Here to Stay…Ombre

What started out as a trend that I thought would soon turn into a fad doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. In fact we are now seeing Ombre on shorter hairstyles. Ombre unlike a full head of color or highlights is done away from the scalp and thus has no obvious line of demarcation as it grows out. This could easily explain in part some of it’s appeal. The other is that it can be beautiful! Ombre can be natural looking or over the top.

Jenifer here had an Ombre just over a year ago. I cut her hair into long layers first to facilitate placement of foils for her Ombre. I chose to do a more natural looking Ombre for Jenifer using two blonds on her level 6 light brown hair. Here are her before and after pictures…

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The 7 biggest mistakes people make when choosing a hair stylist, and how to avoid them

Before

Before

MISTAKE NUMBER 1:
Selecting a stylist based only on price.

The old adage is true, “you get what you pay for.” This is especially true when choosing a stylist. If you want the best service, you should decide to deal with a stylist because of the overall value you receive. Not because they are the lowest price.

Here’s why:
Value = Quality + Service + Price

It’s impossible for any business in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all at the same time.

Total value is all three:
Quality, Service, Price.

The three most common problems you will have when you pick a stylist based solely on low prices are: First, less expensive stylists don’t usually stand behind their work if there is a mistake. How will they treat you when you’re not happy? A good stylist will always stand behind their work.

Stylists who charge less are often inexperienced with a license to practice, but with little or no real-world skills. They also cut corners by using cheaper products, and in the end you get what you pay for. You don’t want to be locked in your room crying for three days after getting “butchered.” There is a saying I always tell my clients: “the bitterness of poor quality lingers after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Second, a stylist who offers the lowest price has to compensate quantity over quality, resulting in a revolving door of clients with little or no service.

Third, anyone can go through the schooling to achieve a license. The best stylists have attended finishing schools and have spent their time and money on furthering education in order to develop their talent.

If you really care about keeping your hair in optimum health, whether you want to look professional, stylish or trendy, and enhance your beauty or turn you into a vixen, and if you want to be pampered and treated with kid gloves from an experienced stylist who will share all their beauty secrets, then don’t choose a stylist based on price.

MISTAKE NUMBER 2: All stylists are the same.

Every stylist is different. No two stylists are the same. Every stylist has different services, with unique talents and specialties.

Contrary to what some people think, styling is not just a matter of cutting hair. It takes workmanship and talent to create real quality styles, and an eye for color and dimension to design a total look for an individual.

Ask what type of training and experience the stylist has
Ask how much time they will spend with you before the appointment
Ask to see pictures of their work
Ask to read testimonials of past clients
Ask any other questions that are unique to your needs.

MISTAKE NUMBER 3: Frequenting several different stylists.

Once you find a good stylist, it is very important to be loyal to that stylist. If you hop from one stylist to the next, a really good stylist may not be motivated to keep you as a client. They will, however, always cater to their loyal clients.

Every stylist expects to bend over backward for his or her loyal clients. They will even see you after hours, or early in the morning. Provided that the client is loyal, the stylist will do all they can to help you look your best for an unexpected special occasion.

MISTAKE NUMBER 4: Not allowing enough time for your stylist to service you properly.

When you are in a hurry, you may not have enough time to communicate with your stylist. When you schedule a salon visit, don’t short yourself on time. Ask your stylist how much time you should allow in your schedule and then add a half-hour. Allow yourself enough time to talk to your stylist. Make sure he or she knows what your likes and dislikes are so you can achieve your desired look.

Think of your stylist as a beauty expert and a project partner. Consult with your stylist. Let your stylist know in advance what you want, and ask for tips and ideas on creating a look and maintaining it between visits. You can save time, money and headaches from the very beginning by communicating.

MISTAKE NUMBER 5: Picking a stylist who doesn’t guarantee their service.

All reputable stylists guarantee their services automatically. If you aren’t happy they will fix it for free.

Unfortunately there are unethical stylists who won’t do this. Instead they will argue with you for having unrealistic expectations. You may also be charged for a revisit, or refused your money back.

Pick a stylist who guarantees his or her work. You will know that they’re good and able to communicate with you. There is no risk to you.

MISTAKE NUMBER 6:
Assuming that having a license is all it takes to be a good hairstylist.

Hair styling is an art. Having a degree of talent is important, although the skills can be mastered with time and practice. It is important for stylists to continue their education.

Don’t be shy. Ask stylists about their training and find out what kind of skills they have mastered before you put yourself in their hands.

MISTAKE NUMBER 7:
Not asking to see examples of a stylist’s workmanship.

This is the best way to find a great stylist. Ask to see examples of their work. If they don’t have a book for you to look through, ask for references. A good stylist will be happy to give you references. You can also ask for names of at least three people who have visited the stylist you’re interested in; call them and ask them if they are happy with the stylist.

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