Thanks for all for your feedback and comments on the Hair Raising Adventure. It is always amazing what an emotive issue hair is for us gals, and I’m glad to read that some of you chaps understand the situation too. Given that Mr SKM has been shaving his head bald for over twenty years now, it is hard for him to understand the plight, but at least it saves on hairdressing bills to put towards the cost of looking after mine!
So to put you out of your misery, I’m going to show you the results of the hair cut and give you my verdict on the process.
Firstly, I approached this hunt by talking to lots of stylists. Showing them pictures, diagrams and generally having a chat about what I wanted to achieve. With the huge variety of up do’s I am always trying to achieve, it somewhat limits my choices of hair cut. So while part of me wants to go the whole hog and get a traditional long middy cut, it just wouldn’t have long enough layers in it to put up in some of my 1960’s styles. On these consults, I took with me a copy of a 1940’s hairstyling manual, complete with cutting diagrams and finishing tips; photos of the various styles I wear my hair in; and photos of the lovely Rita Hayworth. I went to visit a “Master Stylist”, who after assuring me he understood exactly what I needed, gave me a personal recommendation to someone who was supposed to be perfect. I felt like he has really listened to me, and had a good handle on what I wanted.
When I rang to make a time to see the stylist in question, I wasn’t able to speak with him, nor did any of my calls get returned. So I gave up and just booked an appointment. It turned out that I needed to split this appointment into two as it was to take over SIX HOURS to complete my hair! Firstly, I had the colour done. The colourist was a really lovely young hairdresser who took the time to get to know me, making real conversation and still applying herself meticulously to the task at hand. She took her time and made sure that everything was perfect, as the results were to attest to. But here is what surprised me. Given that this was a rather pricey salon I expected more than what I got. I expected to be introduced to the Stylist that was to cut my hair later that week, but wasn’t even acknowledged till I was walking out the door. I was expecting the other staff that spent any time with me to give a damn, but chatting about your week to the other stylist in the room while washing my hair at the basin is not okay. I am not an inanimate object, nor am I something to be “multi tasked”.
When I returned later in the week for the hair cut, I sat with the Master Stylist for a few minutes while he listened to what I had to say. I was feeling a little nervous at the lack of questions this prompted, as it also seemed that their wasn’t much understanding of the big picture of what I wanted. I want to be able to trust my stylist, but it is hard to know you are on the same page unless they reflect back to you what it is they think you want. I’m entirely sure that there is much lost in translation between stylist and client, as we all have different mental pictures and can even interpret the same photographs differently. Anyway, trusting more in the person who had lead me to this Master Stylist, I put myself in his hands and let him begin to cut.
So far, so good. I felt lighter (that could go either way) and could already see the natural curl in my hair beginning to give it more bounce. I was also very impressed with the stylist assisting. She was not only interested in her job, but interested in finding out the hows and whys of what had been going on with my hair. Basically, she took the time to ‘get it’. Now here I am, hair freshly coloured (win), nicely cut (win) and about to tackle the third part of the holy trinity of hair dressing – the final styling. In the last few years I have not met a hairdresser that has been able to complete all three tasks with success, so my fingers were crossed that a miracle was about to occur. But it was not to be.
After chatting to the Master stylist about “wanting to make good use of the natural curl”, the interpretation was “letting it dry naturally to see how it curls.” Okay, this is all well and good, and indeed quite practical to allow then for any other shaping that the cut may need. But I have to say that this must be the part that gets lost in translation, and as I saw the diffuser coming towards me, my nerves increased. Still, I sat there, hoping that this was just a part of the final evaluation process and was relieved to hear, “I’ll diffuse this, then stretch it out a bit”. But once I could see the product going onto it to finish it off, I was having a minor coronary in the chair. I looked like the 1990 version of myself, like Jennifer in Flash Dance, and a moment of sheer horror and panic ensued.
