Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski’s recent thread about a racist incident at a New York City salon has gone viral. As she put it, it was the worst haircut of her life. In an equally honest TikTok post, Ratajkowski exposed her salon trauma. Her story inspired conversations about the critical importance of communication between clients and hairstylists.
A bad haircut can be a source of distress for many individuals, as it may take months to grow back to a desired length. Ratajkowski’s experience is a reminder that it pays to do your due diligence before stepping foot in a salon. Clara Purvis, the founder of Noordwyck Salon and Blue Dunes Beauty, emphasizes the significance of bringing reference photos to a haircut appointment.
“It’s super important to bring reference photos, be specific about what you want, and be just as clear about what you don’t want,” said Purvis. These tips help make sure that clients will communicate their priorities and expectations, helping to minimize the likelihood of miscommunication.
The lesson of Ratajkowski’s dilemma is that no one wants to spend months mourning their lost looks before they get a solution. Just a bit of planning in the beginning can spare people years of regret and heartache. Purvis recommends that the best way to prevent leaving with a botched ‘do is to begin with the right hairstylist in the first place.
Furthermore, she warns clients against doing too much with the photos that they find on the internet. “A lot of images online are heavily styled and even edited,” Purvis noted. This means that clients should approach these images with caution and consider how they might translate into an actual haircut.
Beyond having good quality reference photos, I think being specific about what you don’t want is just as important. With this degree of precision in their recommendations, hairstylists can safely explore the full range of options and the desired effect with clients, ensuring higher satisfaction and results.
While hair does grow back over time, the journey of regrowth can feel like a centuries-long road trip. So, people should feel empowered to be the masters of their salon visits. By engaging in meaningful dialogue with their stylists and ensuring they are well-prepared, clients can minimize the risk of leaving the salon feeling dissatisfied.
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