TRICKS OF THE TRADE THAT YOUR HAIRDRESSER WONT TELL YOU!

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:15am

Hair

marco
Tricks of the Hair Trade That Your Hairdresser Won't Tell You!

By Marco Pelusi
Marco Pelusi Hair Studio, Inc.
www.marcopelusi.com

Are you having trouble with your hair? Are you having difficulty with your current hairdresser, or even looking for a new one? Well, the first 'trick of the trade' is that the very best way to find a hairdresser is that old saying: 'word of mouth'. Most of my good clients have been referred to me. The referral process is really how talented stylists get business. Ask around -- friends, family, or simply someone whose hair you like. Find out where they go, and when you make an appointment, mention who referred you. Another really great insider tip for you is to schedule an appointment with your current or new hairdresser early in the week (like a Tuesday or Wednesday) in either late morning or early afternoon. This way your stylist will still be at the beginning of his/her week, and he/she is not tired yet. Usually it's less hectic early on in the day as well, so you'll get more time with him/her. Try to aim for the second appointment of the day. Also, sometimes, it's easier to get a last-minute appointment early in the week, if you have an emergency.

So are you really anxious about changing hairdressers, or even just about getting a new look? The secret here is to schedule a consultation first, without scheduling a hair service, especially if you're seeing a stylist for the first time. Most hairdressers should do consultations on a complimentary basis, particularly in this difficult economy. Bring in pictures as examples of what you want to do with your hair, and talk it over. Just be sure to have realisitic expectations about the hair in the photo, as it may simply not be possible for you to achieve an exactly similar look. A good stylist should honestly tell you what will and won't work for your hair -- based on the limitations with your hair. I'm also a personally a big believer in NOT over-promising. If you consult with a hairdresser for the first time, and he/she seems to promise you the world, proceed with caution! It's nearly impossible to exactly duplicate the hair in the photos on your hair, since everyone has different face shapes and hair textures. A desirable stylist will be very honest about what he/she can realistically do with your hair, and will work with you to find something that will be right for your face shape and hair type.

Finally, if you like what either your current or your new hairdresser did with your hair, a great idea is to pre-book your next appointment, while you're still at the salon. Not only does this insure that you get the best day and time for your schedule, but your stylist will appreciate this show of loyalty. Also, again, if you were happy with the results, be sure to connect with all the staff members at the salon that you come in contact with. Don't forget to tip the shampoo person, as this individual has a great deal of control over your hair, especially when getting your hair colored. If you're good to the folks at the salon, they'll want to be good back to you! Happy hair!

Marco is offering Meg's readers 10% off any service or product. Just email marco@marcopelusi.com - Marco's administrator will respond to your email - and to mention meg's makeup in the email/order for the 10 percent.

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Reviews

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:29pm

hao9703 says,

Marco- Thanks so much for the inside scoop. I really appreciate you taking the time to go over everything point by point.

Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 39

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 1:46pm

ldpage says,

I have not been into a salon in years,(Hair cuttery) I can narrow it down to 15 yrs. I can remember the last time I went...the girl doing the cutting/styling insisted that my long hair was adding years to....me, my look etc...(we have 5-6 Hair cuttery's in my hood)I can remeber sitting there with my mouth hanging open then I muttered "ok" and she cut about 7" off my almost waist long hair, I left holding back tears and my anger in check, I was pissed at myself, I was pissed at the girl ( fresh out of school) for,for....shit I don't know. But one thing I did know, "This was not going to happen to me ever again" . So, we live and we learn and sometimes we get burned. So its a good thing I have very curly hair, easy to style, I do my own coloring ( sometimes not so good) but I'd love to try Marcos' shampoo's and conditioners, styling products.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Normal Age: 46

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 2:24pm

shaybear says,

Fantastic tips! Having known a hair-dresser for many years I'm well aware of the second-appointment-of-the-day trick. ;]Thanks so much for all of your valuable information, loved reading it!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 27

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 2:28pm

bluedevilkitty says,

Thank you for these GREAT tips! They're so useful, especially when given from an "insider". I will definitely try to remember these tips next time I'm in need of a hair cut (although I usually just have my mom cut it!)

♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 24

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 2:56pm

PinkFluff says,

Awesome tips! I've only been happy with my haircut once, out of all the gazillion times I've gone to a salon. Apparently I never learn... =P

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 17

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 3:21pm

mileena123 says,

Great tips. I don't go to the hairdresser nearly enough. I'm going to make an appointment for next week though because I'm in a wedding soon and I don't know if my BFF will still like me if I show up to her wedding looking like I do right now.

