Glasses and Bad Haircuts

Woman with long hair, wearing glasses
 
Q: I keep getting bad haircuts because they ask me to take my glasses off and I can't see what they are doing. Do I really need to keep my glasses off the whole time during a haircut or just when they're working on the front section of my hair?
 
A: Actually, I can speak from personal experience and say that it is necessary to have a client who wears glasses remove them for at least part of the haircut.
 
The main reason is that the arms of the glasses sit directly over the areas that need to be cut and blended. Especially when cutting the bangs, sideburns, around the ears, and the sides of the head, the glasses get in the way of the comb and scissors. They also make it difficult to create clean lines and an even shape. Trying to cut around the frames usually results in an inaccurate haircut, so most stylists will ask clients to remove their glasses during those portions of the service.
 
That said, the glasses don't necessarily have to stay off for the entire haircut. The top and back of the hair can usually be cut with your glasses on, and many stylists are happy to hand them back to you as soon as they're finished working around the front and sides.
 
If you're very nearsighted, let your stylist know before the haircut begins. Most will understand and will be willing to pause periodically so you can put your glasses back on and check the progress. A quick look in the mirror after the basic shape has been established can give you peace of mind without interfering with the haircut.
 
However, it sounds as though your real problem isn't that you can't see what's happening. The bigger issue is probably communication between you and your stylist. Quite frankly, if you're trying to direct the haircut while it's already in progress, there's a good chance that the consultation at the beginning wasn't thorough enough.
 
As a stylist myself, I don't even pick up my shears until I'm confident that I understand exactly what my client wants. A few extra minutes spent talking before the haircut usually saves a lot of disappointment afterward. It's much easier to make a plan before the first snip than to try to correct misunderstandings once hair has already been removed.
 
One of the best things you can do is bring several photos of hairstyles you like. Rather than relying on terms like "short," "trim," or "leave some length," show your stylist exactly what appeals to you. Point out the details you like—the length around the ears, the amount of texture, the way the bangs fall, or how the neckline is finished. Likewise, if there are things you definitely don't want, mention those too.
 
It's also important to discuss whether the style in the photo is realistic for your hair. Hair texture, density, and growth patterns all affect the finished result. A skilled stylist should explain what can be achieved with your particular hair and suggest small adjustments if necessary, rather than simply attempting to copy the photo exactly.
 
If you've followed all of these suggestions and you're still consistently unhappy with your haircuts, it may be time to consider whether your stylist simply isn't the right match for you. Every stylist has different strengths, specialties, and cutting techniques. Someone who excels at classic, conservative cuts may not be the best choice if you're looking for something fashion-forward, and vice versa.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to get a good haircut
 
How to find a good hair stylist
 
Why hairdressers never do what you want
 
The necessary talents and skills to become a good hairdresser