How to Set Up Your Hair Goals Before Your Next Salon Visit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Communication with Your Stylist

Hand selecting hair color samples from a color chart – preparing for a goal-setting consultation with a stylist.

. Preparing for a salon visit can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just maintain your current style, setting clear hair goals can make a huge difference. By preparing ahead of time and learning how to communicate your needs, you’ll leave the salon feeling confident and happy with the results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to define your hair goals and communicate them effectively with your stylist. . Step 1: Know Your Hair Type and Condition Before you even think about hair goals, it’s crucial to understand your hair’s natural type and current condition. Knowing this helps your stylist recommend treatments and styles that will work best for you. • Assess your hair type: Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? • Evaluate the condition: Is your hair dry, oily, damaged, or healthy? Be honest with yourself about the state of your hair so your stylist can provide the best care. . . . Step 2: Research and Find Inspiration This is the fun part! Look for inspiration to get a clear idea of what you want. Bring images to your stylist to help them visualize your dream hair. • Use Pinterest or Instagram: Save pictures of hairstyles, colors, and cuts you love. • Consider your lifestyle: Choose a style that suits your daily routine. For example, if you don’t have much time for styling, opt for a low-maintenance look. • Be realistic: Keep in mind your hair’s texture and what’s achievable within one appointment. . . . . Step 3: Define Your Hair Goals Clearly • Ask yourself: Do you want a change in length, color, volume, or texture? Think about what you really want to achieve with this visit. Are you looking for a small change, a major transformation, or maintenance? • Be specific: Instead of saying “I want a trim,” specify “I want 2 inches off,” or “I want to add face-framing layers.” • Consider long-term vs. short-term goals: Some hair goals, like growing out your hair or achieving a lighter color, might take multiple sessions. Step 4: Bring a “Hair History” Your stylist can make better decisions if they know your hair’s past treatments. This is especially important for color treatments. • Share past treatments: Mention any recent chemical treatments, like coloring, perming, or keratin treatments. • List your products: Tell your stylist about the shampoos, conditioners, and styling products you regularly use. • Explain your daily routine: If you often use heat or don’t have time for extensive styling, it’s helpful for your stylist to know. . Step 5: Communicate Clearly During Your Appointment The key to leaving the salon happy is clear communication. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify anything you’re unsure about. • Describe your ideal look: Use descriptive words, like “soft layers,” “natural waves,” or “sun-kissed highlights.” • Ask for your stylist’s opinion: They are experts and can guide you on what will work best for your hair. • Be open to advice: Sometimes your stylist might suggest a slight change to better suit your hair type or face shape. . Step 6: Ask About Aftercare Once your goals are set, and your style is complete, ask for tips on maintaining the look at home. Proper aftercare can extend the life of your new style or color. • Inquire about products: Ask which products are best for your new style and color. • Learn about styling tips: If your new look requires specific techniques, ask your stylist to demonstrate. • Set up future appointments: If you’re committing to a color, you may need regular touch-ups. Schedule them in advance to maintain your style. . . . Setting up your hair goals before your salon visit and learning how to communicate them effectively can transform your experience. With clear expectations and open communication, you’ll build a great relationship with your stylist and always leave the salon feeling your best. Ready for a hair makeover? Start setting your goals today and enjoy the confidence that comes with beautiful, well-styled hair.

Straight Hair Chronicles: Your Essential Guide to Keeping It Sleek, Fresh, and Fabulous

