There are two ways to step out of a salon after having a big hair makeover. One is the shiny, happy, advert version, when you bounce out into the street, swishing your lovely new hair and smiling into any reflective surface you pass on the way home. The second is a miserable skulk as you depart with your head and mood down, wondering how long your horrible cut will take to grow out. We’ve all been there!
Maybe something got lost in translation, maybe your stylist simply wasn’t up to the job, but there’s nothing more soul-sapping then the big hair appointment that goes tragically awry. While some mistakes can be fixed (and you should always be honest with your hairdresser if you’re disappointed), it’s obviously better to head off trouble in the first place.
So, how can you give yourself the best chance of walking out of the salon feeling on top of the world? To find out, we tapped up award-winning hairdresser Edward James for his advice on how to get the very best from your next hair appointment, from the right questions to ask to the most helpful pictures to bring.
Edward’s expert picks...
But first, Edward has shared the five products he most commonly advises clients to invest in – because you want every day to be a good-hair day, not just the one when you walk out of a salon. You can thank us when you’re done fighting off compliments!
"This is my go-to product for clients who struggle with frizz, especially in humid conditions or on holiday. I always suggest spraying it generously on wet hair before heat styling. Not only does it provide excellent heat protection, but it also creates a barrier that keeps hair smooth and frizz-free for days. It’s lightweight and non-sticky, so you can use it liberally without worrying about weighing the hair down."
"Available in Light or Rich versions, this mask is a fantastic repair treatment that I recommend to anyone looking to strengthen and restore their hair. It works on the outer layer of the hair, rebuilding bonds and providing deep nourishment. What I love most is how it leaves hair feeling incredibly soft and shiny, without sacrificing strength."
Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener
"I’ve tried many straighteners, but these are among my favourites. They’re affordable, have adjustable heat settings, and feature argan oil-infused plates that add shine to the hair. Their curved design also makes them perfect for creating waves and curls, making them a versatile tool for various styling needs."
"This spray is perfect for clients who love that effortless beachy look. It adds a gorgeous shine and creates soft separation, making it ideal for both short and long hair. It’s also great for refreshing and hydrating hair after a day at the beach, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant."
"This tool is a game-changer for achieving a smooth, salon-quality blowout at home. It combines the benefits of a hot brush and a smoothing comb, making it easy to create polished, frizz-free styles with minimal effort. It’s especially great for clients who want to recreate that salon finish on their own."
9 ways to have your best-ever hair appointment
Don’t rush in
A significant change will always require a bit of thought, says Edward. ‘To get the best value out of a big appointment, have a consultation with your hairdresser first. Then you’ll both know exactly what you want and – crucially – how long it’s going to take, particularly as a lot of people have childcare or work responsibilities.’ Nobody wants to be dashing off mid-makeover.
Be smart with snaps
Bringing photos is a great idea, but don’t bombard your stylist with a massive moodboard. ‘Images are great – we’re not mind readers, so pictures avoid confusion,’ explains Edward. ‘However, I suggest bringing no more than two. Sometimes people bring in six pictures and ask us to combine a different element of each into one hairstyle that just doesn’t exist!’
Look to the stars
Celebrities are a rich source of inspiration, but ask yourself whether it’s the hair or the glamorous face you’re drawn to. ‘If you have a celebrity photo you like, place your finger over the face and try to imagine the style on you,’ advises Edward. You might see their hair completely differently.
Look before you leap
Try previewing your new look as much as possible, before committing to the change. ‘If a client wants to go shorter, I’ll pin the hair at the new length,’ says Edward. ‘I’ll also hold up hair colour swatches; sometimes people will love a shade on a celebrity, but they’ll only see whether it suits them or not when it’s placed next to their face.’
Show, don’t tell
Use your hands, rather than your words, to show your stylist exactly how short you want to go. ‘People say, “I want X many inches off,” but they often have no idea what that is,’ says Edward. ‘As an experiment, we have a ruler in the salon and there’s a big difference between what people think an inch is, and what it really is!’ If a hairdresser just takes you at your word and cuts off the length you ask for without checking, ‘it can mean a big difference, especially in terms of layering or a fringe,’ warns Edward.
Talk it through
Hairdressers are renowned listeners, so talk to your hairdresser about the reason for the makeover. Be honest if you’re going through a stressful time – while a new ’do might be just the pick-up you need, it could backfire if you’ve not really thought it through. ‘As a hairdresser, you want to be sure your client is comfortable with a massive change,’ says Edward. ‘Nobody wants to be responsible for a big transformation that someone will then regret.’
Book when suits you
There’s no such thing as the ‘best’ time or day to book in for a big change. ‘The truth is, we’re busy all the time,’ says Edward. ‘That’s why a consultation is so important. It’s the responsibility of the salon to make sure there’s enough time to give you the result you’re looking for.’ Trust your gut instinct if you turn up at the salon and feel your stylist is rushed. There’s no harm in saying, ‘Actually, I’ll just have a trim today, thanks.’
Mind your in-chair manners
Arrive for your appointment on time (vital), and try not to be overly fidgety during any crucial moments. ‘It doesn’t matter too much whether your hair is clean or dirty, but the one big no-no is coming to a colour appointment with wet hair, which we’ll have to dry off first. I can’t tell you how often people turn up with their hair damp from a shower at the gym,’ says Edward.
Take away some tips
Aim to leave the salon with some new tricks. ‘For me, one of the most important things about being a good hairdresser is giving advice on styling tools, products and tips,’ says Edward. ‘You want your client’s hair to look great all the time, not just once every six weeks. So, talk to your hairdresser about anything you find tricky when styling your hair at home.’ For example, even just being shown the best way to blow-dry the front section of your hair can make a huge difference.
