way to look at this particular situation.
 
Say that you are planning to have an interior decorator come and redecorate your home. Would you want them to style your home using all of your family’s Christmas holiday décor, so that it was on display all year round? Of course you would not want this. The holiday is simply a small period of time compared to the rest of the year in which you would live in your surroundings. The same principle applies when selecting a hair style.
 
Unless you are speaking of a special occasion look - which you would only wear to said special event - you want a style that works best for you every day. Wearing clothes that reflect your everyday style helps show the hairdresser your personal taste, silhouette, and overall aesthetic. This allows them to give you a look that both complements and is complemented by your fashion sense.
 
Your clothing also gives your stylist vital clues about your daily maintenance habits. A sleek, tailored outfit signals to your stylist that you might be willing to spend time with a blow dryer each morning, whereas a relaxed, effortless outfit tells them you likely prefer a low-maintenance, wash-and-go cut.
 
If you usually spend your days in casual attire, you certainly don’t want to show up at the salon for a new style in something you only wear on really special occasions. You want to help the stylist represent you at your best all the time, and that means showing yourself as you usually dress.
 
A woman's makeover from long hair with a turtleneck to a bob and a shirt-dress
 
An Indian woman's makeover with new attire and very short hair
 
While dressing in your everyday aesthetic is key, just keep a few practical hair salon details in mind:
 
• Watch the necklines: Try to avoid thick turtlenecks, bulky hoodies, or stiff, high collars. These physically block your neck and shoulders, making it difficult for the stylist to see the natural fall, length, and balance of your hair.
 
• Make the consultation count: Remember that once the cutting begins, your outfit will be covered by a salon cape. Those initial minutes in the chair during your consultation are your best opportunity to show off your personal style.
 
• Keep high-value items at home: While you want to show off your style, avoid wearing expensive, delicate, or bleach-sensitive fabrics. Even with a cape, hair splinters, water drips, or color splatters can happen. Opt for clothing that represents your aesthetic, but won't ruin your day if a drop of hair dye lands on it.
 
You should always dress according to your personal taste, representing how you look most of the time. If you regularly dress up, you can share this information with your stylist, and they can discuss ways to “upgrade” your everyday style for special occasions. Just keep in mind that you want to look your best all the time, and not just on those special occasions.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
What your hairstylist really sees
 
How to get a good haircut
 
How to find a good hair stylist