Do you have that sleek, straight hair that seems to be both a blessing and a mystery? Straight hair (Type 1) can look effortlessly polished, but let’s be real – it’s got a mind of its own. One moment it’s smooth and manageable, the next it’s oily and flat. Here’s a guide to understanding and loving your straight hair, complete with the perfect products to keep it at its best. What Your Straight Hair Says About You (Yes, Really!) Straight hair is like that friend who’s got it all together: calm, collected, and always shows up looking polished. If you have straight hair, you’re probably practical, straightforward, and love a clean, put-together look. But just like any smooth operator, straight hair has its quirks. Here’s a rundown: • Smooth Operator: Straight hair is naturally sleek, just like someone who enjoys a low-drama life. But a little extra TLC keeps it from looking lifeless. • The Oil Slick Problem: Straight hair loves to spread natural oils quickly, so those roots get shiny fast. A good dry shampoo is your secret weapon for that “I just washed my hair” freshness. • Flat as a runway: While straight hair is naturally smooth, it can lack volume, making it feel flat. But don’t worry – a volumizing boost is all you need to bring it to life. • Frizz-Free Vibes… Most of the Time: Straight hair isn’t immune to humidity, which can lead to frizz. An anti-humidity spray is the finishing touch to keep everything sleek. The Dream Team of Products for Straight Hair Ready to give your hair the love it deserves? Here are the must-have products that keep straight hair in its prime: 1. L’Oréal Volumetry Shampoo – This shampoo lifts the roots and keeps hair airy without any heaviness. Think of it as a mini spa day for your hair, giving it that fresh, light feel. Get it here. 2. Kérastase Densifique Conditioner – Adds just the right amount of body without weighing you down, perfect for fine, straight hair that needs a little extra bounce. Check it out. 3. Color WOW Dream Coat Spray – This spray is like a raincoat for your hair, keeping frizz at bay even on humid days. You’ll have that sleek, salon look for days. Discover it here. 4. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo – The ultimate refresh between washes. It keeps roots clean and gives you that extra lift, so you look polished all day. Find it here. 5. Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse – Add a bit of this mousse at the roots, and watch your hair go from flat to fabulous in seconds. Perfect for those days when your hair needs an extra “oomph.” Shop here. Quick Tips Just for You, Straight Hair! • Root Refresh: Use dry shampoo on second-day hair to soak up oil and add volume. • Volume with a Touch of Body: Apply conditioner to mid-lengths to add fullness without weighing down your roots. • Sleek, Rain or Shine: Dream Coat keeps frizz under control even on the muggiest days. Loving your straight hair starts with understanding its personality – smooth and sleek but with a few surprises. Give it what it needs, and you’ll enjoy that effortless, polished look every day.

5 Styling Products You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Your Hair Totally Does! 💁‍♀️)

Tall palm trees standing under a clear blue sky, typical of the sunny California landscape.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. . Let’s be real: styling your hair can sometimes feel like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. One-size-fits-all? Not in the world of hair. But no worries, I’m here to help you navigate through the maze of products that will give your hair that fresh-out-of-the-salon look (without requiring a magic wand). Ready to meet your new hair BFFs? But first, a little story… So, picture this: I’m in California for a hairdressing training, but not just any training—it was at the end of a week where I had been hopping between different cities every day. Planes, buses, trains… you name it. My suitcase? Oh, it was tiny—fits perfectly in the overhead bin. The problem? I packed the wrong hair products—completely useless for the Californian weather. . By the time I got to the training, I felt like I had been run over by a train myself. But wait, it gets worse! On the morning of the training, the hotel hairdryer decided to die on me. Yes, it just stopped working. So there I was, with half-dried hair that had gone completely wild. I looked around at all the perfectly styled women and thought, “This cannot be happening…” But here’s the thing—maybe it’s just me! You see, as a hairdresser, I think I’m destined to have messy hair when it matters most. It’s practically part of the job description, right? Hairdryers always seem to stop working at the most crucial moments—because why not? But don’t worry, this probably won’t happen to you! . Desperate, I turned to this girl with flawless hair and asked, “What are you using? How do you keep your hair looking so perfect?” She smiled and said, “You need to try Dreamcoat by Color WOW—it’ll save you.” And wow, was she right! As soon as I got home, I ordered it, and it’s been my go-to ever since. Now, to save you from a similar disaster (minus the broken hairdryer, because that’s probably just my luck), here’s my list of must-have products that I would never travel without again. Trust me, these are the products that will make sure you’re runway-ready, no matter what happens. 1. Color WOW Dreamcoat – This miracle worker saved my hair. It keeps your hair frizz-free, smooth, and sleek no matter the weather. 2. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli Shaper – When you need volume and lift, this is your secret weapon. 3. Kérastase Discipline Oleo-Relax Oil – Tames frizz and adds shine, perfect for thick hair. 4. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Bouncy & Tender Curl Defining Gel – Keeps curls soft, defined, and frizz-free all day long. 5. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Liss Control – Smooths flyaways and gives your hair a polished finish. . What About You? Now that I’ve shared my hair disaster story, I’d love to hear yours! Have you ever had a hair emergency while traveling, or discovered a product that completely saved the day? Share your story in the comments below, and who knows, maybe we’ll feature it in an upcoming post! 😊 Or, tell me—what’s your go-to hair product that you never travel without? Let’s swap secrets!

Welcome to the Hair Academy: Because Bad Hair Days Deserve a Happy Ending!

Group of women laughing and enjoying time outdoors with sunny background – representing joyful hair care moments.