Were did we go wrong? Like I say, lost in translation. ( I could go on here for an age addressing where I think all these styling issues lie, but I’ll move it along until we reach the solution.) I don’t know what the Master stylist was thinking at this stage, but if he was as horrified as me, he hid it well. “Is this too casual for you?” I tired to explain that I don’t do “casual” like this even when taking the rubbish to the top of my street! But how to fix it? He tried a little more brushing and stretching to no avail, then suggested that perhaps we should wash it and try again? I was almost about to agree to another hour and a half in the chair to make myself presentable, when words were issued that spelt the death knell on this relationship. ” How about I get the girls to put some curls in with the GHD?” My stomach turned and then I knew I was back to square one. I couldn’t disguise my horror as I almost lept out of the chair to say, “Absolutely Not!” and then gave a dissertation on the directionality of curls and how it was imperative they be created the correct way to achieve these vintage styles. In the end I gave a lesson on barrel curls to the 2ic, and had to short cut the whole process which left me in a frizzy, but passable state.
The good news is that the cut is working out well, and the colour is brilliant. The bad news is that what I paid for the honor of having to style my own hair (yet again),means that it is unlikely I will ever go back. When I could already get a decent cut (albiet not perfect) and colour for a third of the price locally, it just doesn’t make good sense. Perhaps I am the client from hell, perhaps my standards are just too high or perhaps I just need to keep on looking. (Thank you for your recommendations – I will be trialling those on the list) But at least I can say that this week I have good hair again thanks to that good cut and colour – even if I still have to do the styling myself.
Now I’m off to the local bingo hall to pump the old ladies for information on who does their sets!
You’re looking quite gorgeous!
I LOVE how you are styling it. So classy and Old Hollywood. <3
See, this is why I don’t do hairdressers! To cut, yes, but style? They always make me frizzy!
You look gorgeous though and I wish you oodles of luck with your next stylist.
Ah, my condolences on having to go looking again.
You are seriously not too far off the mark in asking elders who sets their hair! There are a few old-school stylists still out there who really do know how to do a good set, and it’s the octogenarians who know their names. They also know how to cut hair that will be set regularly rather than “wash and wear.” My very first job was in a salon with about half modern stylists and the other half serving older women who’d had sets from the 1950s on…..and you’re correct that it’s a completely different way of hair cut and care. I look forward to seeing what you come up with but think your hair looks lovely!
Bummer you couldn’t find someone to style your hair. I figure I do my hair better than anyone, so unless I am going to a black tie affair, I do my own hair!
Thanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife
Oh SKM! I feel your pain! When the ‘assistants’ come toward me with the GHD I cringe. Thankfully my hairdresser stops them and says “Volume with dryer only”. I rarely get my hair styled at the salon anymore, purely for time reasons, but I also know that, given I have to wash my hair at least every 2nd day, that I’m not spending the money on having someone else style it.
I now have squishy, crocheted, can sleep in rollers to set my hair of a night time though, so I can wake up with beautifully set hair.
Oh the joys and pain of curly hair! As much as I love my stylist, NO ONE knows how to style my hair like I do. That’s just what happens when you grow up with your own hair. You know how it curls and what products to use. All that being said, you hair does look beautiful! I can’t wait to see more pictures as you keep styling.
Well, I think it looks gorgeous!
XXASB
Looking good SKM – despite the dramas in the chair.
WHY do stylists rarely get it right? I’ve been probably 50/50 successful. Often the inexperienced will add SMOOTHING products to my hair and attack it with the GHD and leave it at that. I don’t need my hair looking any flatter thankyouverymuch.
Thanks for the recommendation on the Box Hill hairdressers.
I shall be looking into it.
Dare you tell us which hairdresser you were at this time?
Esz: Mother said, ” If you can’t say anything nice…” Nah, I’m please with the overall result of what they achieved cut and colour wise, and most of the staff were very nice. I was hoping to give them a glowing recommendation, but as I wasn’t 100% I won’t name names. In saying that though, if it were a complete disaster and I felt a warning was necessary, I would indeed name names!
