bad haircut

How can you avoid a haircut from hell?

Categories : Salons

Last week a guy’s Haircut from Hell went viral. Edmar Camarillo posted this picture with the peg he showed his hair stylist and the less-than-perfect results.

bad haircut“Pangarap ko po sanang maging piloto kaya naappreciate ko po ang ginawa niyong runway sa ulo ko,” he said in his May 17 Facebook post, which has been gotten nearly 16,900 shares and 40,000 likes within a week.

To be fair, the salon management has reached out to him (and there are a lot of people who love that brand, known for its affordable prices and accessibility).

So what went so horribly, HORRIBLY wrong?

 

1.  Some haircuts need a skilled, experienced stylist.

“Many people don’t require the precision and tools that go into some hair styles. A simple trim is different from one that requires well-placed layers for texture and volume. If you have very fine hair, or very thick and unruly hair, an experienced stylist will also know how to adjust a style so it falls well,” says stylist Angelique Dy.

She’s quick to say that you can find very skilled, experienced stylists at neighborhood salons. “I’m sure you all have that friend with perfect hair who gets her P200 cuts from her suking stylist in the corner salon. But you can’t walk into a new place, and then try a very complicated cut with someone you have never met before. You have to try them first, test them, or at least get recos from friends. It’s like makeup: there are wins and fails. Kaya lang a haircut can’t be washed off.”

2. Read salon reviews.

If you want to cut your hair short, ask someone with short hair where she had it done. If you’re not sure where to go, then research on salons that specialize in your type of cut. If you want a Korean style cut, then it makes sense to go to a Korean salon. Many guys also prefer to go to barbers — rather than family hair salons — since the stylists are more familiar with men’s cuts.

Before cutting her long hair into a cute pixie, Mariel Cruz checked the Instagram and Facebook feeds of several Manila salons. She even asked friends for specific stylist’s names. “I called up a salon, asked for this particular person that everyone seemed to like, and booked an appointment. I took no risks!” she said.

This is really important if you’re cutting your hair short, or trying any cut with bangs. “It’s harder to ‘fix’ this cut because there’s less hair to work with,” says stylist Jojo Trillo.

3. Talk about the cut with your stylist.

It’s best to bring a picture, but as The Edmar Camarillo case proves, don’t stop there. Explain why you like the cut. And if you don’t like the way it’s going, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask what’s going on. “Why are you trimming it and not shaving it? Will you shave it later?” or “The bangs are longer than I expected. Will it look weird if we cut it a bit more?”

“That’s why I have favorite stylists — there are some who have both cutting and communication skills. They stop and say, ‘I’m going to cut it this short — is this what you want?’ Or if they won’t follow a cut exactly they’ll tell you what changes they’ll make,” says Mona Ramirez, a wedding planner who’s accompanied many of her clients to salons to get their bridal makeovers. “Trust and communication is so important. Especially if you’re getting a haircut before a big event.”

4. Ask for a senior stylist

Salons will often offer senior stylists who charge a higher rate. Book them if you’re going for a big change, or dramatic hair color. “Senior stylists are more experienced, and they also are more vocal. They will speak up and give recommendations, which is what you need if you’re doing a makeover. Sometimes a peg doesn’t translate well to your facial shape or skin tone,” says salon manager Booie Imperial.

5. When you find a good stylist, keep him!

When someone does an amazing job on your hair, say so! Then get his or her card, and then go back when it’s time for your next cut. There’s a great advantage to having your hair done with someone who understands your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences.