How to Communicate with your Hairstylist....

 The communication between to the client and stylist is so important. Through observation and experience I have found that there are two types of clients that exist. One that has no idea what they want, what looks good on them, and has 1000 reasons not to try anything different. The other client is one that is a lot more versatile and takes pride in "switching it up". During my consultation I ask a lot of questions some related to hair and some related to your personal life. I am very scared of clients who love their natural color hair then ask to go platinum blonde. As a matter of fact that freaks me out..lol! It usually says to me that something dramatic has happened and hair has to be the one to feel it. 
If you are going natural from a 20 yr. relaxer experience, I ask questions like: What made you decide to go natural? Did you recently have a bad relaxer or salon experience? How is your maintenance or commitment to your hair? 
If a client walk in with jet black hair and want to go lighter I ask if that is their natural hair color and if not when was the last color application you had? First of all I do not color first time visits, and I am very firm on that. I have chose to not do those services because I don't have a relationship with the hair and everything may not be exposed during the consultation, sometimes it takes a while. I highly recommend you tell the truth! If your hair was died black 6 months ago, guess what it is STILL black it may fade but there is still some pigment there lingering which may have to removed before you can move forward.  
Then their is that client that comes frequent but can't retain length and can't keep the natural shine . During conversation with this client I usually find out that this client doesn't cover the hair at night, doesn't wrap or pin curl, and sometimes they not even combing or brushing your hair. Also dry hair doesn't grow and moisture is very important. (Ask me about the benefits of the Hair Steamer) 
When you would like to try a new look: Come to your stylist with picture references. My stylist will be prepared with a color book but understand the hair that is used to show the pigment of the color is typically white hair.  What one person may call a cornrow another may call a french braid.  Also, be realistic. If you bring a picture of  a swoop bang and your hair isn't full enough, come with some extensions in tow. The style is not always impossible but it can be modified. I said something right there: THE STYLE IS NOT ALWAYS IMPOSSIBLE BUT IT CAN BE MODIFIED! 
Do you experience dry scalp? I have had many clients come in with this issue and some of things require medication from a dermatologist.This is when I ask about your water intake, how often you eat bread, and sometimes I even ask  you about past experiences with eczema flair ups . Flakes are not always "dandruff" sometimes it just ash...lol! 

Thanks for reading and please share!
From the thoughts and concerns of, 
Andrea Goss