Going to the hairdresser is, for many, an almost automatic ritual. You schedule the appointment, sit in the chair and trust that everything will work out. Still, between expectation and the final result, there is a decisive factor that remains underestimated: the words used during the initial conversation. Seemingly harmless expressions can pave the way for failed cuts, unexpected colors or disappointments that are difficult to correct.
The issue is not just technical talent, but communication. According to the magazine, specialized in well-being and lifestyle, one of the most common mistakes in the salon arises during the consultation phase, when client and professional assume that they are talking about the same thing, without actually confirming this. It is in this gray space that many so-called “hair disasters” arise, warns British stylist Edward James, salon founder and responsible for the hair of public figures and international celebrities.
Experience has taught him that certain phrases are repeated frequently and almost always raise alarm bells. Not because of the client’s ill will, but because they reflect vague, subjective or even contradictory intentions.
When confidence is excessive
“I trust you, do what you think is best” sounds like a compliment, but it’s anything but safe. The word “best” varies from person to person and may not coincide with what the client imagines when leaving the salon. For Edward James, this request is equivalent to handing over total control and then hoping that the result coincides with an idea never verbalized.
A more effective approach involves translating that confidence into concrete referrals. Talking about maintenance, lifestyle or small details that make a difference helps the professional to correctly interpret the request.
The centimeter that is never an centimeter
Few measurements are as ambiguous as the famous phrase “cut just one centimeter”. Between what you say, what you indicate with your fingers and what your hair really needs, the risk of frustration is high. Curly hair shrinks, damaged ends require more than you imagine and, in the end, the perception of loss is almost always greater than expected.
Instead of vague numbers, it works better to explain the objective. Maintaining length, eliminating fragile areas or adding lightness are clearer intentions than any imaginary ruler.
The problem of “natural”
Saying that you want a “natural” result seems simple, but it rarely is. For some, it means subtle light and warm tones; for others, a uniform and discreet color. Without context, the stylist can follow a completely different path than desired.
According to the same source, the solution is to describe what is understood as natural, explaining visual references, color behavior as it grows and even what you want to avoid.
Lighten, but not too much
Another recurring expression that raises doubts is “I want to lighten, but not too much”. The notion of “a lot” varies as much as personal tastes. It can mean a slight lightening or a more obvious change, keeping only the base.
Here, photographs and concrete examples become essential tools for aligning expectations, especially when tone, contrast and specific areas of the hair come into play.
Change without losing control
Asking for “something different” can be exciting, but also risky. The desire for change does not always mean a radical transformation. Thinking about everyday life, professional demands and the time available for maintenance helps to frame the request.
There are still frequent contradictions, such as rejecting warm tones while showing golden references, or wanting straight and polished hair without resorting to heat or styling. In these cases, relying on terminology alone can be misleading.
In the end, remembers Edward James, hairdressers don’t work miracles. Requests like “I want to be blonde, but without roots” ignore the limits of hair biology itself and the maintenance required. According to Women’s Health, clear communication, supported by visual examples and realistic expectations, remains the best strategy for leaving the salon satisfied, without unpleasant surprises in the mirror.
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