Hey, I think you look great! The funny thing is though, I originally found your site through one of your hair tutorials! You do a fantastic job with your styling, but know from past experience how frustrating it is to pay someone for a style you have to re-do yourself.
I noted that some of the folks in the previous hair post recommended Kat at Wildilocks. She has being cutting my hair now for nearly a year and although Im happy to leave it in her hands (I think she has great taste), I find that not only is she a good listener but her salons prices are incredibly reasonable! I actually left a tip equivalent to a 3rd of the price of my cut the last time I was there because I thought the low price they charged was ridiculous.
In past salons (particularly one large chain) they charged me more than 3 times as much and I was left quite unhappy with a style I had to fix myself when I got home. Really hate that!
Jo: Thanks so much for your insight. Kat is top of my list for the next experiment and I’m impressed by what you’ve said here.
Oh I’m very sorry to hear you were disappointed. It’s such a shame, particularly when you’ve prepared yourself with all the information that the stylist requires. How does it go so wrong?
I agree that the cut and color (especially the color) are well done. I am glad I am headed back to the US. Not that hair salons are any better there, but I know my way around!
In the US, I look for people who do pageant hair, sometimes salons that specialize in older ladies hair and such. One of the best sylist I ever had was a prize winning stylist in a town of less than 10,000 (and that was only when uni was in session) who had retired early to raise her blended family of 10 kids! She specialized in doing long hair and I got mine grown out to shoulder length and looking fantastic while I was there at Uni. Have never found another as good, but it doesn’t quite justify the move back!
Anyway, good luck, at least you CAN style it now and get the way you need.
As always, you look fabulous.
it may sound strange but my hairdresser choice has been firstly based on name. for some strange reason the best hairdressers have all been all called Elizabeth. Like elizabeth landry in chadstone and elizabeth jabbour in qld. Amazing gals.
Another great place is Marian’s Petite Salon 75 Poath Rd, Murrumbeena.
Tiki Doll: LOL I like your system! Thank you for the recommendation.
Mitzy G: Oh I LOVE those pageant stylist! I had my hair done by one in Vegas and they totally get what I mean when I say ” I was big Porn Star hair!” LOL I looked a million dollars and LOVED IT!
What a horrible experience. You still look fab, though. Hope that “master stlist” reads this post.
-Meream
Meream: Trust me, this wasn’t horrible. I have had far far worse! I’ve had the wrong colour put on with the results a disaster, I’ve had colour stripped until my scalp blistered, I’ve had it hacked off my someone who had no idea what they were doing until I looked like an 80 year old IN A BAD WAY, and even had a bleaching job go wrong where they MELTED almost the entire white section of my hair! So having a great cut and colour is still a winner,even if it was super $$ and the finished styling was seriously lacking.
I have been avoiding the hairdressers for months for this very reason! To be honest I wouldn’t let most people choose my clothes, so it’s not surprising that’s it’s hard to find someone who will make something you wear everyday to your taste. However that doesn’t make it any less frustrating! Good luck on your search for someone more in tune with your needs. I hope you’ll keep us updated.
Hi SKM,
Firstly, I think your hair looks lovely.. although it really is quite disappointing that they couldn’t style it correctly for you.
I’ve had a ridiculous amount of trouble with hairdressers as well, I have very similar needs to yours, but recently by pure luck I ended up finding a fantastic girl
I just wanted to recommend the South Melbourne Rokk Ebony (Portcia Peacey specifically for haircuts), as they are wonderful people, they listen intently, and endeavour to do everything possible to make your experience the best it can be. I recently had my hair styled there, and I came out looking like Veronica Lake, it was lovely!
All the best in your hair adventures!
Caesi: Ohh that sounds like some swanky hair you got there! I’ll add them to my list of places to check out. Thanks.
Could you do an article on colouring? I am interested in dyeing my hair black, but I am worried about the damage it might cause to my naturally curly hair.
