When it comes to hair, you could say I'm adventurous. I've had highlights, platinum hair, and a perm. I've chopped it all off, and I've let it all grow out only to chop it off all over again. I figure hair grows back, so why no take a few risks with it along the way, right? Occasionally, however, my adventurous spirit can get me into major trouble. Especially when I think I'm a professional stylist and start snipping my hair myself. There are a few common haircut mistakes to avoid, and in order to steer myself (and you) clear of these mistakes, I took to the land o' beauty and spoke with hairstylist Anthony King.
From bad do it yourself cuts to disastrous over-processed hair, King says there's nothing stylists haven't seen in their salons. But there are a few common mistakes that people make that wind up damaging hair and style in the long run. "They're easy to fix," King says. "Just follow a few simple rules of thumb and your hair will thank you for it." The simple rules he suggests really are simple. So, with that in mind, here are a few common haircut mistakes people make and ones you should avoid next time you head to the salon.
1You Go To Long Without A Cut
The longer you without a haircut, the more you have to chop off. "People want to grow their hair out," King says. "But by waiting too long, they collect split ends, and stylists have to cut more hair off to keep it healthy." Moral of the story? Schedule regular appointments with your stylist. Depending on how fast your hair grows, King recommends every six to eight weeks.
2You Go Too Drastic When You're Not Ready
Don't go from Rapunzel to Pixie if you're not ready. Especially not if you're under the influence of emotions. "Think hard about whether or not you're ready to make a huge change," says King. "Hair grows back, but it takes time."
3You Give Free Reign
I'm one of those clients that gives my stylist free reign with what she thinks will work best because I trust her, and I'm not too attached to my luscious locks. "If you have a certain style in mind, keep your stylist on track," King says. "Don't give your stylist complete control if you're not sure you're ready for someone else to take over."
4You Assume Your Stylist Remembers
"If you've got a cowlick hiding in that mane, please remind your stylist," King says. "It's always better to be vocal and safe than silent and sorry." Even if you've been seeing the same stylist for years, it's a good idea to remind them of your hair's quirks and complications.
5You Try To Do It Yourself
King admits that even he's taken the scissors to his own mane once or twice. But that doesn't mean you should pick up the scissors, especially with bangs. "Please head to a stylist if you want bangs," King says. "Each face shape is different, and stylists know how to cut bangs to frame the face."
6You're Afraid To Switch It Up
"I have some clients who have had the same exact style for 10 years," King says. "It looks great, but I do think that everyone should change their style every once in a while." Even something as simple as adding in a few layers can change the game, according to King.
7You Overstyle Your Hair
Product, heat, up-dos — all of these in excess can add to the ruining of your marvelous mane. "It's always a good idea to give your hair time off, so it doesn't get too dry and damaged," King says. So give your hair a little R&R.
8You Fight The Flow
"If you've got kinky curly hair, a blunt bang isn't going to work for you," says King. "You've got to go with the flow of your hair. Whether that means parting on a certain side or adding in layers to add volume, don't fight your hair." It's easier to go with your hair's natural style than against it, and keeps it healthier in the long run.
9You Keep Quiet
If you're unhappy, say something! "Every stylist would rather know if you hate what they've done," King says. "If you're unhappy, we're unhappy." Whether it's one snip in, or at the very end of your session, King says stylists pride themselves in happy clients and they want you to have a cut you'll love, not loathe.
