The Savvy Life

We can all relate to Barbara’s feelings about getting a bad haircut. But the fact is that there are ways to minimize the risk of getting such an awful cut that you have to wait for it to grow out.

Adam Pink, owner of Adam Pink Salon in Phoenix, Arizona, is blunt in his assessment of how most bad haircuts happen.

“Bad communication is the biggest part of screwing up a haircut. If you’re at a reputable salon, it’s not the skills that are lacking; there was breakdown in communication. Consultation is key to all that.”

Sarah Combs, Director of Operations, Dolce Salon and Spa in Phoenix, concurs, and adds that stylists like to get pictures from clients to help give them an understanding of what their desired style is. “But it’s also very important for the client to understand that the picture is not their head and it may not look exactly the same due to their own textures. Sometimes it might not even be possible,” she explains.

Pink agrees that pictures can be helpful to a stylist.

“Visual aids are very good as a point of reference. I always ask specifically what about a picture pops out at them--is it the bangs, is it the way it’s tucked behind the ear, etc. I’ve learned to pick a client’s brains because when I was new, I had a girl with long hair who picked out a picture that was quite a bit shorter,” he recalls. “When I was done styling, I thought she looked great, but she started crying and I couldn’t figure out why. Then she said ‘all I wanted was those bangs’. So now I ask.”

Carole Smyser of Surprise, Arizona has lived in several different parts of the country, including the northwest and southeast, and over the years, has changed stylists many times.

“I often park in front of a salon I’m thinking about trying and just look at what comes out the door—is it old ladies in bubble do's? Does everyone look the same? Then when I’ve decided to try someone, I go in a little early and mention that I know I'm early so they don't feel pressured to seat me,” says this Documentation Manager for a technology firm. “I show the stylist various pictures and explain what I'm looking for and why. I also emphasize I know I'll never be 20 again, but that I'm not 60 yet either.”

Eighth-grade science teacher Kris Carpenter Kwant believes in taking in photographs, but not of models from magazines and books. “I definitely take in pictures, but not just pictures of other people wearing the styles. I take in pictures of me when my hair looks good.”

So what happens if you get a cut you absolutely hate? Everyone agrees you should call and explain your feelings to the stylist or salon manager.

“Definitely, if you run into any problems, calling your stylist is your best bet. If they’re reputable, they’ll fix it,” says Pink. “I’d rather you tell me, than tell your friends and my competitors. Plus it gives me a chance to win you back.”

Paula Hubbs Cohen is a freelance writer who lives in Peoria, Arizona. After years of trial and error, she loves her current hair stylist. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .