Whether you’re booking in for a big change or just a subtle seasonal refresh, the key to walking out of the salon happy lies in one simple thing: communication. Yet for many of us, navigating changing hair textures, colour concerns and shifting style preferences, clearly explaining what we want can feel harder than it should.
We asked John Pulitano, co-owner and creative director of Sydney’s Headcase Hair, for his advice on how to bridge the gap between what’s in your head and what ends up on it.
Start with the why
Before you even think about the ‘what’, think about why you want a change. Are you feeling stuck in a style rut? Wanting something more low-maintenance? Trying to blend greys more naturally? The ‘why’ helps your hairdresser understand the motivation behind your choices – and helps them guide you in the right direction.
“Understanding why a client wants change is crucial – perhaps even more important than knowing what specific look they desire,” says John. “I need to assess whether they’re truly ready for a transformation and where their comfort level lies between minor adjustments and dramatic changes.”
Be honest about your hair (and your habits)
Your hairdresser isn’t judging you, but they do need to know the truth. If you only blow-dry for special occasions or haven’t picked up a round brush since 2003, say so. Similarly, be upfront about things like how fast your greys come through or how frizzy your texture gets in humidity. This helps them tailor a look that fits into your real life, not a fantasy one.
Bring pictures to your appointment
Yes, visuals help. But instead of saying, “I want this haircut,” use images as a starting point. Show them exactly what you like: the fringe, the face-framing layers, the movement. That gives your hairdresser creative freedom while keeping the vision clear. And don’t be afraid to point out what you don’t like, too – it can be just as helpful.
“Photos are an excellent starting point for clients to express direction or specific colours they’re drawn to,” says John. “However, it’s ultimately my responsibility as a stylist to assess suitability based on hair type and face shape.”
Talk length, not numbers
‘Just a trim’ means different things to different people. To you, it might be a centimetre. To your stylist, it could be five. Use your fingers to show how much you want off, or ask your hairdresser to show you with a comb or mirror before they cut.
“I never ask clients ‘how much length are we taking off?’ as they simply don’t have the technical knowledge to make that determination effectively,” John explains. “Instead, I reframe the conversation to understand their relationship with their length – whether maintaining maximum length is important to them or if they’re open to more significant changes.”
Ask questions – and listen to the answers
A good haircut is a collaboration, and your stylist has the training to know what works with your hair type, face shape and styling ability. If they gently steer you away from a blunt fringe or suggest tweaking your colour, it’s worth hearing them out.
“In my experience, the most common reason clients walk away disappointed is misalignment between expectations and reality,” says John. “This can be completely avoided through proper consultation.”
One of the key tools he uses to bridge that gap? A cutting technique he’s developed called The Texture Edit. “It allows me to create customised solutions for each client. The client never makes the final technical decision in my chair – they provide input, but I use my expertise to make recommendations that will truly work for them.”