Ack. I can totally sympathize with your story! :/ This is what makes me quake with fear nearly every time I’ve had to go to a proper salon (thank goodness for my recent stylist find–she will do my hair at home, which puts me at ease better than a salon!). I find so often many stylist do not listen to what *I* want, but rather do with my hair what they think is best for me. Again, it’s the lost in translation effect. *sigh*
I hope you can find your dream salon though, SKM! You still look pretty glamorous to me, though!
oh my goodness… if only i knew had to set my hair… well, i think you look lovely.
Your hair is looking quite lovely. Shame you did not find the perfect hairdresser this time.I guess the quest continues
Just out of interest what 1940s hair manual do u have? I am looking for a hairdresser myself and am trying to track down some decent reference material.
Emma: The manual is one I found to download as a PDF from a scan somewhere. When I find the URL again, I’ll post it here for you.
Your hair looks lovely but I understand the lack of understanding especially when you have natural curl. A stylist has to know how to handle it. I have only ever found one, she also had mostly older clients so she knew how to set and pin curl, all the ins and outs of vintage hair. I wish I could have brought her to the US with me. I still have not found any one here who knows what to do with my hair so I look after all aspects myself.
It looks great but the experience goes to show how most hairdressers are really only interested in the cut, they don’t seem to study the actual “dressing”.
When I went to get my hair put up for a function a few months ago I told the hairdresser I wanted a 40’s vintage style and they looked at me like I was mad then gave me a book and said to pick what I wanted – which they weren’t able to achieve anyway. The hairdresser after chatting to her friends and ignoring me for 45 minutes; sniffed, said my hair was too long to do anything with (what the???) and made a half assed attempt to put it up.
Sorry about the rant your hair does look great and I can’t believe it last that many days for you!
Floraposte: I think that is where my disappointment lies – in the lack of “dressing” skills. we’ve become such a wash and wear bunch that it seems that the only dressing every required is for weddings and Debutantes, so the skill level has dropped dramatically.
I can only sympathize! I have on more than one occasion just told the hairdresser to forget it, and came home and fixed my hair myself.
I must agree with one comment. Ask around who takes care of the older ladies, or watch and see where they frequent in your area. Those stylists will have a better understanding of what you are looking for. The good knews is that the 60’s looks are starting to come back into style, so hopefully some of these hairdressers who only know how to do a straight cut or a Jennifer Aniston look will hopefully have to expand their abilities.
Your hair looks fantastic. I have a feeling that you are still a little frustrated with the “poof”. Be patient. It will tame down soon. After I get a cut, it takes a week or two for my hair to accept the new look.
Ah…such is life with thick curly hair.
Lorie: I was frustrated with the Pouf factor on day one, but after setting it myself have been much happier with the result. You are correct about the Jen Anniston hair – that seems to be the only blow dry style most salons know these days!
I feel your pain (and I have dead straight hair) Every six years or so I have a fit of madness and decide I want short hair, which usually results in me crying on the way home and planning how I am going to grow it out. Now I have decent length hair, but I had layers cut about a month ago, and regret, regret, regret. However, someone has told me about a salon in a nearby town that ’sets’ old ladies’ hair so I am going to look into that. The problem is I run three + times a week, so I can’t just get it set once a week and let it last! Any suggestions?
Megami: That IS a problem. Generally for those set styles and lots of the others I do, you don’t want to wash your hair more than twice a week. I suppose it depends on how much time you have to do your hair after each wash… Setting it in hot rollers yourself is easier than it looks, and the curls will stay better with the aid of styling lotion, but that also depends on your hair type. Personally, I’d choose not to fight with the type of hair that you have and get a cut that works well for dead straight hair. If it were me, I’d go for a Louise Brooks / Pulp Fiction look- serious drama!
I feel your pain. My hair issues are different but I still find it SO hard to get what I want from a hairdresser!!
Every time my nana comes to Melbourne she gets her set done at the hairdresser near the corner of Burke and Wattletree rd in East Malvern. It looks beautiful, just like how she would have look as a young lady. I recommend there for a vintage styling! – The name has lost me as my mum takes her there.
Chibolt: Thank you so much for the recommendation. That isn’t too far from me, so I’ll be looking into it.