Want to Change Your Look?

by Valerie Gladstone — August 6, 2007

How is it that when you ask for certain changes of a makeup artist, haircutter, or a hair colorist, they so often get it wrong? It's not so bad when it's makeup and you can wash it off. Haircuts and color are a whole other matter. Rather than just deciding that no one understands you, it might be a good idea to change how you communicate. Being specific is a big help, and photographs of what you want to look like really help.

Makeup

You say: "I'm feeling bored with my current makeup look."
They hear: "Go crazy, do anything." Even if you don't end up looking extremely overdone, you'll probably never be able to duplicate the makeup yourself.
Instead: Give specifics, explaining what cosmetics you don't like, how much you usually wear, and how much upkeep you can maintain.

Haircuts

You say: Take off an inch or so
They hear: Take off as much as you want to realize your artistic vision
Instead: Show exactly wear you want them to cut

Chemical Processes

You say: I want to go lighter/darker/curlier/straighter
They hear: Make me platinum blonde or inky black or like Medusa or like I just got out of the shower
Instead: Forget descriptions and bring in photographs of what you want to look like