finding a stylist

It can be difficult to find a long hair-friendly stylist. My current stylist used to have very long hair, so he totally understands and respects my desire to keep it long.

I've been faced with stylists who try to talk me into cutting off more than I want to, but I always stand firm. You have to remember that you are the client. Don't be a push-over. You are in charge of what happens to your hair. It is not up to the stylist to decide how much hair to cut. Make your wishes very clear. Show them exactly how much you want cut off (don't present it in terms of inches). If the stylist seems reluctant to follow your wishes, just leave and go elsewhere. A good stylist will take the time to do a free consultation with you.

One more thing -- Don't let the stylist wash (and tangle) your hair. I get my hair cut while it's dry. I prefer to wash my own hair and my stylist finds it easier to get the feel of how my hair parts and falls naturally when it's dry. My best haircuts have always been dry-cut.

P.S. Take a peak into a few salons and see if there are any stylists with long hair -- you may feel more comfortable with someone who obviously likes long hair.

P.P.S. On a side note -- I recently had a few inches cut off my very long hair. Because of the length of my hair, I had to stand for the duration of the haircut while the stylist sat down. I nearly passed out from standing still for so long. I then remembered that alternately flexing and relaxing your leg muscles ensures proper circulation and will prevent fainting and light-headedness. It actually worked for me. Just a suggestion. Passing out at the salon wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Thanks for that link, Viktoria. I've always wished I could trim my own hair, but I thought it would be too hard. I like my hair cut straight across -- the method on the website looks really easy and I can save myself $50. Awesome.

Which method do you use? V, U or straight?

Hi Mab,

I think the reason some prefer trimming wavy (or maybe even curly) hair wet is that wet wavy/curly hair can be combed straight, so trimming ensures that the strands will end at the same level on the body. But for straight hair, either wet or dry can work.

Kittypie,

My advice would be to ask the salon receptionist (on the phone) if they have a stylist who specializes in long hair. Keep looking until you find one, and when you do, ask to speak with the stylist. When you get them on the phone, tell them you want to come in to have "just the tips trimmed" and ask them if they prefer to work with your hair wet or dry. If "wet," ask if it's okay if you wash your hair in advance and arrive at the salon with wet hair. If not, resume the search for a stylist; if okay (or if they work with dry, clean hair), then schedule an appointment. Be sure to show the stylist beforehand what you want done. Take a lock and let the amount of the tips to be trimmed to extend beyond your fingers (did that make sense?)

Good luck, let us know how your search and hopefully happy salon session go.