Never Get a Bad Hair Cut Again
Only French girl hair here.
In the words of Fleabag, hair is everything. She's not wrong—not feeling confident about your appearance can poison otherwise perfect days, and for many people, hair is a huge part of assurance. That's why a bad cut can be the ultimate offense, promising months of frustration and fruitless styling, waiting to feel like yourself again. Whether it's the result of a lack of communication, a risky chop, or an egotistical stylist gone rogue (speaking from experience here), a bad cut can happen to anyone. Whether you wear your strands as long as Rapunzel or fully buzzed, getting your hair cut should feel restorative, and going into an appointment prepared can help prevent a nightmarish shearing. Ryan Kazmarek, hairstylist at IGK Salon in New York City, shared his top tips for keeping control when you're in the chair.
"Photos are the best way to show your stylist what you want exactly, but try and find examples of someone with a similar face shape and similar hair texture to you," says Kazmarek. While a specific look may work for someone else, it could be disastrous next to your own features, and stylists are trained to spot this. "I had a client who brought in this picture of a short pixie, but the girl in it had really fine straight hair, and the client did not. A good stylist will have an alternative that would work for you."
"Stay away from more technical words—angles, layers, etc.—when you’re trying to describe what you want," says Kazmarek, as your understanding of these techniques may totally differ from those of the person behind the chair. "It's smarter to say something like, 'I want it shorter around my face, I don't want it short in the back anymore,' and other simple suggestions, so your stylist can understand what you're actually looking for."
Kazmerek supports standing your ground when it comes to drastic changes. "You should never do anything you don't want to do. For anyone professional, the word 'no' should be enough," he says. "The most important thing is finding a stylist you're comfortable with who does what you like."
"People come in with a lot of hesitation, or they think they know best when it comes to what will look good, and that's not always the case," says Kazmerek. "Sometimes you need to take a step back to take two steps forward, talk it out, and trust in the stylist."
"If you got a fucked-up haircut and never want to go back to that again, or even if the cut just wasn't the best you've ever had, bring the bad photos with you," says Kazmarek. Arrive at the salon with a picture of yourself with a cut or color that you don't like and one of a style you've had that you really loved and compare the two.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES
Taylore Glynn is a former beauty and wellness editor for Allure. Previously, she served as beauty and health editor at Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar, and her work has appeared in Refinery29, Town & Country, Compound Butter, and RealSelf. She holds a master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Monmouth University. If you need her, she’s probably at the movies, braising a chicken, or evening out her cat eyeliner.
-
Netflix's 'A Man on the Inside' Is the Perfect Cozy Mystery—Meet the Charming Seniors Who Star Alongside Ted Danson
The new show from 'The Good Place' creator Mike Schur stars Ted Danson and several other sitcom legends.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Cher Reveals the "Fiasco" That Ensued When She Performed for Princess Margaret in 1965: "I Was Mortified"
"It was like a bad dream that we couldn’t get out of; we just had to stand there and wait for it to be over."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
A Tote Editors and Katie Holmes Adore Is Majorly Marked Down
Black Friday is your statement bag destination.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated