5 major mistakes you make at the hairdressers

Don’t put all the blame on your hairdresser when you come out of the salon feeling disappointed.  Here, exclusively for Treatwell, co-founder of Lockonego Jonny Long reveals the real reasons you might not be getting the most out of your hair appointment…

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• 1 Forgetting you’ve got zero hair styling skills

  You hate styling your own hair but you push your hairdresser to give you a cut that requires a whole lot of styling prowess.  High maintenance styles can really transform your look but you could find yourself comitting to a labourious DIY blow-dry every morning, as well as a fresh new cut.  Before so much as a snip of hair comes off, ask your stylist how much time it will take for you to recreate the look at home.  What could be quick and achievable to a pro might prove difficult and time-consuming for you. 
• 2 Crushing on a hair type you simply don't have

  You take a picture of a style you want but it's on a celebrity who has a different hair type and texture to you. Certain hairstyles work best on specific hair types and unfortunately, just because you’re after the same cut, it doesn’t  mean you’ll leave looking like the celeb in your picture.  Be realistic, if you've got wild, curly hair take your inspiration from celebs with the same hair texture. They'll have access to the best advice in the business and a cut that's guarenteed to work with your curls, rather than against them. The same applies for straight, fine and afro hair.  Talk things through with your stylist, explain what it is  you like about the style and they can tweak it to work for you. 
• 3 Sitting on the sartorial fence

  You go in without a style in mind and then tell yourself the hairdresser ‘talked’ you into the style you left with (which you now hate). Before hitting the salon, make sure you have a good idea of what you want or at the very least, the direction you want to go in. If you need guidance; don't be afriad to ask for it. Try to collate a number of images of styles that you do like to show your stylist.  This will give them an idea of what you prefer and more importantly, what you don’t like! From this they can work out a happy medium for your hair. 
• 4 Flitting between stylists

  You book your appointment with a different stylist each time, yet still expect the same style/experience. Every stylist has a different technique from the other, whether it be in colour, cutting or styling and their own style and approach is what makes them unique. The more you build a relationship with one stylist, the more satisfied you’ll be with your hair longterm. If you leave an appointment delighted with your look, remember to book in with the same stylist for your next appointment to avoid any disappointment on your next visit. Once your stylist knows your hair (and you) well, you can build a great relationship.
• 5 Going mute

  Speak up! You don't have to do the holiday chit chat but talking to your hairdresser could be the difference between an ok cut and a great cut. The more you tell them about your hair, your lifestyle and your personality, the more they can work out exactly what will work for you. A free flowing conversation also allows you request changes and alterations as you go, rather than leaving it until the end. Awkward.