Thanks to my ability to predict hair trends, I have been called ‘The Hairvoyant’ and spend much of my time traveling the world styling shoots and teaching the next generation of hairdressers.
But I’ll tell you a big secret: beautiful hair isn’t just about trends.
My clients pay over £1,000 for an appointment because they know that, as well as doing their roots, I will spot the subtle cues that tell me the ideal hairstyle for them.
You too can get the best hair by avoiding the top five mistakes women make when they go to the salon…
Celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith reveals the top five mistakes women make
1. Never dress formally in the living room
Yes, you can sit in a chair for up to three hours, but it’s important to dress like the person you want to present to the world. Don’t be a mess in the living room!
Because? These are the non-verbal cues that your hairdresser will pick up. The way you present yourself will affect the suggestions your stylist makes, based on their subconscious assumptions.
If you no longer feel like your hair suits the person you want to be seen as, try visiting the salon wearing something that you think best represents your current mood or personality.
Don’t wear your gym equipment, work uniform, or the jeans you work in the garden. Instead, look fabulous with accessories and makeup, making it easier for your stylist to create a hairstyle that complements the real you.
2. Never lie about your hair regimen
You may not want to admit your penchant for DIY root touch-ups or using flat irons without heat protection, or both! However, it is essential that your stylist understands exactly how you manage your hair.
For example, some products, such as henna-based dyes, may respond poorly to professional color and cause serious reactions and hair damage.
Tom advises women not to jump from stylist to stylist. Instead, she says, “give your stylist three strokes before it’s gone.”
Likewise, if you blithely lie that you’ll blow-dry your hair every day, when the most you’ll get is a quick blow before running off, your stylist will make crucial decisions based on incorrect information.
The best hair is the kind that’s low-maintenance when you need it, but versatile when you want to make the effort, and an experienced hairstylist will do it right in most cases, as long as you tell us the truth to begin with.
3. Never show just one photo
When people bring in a single photo of themselves from decades ago, for example, I know that what they’re really looking for isn’t a new hairstyle, but to turn back the clock.
Likewise, showing a photo of Hailey Bieber’s bob is often not about the bob, but about how much they love the celebrity and her overall appearance. I can’t turn you into Hailey Bieber!
Don’t get obsessed with a specific idea. The person in your photo likely has a different hair type and features (they may have a longer neck, a rounder face, a different hair texture or line), all of which means your vision won’t actually work for you. .
My advice is to bring three photos of similar styles, with a hair type similar to yours and with the style you intend to style yourself. That way, your stylist can see what appeals to you and create a look tailored to you.
4. Never jump from stylist to stylist
When you’re unhappy with your hair, it can be tempting to switch stylists. But jumping too soon can send you into a spiral of disappointment.
Every stylist has a unique imprint, so cutting and changing can leave your hair looking disjointed, over-processed, or unbalanced, especially when it comes to color.
If you’re not totally thrilled after your first visit to a new stylist, it’s best to explain your concerns so they can accommodate your preferences, rather than moving on.
It is not uncommon for results to improve dramatically during the first few appointments. Give your stylist three strikes before it’s over.
5. Never skip a consultation
If you want to change your style, or if you’ve had bad luck with your hair, a consultation is crucial, so take advantage of any separate consultations that many salons offer for free or for a fee redeemable against future bookings.
I think a consultation is especially important around milestone birthdays. Turning 40, 50, or 60 is often a reminder that you don’t have to stick to the same style, and a style change can send you into a new decade with a big confidence boost.
If you need to reinvent yourself, set yourself up for success by making sure you both have time to go over all the details.
tomsmithhd.com @tomsmithhd