By Kristy Lynn Dixon

Do you ever feel like your stylist just doesn’t understand what you want? It happens. It’s because of poor communication.

To ensure that you and your stylist are on the same page, here are a few suggestions to bridge the communication gap:

· Know what you want – or at least, have an idea well before your appointment;

· Bring a picture – or a few, to give your stylist a general idea of what your expectations are; and

· Use your words to guide your stylist in the right direction. This is especially important for up-dos. If there’s something you don’t like – don’t wait until your stylist is finished to speak up. It’s easier to change course in the early stages.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and tell your stylist what you don’t want, even if you’re not sure of what you do want. A good stylist will offer suggestions and let you know up front if a style or color will or won’t work for your hair type and complexion.