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 22

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 3:40pm

simplesweets says,

Thanks for the tips!

Eye Color: Hair Color: Skintype: Age: 19

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 3:51pm

MakeupByJessica says,

I am so happy that we get to have inside scoop from the best. Thank you for offering the 10% discount. I always tip the shampoo person. :-)

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 5:09pm

fatcat says,

Thanks for the tips Marco!!! I'm currently looking for a new stylist, as my lovely hair magician moved out of town recently... so sad. Anyhow, I will surely heed your advice in my search for the best stylist in my area. When I find the right person, I always pre-book my next visit. Not only does it show my loyalty, but it also helps me make sure that I get my hair done on a timely basis (otherwise I'll go months without a cut).

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Normal Age: 31

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 5:20pm

supermon says,

thanks for the tips! i've never had a haircut that I absolutely love. too bad your salon is so far away from me!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 27

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 5:45pm

erica says,

I actually go to the home of my stylist who I used to see at the salon. I was referred to her by her sister, my best friend, who has even more hair than I do, if that's possible, and it always looks amazing. I tip her MORE to sit in her kitchen and have my hair done than I did when I went to the salon, and I give her all the makeup products I try once and don't use, which she loves, because as a young mother, she has no extra money for makeup,but loves it. While she's doing my hair, I want her to know that she's appreciated, and in return, if I ever have a "hair emergency", like I have to go out of town and didn't realize how bad my ends/roots had gotten, she will let me come over at 5am on a sunday if that is the only time I can make it!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Red Skintype: Oily Age: 41

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 6:24pm

MakeupByRere says,

I am so happy with my current stylist, I won't let any one else touch my butt length locks! My hair is my fave feature so I am super picky about my cuts...it took me 5 years to find a stylist that I wanted to stick with! It can be a real pain in the butt to find a good one these days...so many places are charging more to make you think they have the best stylists when really, they should be working somewhere cheaper!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 24

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 6:27pm

MakeupJunkie says,

Its so hard finding a great stylist. I don't think I've ever had a haircut that I've absolutely loved. Thanks for those great tips. I appreciate it. :)

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 21

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 7:15pm

sweetxsoul says,

Thanks for the tips! I need a new haircut soon, and I never knew I could get a free consultation without committing to the haircut! That's great news :)

xoxo

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 18

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 7:59pm

jessie616 says,

thank for taking the time to let us know this. it defiantly a good thing to know

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 9:11pm

heatherhearts says,

These tips are totally true. There are many hairstylist that will tell you they can do anything for you hair and then in the end you just end up with a terrible haircut.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 18

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:21pm

xxciaobella says,

Thank you very much for these tips! It looks like I need to get a new hair stylist...yikes

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 18

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 12:19am

savvysherri says,

Thanks so much for the tips and for the discount. I am currently looking for a new hairdresser for my curly dry hair, I am sick of wearing it pulled back and would love a new look. Thanks again.

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 46

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 12:20am

Parakeet says,

Thanks for the tips! And I very much agree about they best way to find a good hairdresser, by asking around. That's they only way I have ever found hairdresser's I have been satisfied with.

Eye Color: Other Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 32

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 3:04am

switchstar says,

Thanks for the tips, I love my hairdresser and you're totally right! I know when you veer from that you can end up totally butchered!!!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 30

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 8:15am

Kimmielocks says,

Thank you for the advice, Marco. I loved that you realistically addressed what you can expect from a good hairdresser. I always seem to get some nerves whenever I get my hair cut, so I'll keep these tips in mind.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Oily Age: 22

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 9:31am

AgnesONutter says,

Thanks for the tip. The only time I have ever really been really pleased with my haircut was when I first got a consultation, so the hairdresser could think about it before she started cutting. She really pinned my personality down in that consultation, and went for an easy, minimum styling required perm, keeping most of my length while adding volume and soft, beautiful, bouncy curls. So yeah, consult first and cut then. :D

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 23

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 11:35am

elle_71125 says,

This post hits home for me. I went to this really fancy hair salon and they charged me a ton of money. I foolishly thought this meant I would have a great experience...ha, I was so wrong. Once of the hairdressers dyed my hair, which went fine. Then she stuck me under a blowdryer, which was supposed to dry my hair really fast and be nice and warm. Instead, she didn't turn the heat on so I was stuck on the other side of the room...freezing my butt off, while she started a new customer. When someone finally came to get me, they sent me to a different girl, since my original girl was in another appt. This girl (who was very nice) practically riped my hair out while brushing it...hello sensitive. I left feeling under-appreciated, not all that happy with my new hair style, and disapointed that I had spent so muh money for this.Anyway, I went to this little unknown hair shop in my local mall at the recomendation of my friend. I LOVED it. There are only 2 girls there and they were so nice and friendly. They really listened to my ideas on what I wanted and when the bill came...I was pleasantly surprised. It was so cheap. Needless to say, I will be going there from now on.

