Hair guides · THE 202 JOURNAL
A better consultation for curls, coils and textured hair
Bring the right references, explain your everyday routine and protect the length and shape you want to keep.
Bring your everyday look
The most useful reference is sometimes a picture of your own favorite haircut. Bring it alongside any inspiration photos, and explain what you like in each: the outline, the blend, the height or the length on top. A photo is a starting point for a conversation. Your texture, density, growth pattern and styling routine will shape the final result.
Say what stays
Before discussing what comes off, explain what you want to keep. You might be preserving the corners of your hairline, growing out the crown, keeping length for twists or maintaining the weight around your temples. If a previous cut went too short, describe where it happened. ‘Keep my shape and remove only the uneven ends’ is clearer than ‘just a little off.’
Explain your routine
Tell the barber whether you usually wear your hair picked out, brushed down, in defined curls or stretched. Mention the products you actually use and how much time you want to spend styling. A cut should make sense after you leave the chair. Ask how the shape will look in its natural everyday state, especially if it looks longer when stretched.
Agree before the first pass
Confirm the top length, side treatment, neckline and lineup together. Ask the barber to show the planned amount before a major change. Mention any discomfort or areas you prefer the tools avoid. At the final mirror check, look from the front, both sides and the back. Save a photo you can bring to your next visit.