I don’t know. I feel like because it isn’t an exact science. They are eyeballing grabbing chunks of hair and cutting. In between cutting your hair “the good” time and the next time you came in, they cut hundred of heads. They don’t remember exactly what they did to get the results you liked. They just wing it

Anonymous wrote:It can feel risky because it's someone who you're about to turn your hair over to, but you have to talk to them about it. Take pictures of the great cuts when they happen and a few days/weeks later and show them to the hair dresser and discuss. Same with pics of the ones that looked great at the salon but that you struggled to style. Be kind of course. I focus more on what made the amazing ones so great instead of harping on the really bad ones. I've been going to the same woman for probably 6 years--I even followed her when the salon closed and she moved to a different one down the street. They want you to be happy with the cut and they want your returned business.

Oh and tip well!

I always tip well. And when I get a great cut I emphasize that - "loved the way you cut it last time," etc. But I guess they don't remember specifics after time has passed.

A few years back, I had longtime stylist who gave me a not-so-great cut and I asked her a few days later to tweak it a little. She of course agreed to do it, but it felt awkward. Anything less than praise comes off as criticism.

Taking a pic is a good idea though. Maybe I'll pay attention more while she's cutting to see if I notice what the differences are between cuts that turn out well and those that don't.

In any event, looks like I'm not the only one this happens to, so it's not a "me" thing.

I have the same experience, OP. It’s been years since I’ve been to someone who did a good job each time.

It can feel risky because it's someone who you're about to turn your hair over to, but you have to talk to them about it. Take pictures of the great cuts when they happen and a few days/weeks later and show them to the hair dresser and discuss. Same with pics of the ones that looked great at the salon but that you struggled to style. Be kind of course. I focus more on what made the amazing ones so great instead of harping on the really bad ones. I've been going to the same woman for probably 6 years--I even followed her when the salon closed and she moved to a different one down the street. They want you to be happy with the cut and they want your returned business.

Oh and tip well!

It’s because hairstylists really aren’t that bright. Generalizing, but the majority aren’t.

I have this same issue. If you find a consistent salon please do share!

Post-covid went to new stylist. Higher end salon. (My old stylist moved.) I took a picture of what I wanted in general, got a terrific haircut. Went in again a few months later, took exact same picture, but cut was completely different. WAY too short, long on top, short choppy layers at the ends, and with my fine hair, looked like a mess for the next 6 months while it grew out.

Went to new stylist. Mid-salon. Just so I could get a normal cut. instructions were: Shoulder length, some face framing layers. Would rather it be too long than too short. And that's exactly what I got. Simple cut that I could style.

I've been going to her for more than a year now. It's always slightly different, even though instructions are same each time, but I can deal with it. Then, a few months ago, she gave me an incredible haircut. Perfect. I could sleep on it, wake up the next day, brush and everything was in place.

Went back yesterday for same cut. Completely different. Side pieces too long and bulky and keep falling in my face. Bottom with choppy layers and uneven. Longer on front sides and shorter toward ear.

One problem is that when the stylist blow dries/styles my hair it always looks good. It's not until I get home, sleep on it for a night, that I realize if it works for me or doesn't.

ugh! what gives? How to get the same cut every time?