My scrapbook shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elle71125

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 7:46pm

darkhairedgirl says,

Wow! I had no idea hairdressers would do a consultation appointment. I've been going to the same hairdresser for about 18 or so years. The one time I went somewhere else, I was at college 800 miles from home, and it was an awful experience. I asked for 10 inches to be cut off (even measured out 10 inches on a piece of paper to show them, 'cause I didn't want them to cut off too much), and she cut off 17 inches of hair!! I looked like a poodle. I will DEFINITELY ask for a consultation when I do have to move out of state and find a new hairdresser!!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 11:38pm

switchstar says,

hehehe, I always know my hairdressers ahead of time, and I just tell them "You know me, I like funky/punk rock--- so go crazy do what you want- I am your canvas!!!"and I always walk out looking fabulous!If you find a good hairdresser, give them some license because they do know hair, and they are artists in their own right!!! : ))

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Other Skintype: Combination Age: 30

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 12:55am

Emylee says,

i love my hairdresser now !!! but before it was awfull !!! Great ideas !!!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Dry Age: 25

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 2:11am

stylemama says,

Marco, you are a very generous man. Your expertise, the thoughtful manner in which you share, the 10% discount, all of it--is greatly appreciated. I know all of your kindness will come back to you ten-fold. mmmmuuuuaaaahhhh!

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 36

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 12:02pm

TianLin says,

Thanks for the tips and the 10% off discount! You're so generous, my old hairdresser wouldnt ever tell me these things..I'm now looking for a new hairdresser.. :)

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 13

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 6:05am

allmaple says,

I have been going to the same hairdresser for 13 years, and am so scared to change! He has started teaching at a local highschool, so only works a day and half a week. You have to book him over a month in advance! When I was home from school for Christmas I needed a haircut and couldn't get in with him, so went to someone else. She did a good job but I felt guilty cheating on my regular!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 23

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 6:56am

Colie079 says,

Thank you soooo much!! I am in LOVE with my current stylist, lol. I will not let anyone else come within an inch of my hair. It's super long now and every stylist I went to in the past were very into cutting it short, and while I think short hair is sassy and cute, I love my long hair. Then I found the guy I currently go to and he is wonderfull!!!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 30

Mon, 08/03/2009 - 9:46pm

kathylovesmakeup says,

Thank you sooo much, great tips.

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 23

Sat, 08/15/2009 - 10:12am

maria123 says,

This was interesting to read. Thanks for the tips! I really always depend on my hairdresser to give me advice on what works for me. I don't really know myself what I want sometimes. Iam going to ask for a consultation next time I go to the hairdresser. I haven't done that before. Obviously I have a talk with my hairdresser a few minutes before she/he starts to cut my hair, but it would be nice to come in for a seperate consultation before the haircut.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Combination Age: 27

Wed, 08/19/2009 - 12:28am

Naughtyndnice says,

This is totally true. My hairdresser is actually a close friend of my mom's so it definitely helps! I think we even get discounts and all, and I can enjoy my nice haircut as my mom chats away with the hairdresser.

Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Skintype: Dry Age: 18

Thu, 11/12/2009 - 5:51pm

victoria1 says,

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us these tips.

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Dry Age: 42

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 9:26am

miev says,

It's time for me to start stopping women with beautiful hair on the streets. I really need to find the right stylist. Every time I've found one worth a repeat visit, they move. I need to find somebody established in town and quit going to the newest, hippest looking places.

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brunette Skintype: Oily Age: 36

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 2:07pm

stephanie91200 says,

insider tips are the BEST - thank you so much!!

Eye Color: Green Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 43

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 2:52pm

nbomski says,

Great information, I used to go to cheap places and every time I hated my hair after - I found a new stylist through my sister and now I won't go anywhere else!

Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Skintype: Combination Age: 25

Sun, 02/07/2010 - 9:57pm

cos_princess10 says,

I totally agree with the honesty. At least you could make your own desision if you still want the service done knowing it won't be a cut just like this because your face is wider and hair is thinner than her's. It's also doing the stylist good too because she was being honest with the patron before proceeding the service so if the patron hates it they can only blame themselves for knowing how it would end and still wanting it done.

Krysta<3