Over the years, I have been to the best of the best hairdressers, including Trevor Sorbie, Antoinette Beenders, Richard Ward, James Galvin, countless top stylists at John Frieda, Nicky Clarke, Michaeljohn and Neville Hair and Beauty, as well as visits to Hershesons, Josh Wood, and Michael Van Clarke.
I have been going to my current hairdresser, Michael Charalambous at Nyumba, for several years. When we first met, I knew there was an immediate connection between us. He just got my hair. “Layers will not work on your fine hair,” he declared. He studied my face shape and features, my overall style, and my height. We went for a one-length lob.
As time has moved on, so has my hair. Michael is always changing it, keeping me looking contemporary. I have had countless styles. It has gone from long to short. My side-parting moved to off-centre, before, finally, settling in the middle.
My tresses have been black-brown and blonde as well as many shades in between. I have had highlights and lowlights. Michael persuaded me to stop colouring my hair. My locks did not like the chemicals, and the condition deteriorated. The Covid lockdowns provided the ideal opportunity to grow out the dye. I am so glad I did.
He also persuaded me to have a fringe. We started with small, wispy bangs and ended up with a full fringe, which I am loving as it works well with my new short, flipped-out bob. That is a recent change. Michael said that the flipped-out ends create width and prevent the hair from looking flat. Short draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
A good hairdresser should really know your hair and be honest about what it can and cannot do. You need to have a bond with your stylist. You should tell them about your hair’s quirks. They can alter from season to season. Your texture can change as you get older, so you may need to update your style. It is important to have a conversation every time you have your hair cut, as a small tweak can make all the difference to your look. Your cut should flatter your best features.
Ask friends with similar hair to yours for recommendations or stop somebody in the street or in a shop and ask them. They will be flattered. A salon may get a lot of press coverage, but that does not mean they will have the stylist for you. It is not where you go but who you go to that counts.
You can research styles on Instagram and see whose name and pictures of their work come up. You can pop into your local salon and ask them if they have a senior stylist who specialises in the type of cut you want, for example, pixie cuts. If you have fine locks, you want somebody who is an expert with this type of hair.
Take pictures to show what you like and what you do not like. Do not say I want 10 cms taken off the length. Your idea and their idea of 10 cms may not be the same. Tell them how much you want off the length by showing them. For example, if you do not want your hair shorter than your chin, point to where you want it.
You should have a conversation about what you like and did not like about previous cuts. If you do not want to spend a lot of time styling your hair, tell them. If you do not want to be going every few weeks for a trim, say so. You should always go for a few consultations before you pick the one.
Before booking your appointment, go away and think about it. Putting in the effort should ensure you end up with a cut that suits you and makes you feel good.
By Daralyn Danns
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