How to Describe What You Want to Your Hairdresser
One of the most common frustrations people experience at the hairdresser is the gap between what they asked for and what they got. Almost always, this comes down to communication — not skill. Hairdressers are not mind-readers, and the language people use to describe haircuts and colour is often incredibly vague or means something different to every person who uses it.
This guide is designed to help you walk into Yanni Hair Studio (or any salon) with the confidence to clearly communicate your vision — and walk out absolutely loving the result.
Bring Photos — Always
A picture is worth a thousand hair-related words. Bring 3–5 reference photos that show what you're after — not just one. Multiple references help your stylist understand the common thread between images: is it the tone? The movement? The length? The placement of highlights? Each client sees something different in every image, and multiple photos remove ambiguity.
Equally useful: bring a photo of what you don't want. Knowing what to avoid is just as helpful as knowing the target.
Instagram and Pinterest are great for reference images — but be realistic about the hair you're referencing. Images are filtered, lit professionally and often show hair that has been styled by a team. Bring references and we'll tell you honestly what's achievable for your hair type, condition and budget.
Useful Words and What They Mean
For cuts:
- "Lived-in": Soft, natural-looking layers with movement — not super polished
- "Blunt": A straight, even cut with no layers
- "Textured": Layers that remove weight and create movement
- "Face framing": Shorter pieces that fall around the face to flatter features
- "Curtain bangs": A centre-parted, soft fringe that falls to the sides
For colour:
- "Dimensional": Multiple tones rather than one flat colour
- "Lived-in": Soft grow-out, natural-looking colour (also called balayage)
- "Glossy": High shine, often refers to a gloss or toner treatment
- "Warm": Golden, copper or honey undertones
- "Cool": Ash, platinum or violet undertones
Tell Us About Your Hair History
Your hair's history matters enormously. Tell us what colour you have on your hair now (even if it's grown out), what colours you've had in the past, any chemical services (perms, relaxers, keratin treatments), and how your hair typically behaves after colour. This information directly shapes what's possible in a single appointment and prevents unexpected results.
Tell Us About Your Lifestyle
How much time do you spend on your hair each morning? Do you use heat tools daily or rarely? How often can you realistically come in for appointments? All of this shapes the right recommendation for you. A client who blow-dries daily can maintain very different hair to one who air-dries and washes twice a week — and both are completely valid.
"The consultation is the most important part of every appointment. The more you tell us, the better the result — every time."
— Yanni Hair StudioDon't Be Afraid to Speak Up
If your stylist is going in a direction that doesn't feel right — speak up. A good hairdresser welcomes this. It is never too late to redirect, check in, or ask a question. At Yanni Hair Studio, we encourage open communication throughout the entire appointment. We'd infinitely rather know in the moment than find out you weren't happy after you left.