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Be cautious with your sources -

When looking for pictures of hair, choose examples that resemble your own. If you have straight, fine hair, you shouldn't choose pictures of people with thick curls. It's important to find a reference that matches your natural texture.

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Speak up -

Don't sit silently on the chair. Speak up if something's not quite your style. Maybe you don't like blow-drying at all, or you have a favorite side for parting your hair. It's okay to say so.

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Don't be vague -

Avoid asking your hairdresser to cut off an inch from all sides and mentioning that you might want more adjustments later. If you say that, he or she will have to do two or more haircuts.

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Keep your expectations realistic -

It's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to hair changes. If your friend went from brunette to red in one appointment, keep in mind that this doesn't apply to everyone, as each person's hair is unique.

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Show pictures of styles you like -

It helps a lot if you bring pictures of inspiring hairstyles that suit your hair type. You should also be clear about the looks you don't like.

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Bring in realistic pictures -

Hairdressers find it frustrating when clients turn up with unrealistic images. Avoid bringing filtered or wig photos.

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Coloring and lightening are different things -

To darken or maintain a similar shade, color molecules are implanted into the hair shaft. Lightening removes the molecules (melanin) from the hair so that it becomes lighter. In other words, coloring and lightening are the opposite.

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Good coloring has a price -

Be ready if you want to change your hair tone. Good coloring requires both time and financial commitment. Salons use top-notch products to ensure you get what you paid for.

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Don’t lie about the box color and products you've used -

The stylist will eventually find out. If you lie, the repair will only be more difficult and more expensive. Hairdressers don't care what product you used—they only care about doing the right thing, and that depends on your hair history.

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The finger tip -

To find out if you really like a model's hairstyle, simply cover her face with your finger while you evaluate the cut. This way you can see if you really like the hair and not the face.

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Be polite -

Don't be rude to your stylist when they try to sell you products. Hairdressers aren't trying to raise your bill—they're doing their job and helping you maintain your style.

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Know your measurements -

Make sure you know what six inches (15 cm) looks like. You may think you want to cut off that much, but you should be aware of what it actually looks like so you don't get upset.

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Do you want to keep the length? -

To keep your hair length as it is, it's important that you tell your hairdresser. Otherwise they'll just cut off what they think is dead and it could end up being a bigger trim than you expected.

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Dirty hair is a 'no no' -

Hairdressers actually prefer their clients to show up with clean, dry hair.

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Clean your ears -

Before your appointment, it's important to make sure your ears are clean. Quite apart from being unhealthy, it's unpleasant for the stylist, who doesn't want to see waxy ears. 

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Arrive product-free -

As well as clean hair, make sure you don't use products such as gel or hairspray before turning up. 

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Remember what to wear -

Avoid wearing a hoodie or turtleneck unless you take them off. These items of clothing will get in the way when the stylist is trying to cut and color your hair.

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Be clear about what you want -

Dealing with an indecisive client is time consuming. Try to have a clear picture of what you want before you sit in the stylist's chair.

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Don't lift your head -

To avoid discomfort when washing, don't lift your head when it's in the shampoo bowl. The back of your shirt will get wet, which can be uncomfortable for the rest of your appointment.

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Eyes closed -

Keep your eyes closed while getting your hair washed. It can be uncomfortable for the hairdresser if someone stares into his/her nostrils.

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Don't suddenly switch how you're sitting -

Avoid changing your sitting position during the haircut. Crossing and uncrossing your legs can affect the outcome of the cut. If you need to readjust, just say so in advance.

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Hold that pose -

Hold your head while sitting on the chair, otherwise you might get the wrong snip. The rule is: hold that pose and only bust a move when your stylist says so.

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Say what you want and don't want -

The stylist won't know what's on your mind if you don't say so. Make sure you communicate clearly and state your personal 'dos' and 'don'ts' to achieve the desired final look.

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They can't hear you when blow-drying -

It is difficult to talk to the hairdresser while he/she is blow-drying, so it's best not to chat.

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Be honest -

If you are not happy with your haircut, you should tell your hairdresser honestly and politely. They are usually willing to make any necessary adjustments to ensure you leave the salon feeling like a million bucks.

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Don't overthink -

When you speak, try to pay attention to how you move your body, especially your head. Imagine how difficult it is to style the hair of a client who is constantly moving.

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Don't "help" with removing cut hair -

When the stylist is done with your hair, don't try and remove the cuts. You'll make quite a mess if you brush loose hair over yourself and let it fall on your clothes and shoes.

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Be realistic about your hairstyle -

Different hair types require different hairstyles. Don't criticize the hairstylist who is trying their best to please you. They are trying to make you happy with a style that actually works.

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Spread the word -

If you love your your new hairstyle and hairdresser, share your positive feedback! They'll appreciate you more, as the hairdressing industry relies heavily on word-of-mouth.

Sources: (Thought Catalog) (Cosmopolitan)

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