Charlie’s Salon offers hair cut and style advice

Despite being seasoned beauty veterans, even the best of us can be at a loss for words when sitting in our stylist’s chair.

Unfortunately, not communicating the right things cannot only lead to a poor experience, but (horror!) a bad haircut. To ensure you never have a cutting mishap again, we asked Pam Innes-Smith, owner of Charlie’s Salon and Spa, and a 33-year veteran in the industry, for tips when speaking with your stylist.

“Getting your hair cut can be intimidating,” Pam said. “Many times, a first-time client usually opens with a story about an awful past experience. To avoid confusion or disappointment after the cut, it is important to ask these questions beforehand, so you and your stylist clearly understand each other.”

1. Where will my style fall? When talking about the length of your hair, you want to ask where the perimeter will fall once it is dry and styled. As your stylist, if we discuss taking two inches off of the length, it may seem like more once I have styled it.
2. Will I have to style it every day? Many times, someone will come in and want a look that may actually take a lot of time to style, depending on the individual’s hair. It is important to ask this question because many prefer a wash and wear cut, which makes their morning routines easier. You should always choose a haircut that works best for your lifestyle.
3. Will I be able to pull it back? One common mistake is deciding to cut your hair so short that you are not able to pull it back into a ponytail. When discussing a new cut with your stylist, always mention if you want to be able to pull it back because this instantly rules out a lot of super short styles, and leaves little room for miscommunication.
4. What will the maintenance be like? Some haircuts require more upkeep than others. Ask your stylist how often you will have to return. I have some clients who only are able to come in every few months. It is important for me to create a look capable of supporting itself for that amount of time.
5. Should I wait? When trying something new or switching stylists, it is best to be patient. In some situations, it is necessary to give your hair time to grow before changing the cut, thus giving your stylist a clean slate. Ask your stylist if the look you want is achievable with what you already have, or if you should let it grow for a little while first.

For more information, call (480) 634-7167. You can visit their website at CharliesSalonSpa.com. Charlie’s Salon and Spa, an AVEDA Family Salon, is located on the northeast corner of Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 110, near Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.