More about those cards. And my client/stylist relationships.

The reason why I ever hesitate (to do a mailing out to clients we haven't seen in a while) is... well, I suppose it is multi-layered. First, I hate the feeling of pestering someone or begging. It is good to think of it as a simple reminder. Second, why did this client leave? Did she not like her hair? (GASP! what on earth is wrong with her?) Why not?

 Sometimes I know a style doesn't turn out to be what she expected,  it can take working with a person's hair a couple times before it makes sense. Imagine trying to replicate a dress, creating your own pattern, with  results very similar to the original garment expected, but using different fabric--that is weight, texture and print. It is difficult when a woman (I have only ever had one guy who was particular and liked to talk about his hair so long I had to book out an extra 15minutes) finds a photo, assuming it will work as well for her as it does for the model. Showing me a photo of a hairdo she likes is very helpful, but then I ask her to point out another picture (or I show her that style in a different haircolor, or different angle), to see if there is consistancy. I can get a better idea of what they are going for, and if neccessary, I explain that we can go for the feel of that style; this is what will work, and this is where we'll have a similar feel. There are clients who are really good at describing.  There are clients who just speak my language.  Those are my loyals.  I love them!!  One person "fired" me, over the phone, and very respectfully.  It was a little uncomfortable, but I appreciated knowing what went wrong.  She liked me personally, I could tell, but I changed her hairstyle.  And she found a girl from her church who was doing hair, and this client just wanted to let me know she was moving on.  I don't think I could do that, but I was glad she did.  Other clients have silently fired me by not coming back.  Those are the ones I am afraid to send the card to, but I don't know for sure who they are. 

Bangs are such a big deal at MOE. And probably every salon. I design my own cuts around how I want my bangs. Often women will show me a photo, and then clarify, "I do NOT want bangs." or "I NEED my bangs." There are scars under a lot of bangs. And high foreheads, and birthmarks, and worry lines. Those sweeping bangs are cowlick management, ponytail 'something by my face' accompaniments. And layers, unless they are stepped, and disconnected (think deliberate punk or runway) are not numbered. There is no 'first layer, second layer'; they are differentiated by length, and direction of the cut. If you want some volume in your layers, they shouldn't be much longer than 5 inches in the crown. If your hair is long, shorter layers will often make the ends look thinner, because there is not as much going on down there past your collar bone. Variations of the shag will always be instyle. It just depends on how you want to rock it.

If you are never going to use product or blowdry your hair, tell your stylist this. She or he can then talk about the way your hair will react to the cut you are interested in. And People, if you have found a look you like online, or in a magazine, THERE IS PRODUCT IN HER HAIR, AND IT HAS BEEN HEAT STYLED. NO, YOU CANNOT GET A PERM THAT LOOSE, BECAUSE IT IS EITHER A) NATURAL CURL, OR B) CURLING IRON STYLED. Phew. I feel a lot better now.  By the way, aside from shampoo and conditioner, my hair ususally has about 3 or 4 products in it.  Root booster, often a 'plumping'/volume spray, volumizing gel, pomade, and hairspray.  If I don't use a conditioner in the shower, I use spray leave-in reconstructing conditioner.  It takes 10 minutes to dry my hair, and if I don't use the blowdrier, I am always sorry.  My hair is too flat in the crown, and too weirdly waved/bent everywhere else.  I rarely use my flat iron or curling iron.  Maybe on the second day, or for a date.

It will be interesting to see if there is much response from the cards.  And hopefully this week will be better. I'm guessing cards and appointment calls will arrive Tuesday...fingers crossed!
 Kind of makes for boring reading here, but, "I DO WHAT I WANT."  WAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAA! Christmas is less than 3 months away.  I hope you are getting a hair do twice by then.