How to Explain the Haircut You Want to Your Stylist
Practical ways to describe the haircut you want, from using photos and clear terms to talking about maintenance, so you leave happy with the result.
Many disappointing haircuts come down to a misunderstanding rather than a lack of skill. "Just a trim" can mean an inch to one person and a centimetre to another. A little preparation helps your stylist see what you see.
Start with photos
A picture often does more than a paragraph. When choosing photos:
- Bring two or three rather than just one, showing front, side and back if possible
- Choose pictures with hair similar to yours in texture, thickness and colour
- Mark what you like. Is it the length, the fringe, the layers or the finish?
- Include one you do not like, if that helps show what to avoid
A stylist can then tell you what is realistic. Your hair's natural wave, density or growth patterns may make parts of the look easy or hard to achieve.
Use clear, measurable language
Vague words cause trouble. Where you can, replace them with specifics:
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| A little off | About an inch, to here (point to a spot) |
| Shorter | Chin length, or just above the shoulders |
| Layers | Face-framing pieces, or layers throughout, with length kept at the back |
| Fade | A low, mid or high fade, with a number of guards or a skin finish |
| Textured | Choppy and piecey, or soft and blended |
Pointing to a spot on your own body is often the clearest way to show length.
Talk about how you live with your hair
The best haircut is one you can maintain. Tell your stylist:
- How long you spend styling each day
- Whether you use heat tools or prefer air-drying
- How often you can come for a trim, see how often to get a haircut
- Whether you tie your hair back for work, sport or school
- Any products you use or are happy to try
A cut that needs a 20-minute blow-dry is not ideal if you give yourself five minutes in the morning.
Be honest about your hair history
Previous colour, bleach, relaxers and heat damage affect what is possible. If you used box dye, say so. It helps the stylist plan the cut and, if relevant, the colour. Our guide to hair colour at home vs salon colour is useful here.
Ask questions and listen
A consultation is a conversation:
- What will this look like on my hair?
- What will it look like as it grows out?
- Is there anything I should know about maintaining it?
- What would you suggest instead?
If a stylist suggests a variation, listen. They may know something about your hair that photos do not show.
For children, partners and parents
If you are arranging a cut for someone else, describe it from their point of view. For a child, check what they want and agree a style they are happy with. For an older relative, confirm what they have always liked. See home haircuts for children.
Before they start cutting
- Confirm the plan out loud. Repeat back what you understood.
- Say if you are nervous. A good stylist will go slower.
- Speak up early. It is much easier to take off more than to put it back.
Using Compito to explain it in advance
When you send a request on Compito, you can describe the cut and add details so the provider can make an informed offer. Messaging lets you share more and ask questions before the day. Reviews show how other customers found the consultation. See how it works.
A simple formula for your brief
When you describe a cut, cover four things in one or two sentences: the length you want to keep, the shape or outline, how you style it day to day, and anything you dislike. For example: "I want to keep most of my length, take off the damaged ends, add a bit of movement around my face and I only ever blow-dry it quickly, so it needs to work air-dried." That is far more useful than "just a trim" or "something different".
Words that mean different things to different people
| Word you might use | What it can mean | Better to say |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | A dusting or two inches | "About a centimetre" or "to my collarbone" |
| Layers | Light movement or a heavy shag | "Layers that start below the chin" |
| Short | Chin length or a crop | A photo or finger marker on your body |
| Texture | Thinned out or choppy | "Less weight without looking choppy" |
Pointing to a body landmark, such as shoulder, collarbone or jaw, is more reliable than inches.
Using photos well
Choose pictures of hair like yours in texture and thickness. Show the angle you like, and also one you do not like, since this clarifies a lot. Be ready to hear that a style needs adapting for your hair or lifestyle. A good stylist will explain why rather than just say no.
Common mistakes
- Saying "do what you think" and then being disappointed.
- Not mentioning how much time you spend styling.
- Hiding that you recently coloured or straightened your hair.
- Not speaking up during the cut when something feels too short.
Checking in
Ask to see the length before they go further, and say so politely if you want it a little longer. A short pause costs nothing and often saves regret. See what to expect from a mobile hairdresser visit for how the appointment typically runs.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have a photo?
Describe the length with reference to your body, such as "to my collarbone", and mention what you do not want. A stylist can then suggest options from their own experience.
Is it rude to bring a photo?
Not at all. Stylists welcome them, as they make the job easier and reduce the chance of a mismatch.
What if I realise halfway through that I do not like it?
Say so as soon as you can. It is easier to adjust while the stylist is still working, and they will want you to be happy with the result.