. . Ever had one of those mornings where you wake up, look in the mirror, and think, “My hair’s got its own plan today, and I wasn’t invited?” Yep, we’ve all been there. That sleek, sophisticated look you were aiming for? Suddenly it’s more like a bowl of spaghetti, and don’t even get me started on bangs… sometimes, the best solution is a hat. 🧢 But don’t worry, I’ve got your back (and your hair)! Whether you’re battling frizz, lifeless locks, or a full-on “I give up” situation, I’m here with some pro tips to help your hair look fabulous – no matter what the day throws at you. And yes, coffee is optional but highly recommended! ☕😉 . 1. Frizz – The Hair Enemy No. 1 Frizz happens to the best of us, especially on those rainy days when your favorite product just… gives up. 🌧️ Quick fix: Keep a small bottle of lightweight serum or oil handy. It’s like a magic wand for taming frizz on the go. Just rub a little on your ends, scrunch it in, and boom – instant control. Long-term fix: Moisture is key! Make sure you’re using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. Your hair will love you for it! . 2. Flat Hair? Don’t Panic! If your hair is looking flat and lifeless (especially after a rainy day or too much heat styling), I’ve got you covered. Quick fix: Flip your head upside down and spray some dry shampoo at the roots, give it a little shake, and voilà – instant volume! 💥 Long-term fix: Invest in a volumizing mousse. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying, and it will give your hair the texture and lift you’ve been dreaming of. . 3. Too Many Products, Not Enough Results? We’ve all been there – a shelf full of hair products that were supposed to work miracles, but now they’re just collecting dust. 🛍️ Quick fix: Go minimalist. Stick to the basics: a good shampoo, conditioner, and one styling product. That’s it! Give your hair a breather from product overload, and see how it thanks you with newfound shine. Long-term fix: Get to know your hair’s actual needs. Is it dry? Oily? Frizzy? The right care depends on what your hair really craves. You’ll save time and money once you understand what works for you! . 4. Healthy Hair? It Starts from Within! Believe it or not, what you eat has a major impact on your hair. Yes, even that guilty chocolate snack. Quick fix: Add more foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds) and vitamins A and C. These help keep your scalp healthy and promote shiny, strong hair. Long-term fix: Drink up! Hydration is key – water is your hair’s best friend. Keep yourself hydrated, and you’ll see the difference in your locks. . Now that you’re armed with these quick fixes and long-term solutions, I bet your next hair day will have you smiling in the mirror instead of reaching for the hat. Want more tips and tricks? Join our [Iga Styler Beauty Tribe] and let’s tackle all of our hair dramas together! 💇‍♀️💪

The Time We Tried (and Failed) to Style Hair in Japan – Help Us Out!

Three women in uniform posing on a ship, smiling in a relaxing lounge area.

Working as a hairstylist on a cruise ship sounds glamorous, right? Sailing across beautiful seas, meeting people from all over the world, and getting to style their hair for all those fancy dinners. But let me tell you, sometimes it’s not all smooth sailing (pun intended)! One of the funniest – now funny, but at the time not so much – memories from my ship days was when we were passing through Japan. I was working as a hairstylist from Poland, alongside an amazing guy from Belgrade and a fabulous girl from South Africa. Between the three of us, we thought we could handle anything. I mean, we were professionals. Enter: Japanese clients.  Let me tell you, we were not prepared. The hair textures, the styles, the expectations – we had absolutely no clue how to manage their gorgeous hair. The products we had on board were all wrong for their hair types, and as you can imagine, our styling efforts didn’t exactly hit the mark. What was supposed to be sleek and smooth often turned into, well, let’s just say it wasn’t our best work! At the time, it was a bit of a nightmare – especially when people had paid good money for their styling. We were trying so hard to make it work, but it was a real lesson in humility. Now, looking back, I can laugh about it (mostly because I can imagine the poor clients trying to hide their disappointment politely!). But this experience made me realize how much I still have to learn about different hair types and cultures. So now, I’m reaching out to you – especially those of you from Japan, China, or nearby regions. What products do you use? What tips and tricks should we, people with soft European hair, know when it comes to working with your amazing hair textures? We’d love to hear your advice – whether it’s a holy grail product or a simple technique that helps manage and style hair like a pro. Help us better understand your culture, your hair, and how we can do better next time we find ourselves working with such beautiful, yet unfamiliar, hair types. So, drop a comment below and let us in on your secrets – I promise, we’re eager to learn and improve!