Getting a new haircut
is an easy and inexpensive way to change up your look (as opposed to a
new wardrobe or plastic surgery). Your hair frames your face, so it's
really the second thing people notice about you (next to the face
itself). A haircut is a pretty powerful tool -- it can enhance your
strong facial features and take emphasis away from weaker features.
Here's how to change up your haircut the right way.
First, you'll need to read my article on how to change your hairstyle
-- this will help you get ready for the change and arm you with the
information you need to make the right choices. Changing your haircut
sounds easy, but if you've been working the came cut for since high
school, the fear of change can get in the way. Once you get past that
apprehension, you'll then be more prepared to take the plunge and go for
something different.
Next, you'll need to choose the right haircut for your face shape and lifestyle. This is a critical step as face shape is a key factor in determining the right type of haircut to enhance your facial features.
For example, if you have a round face, a hairstyle
that is full at the sides will make your face appear even more round,
while a style which is leaner on the sides will add balance. A long face
will benefit from a fuller style. When choosing a new haircut lifestyle
is often a big consideration as well -- if you're active and don't have
a great deal of time to spend styling your hair, you'll need to choose a
lower maintenance hairstyle.
When choosing a haircut, it is often helpful to look a pictures of other guy's haircuts to determine what you like. Keep in mind that if you're a balding middle-aged guy, no haircut on earth will make you look like Johnny Depp.
It's important to be realistic -- choose photos of haircuts on guys
with a similar hair type and face shape. You'll want to print these
photos and take them with you to your haircut appointment. Don't be shy
about doing so -- your barber or stylist will appreciate the effort as
this will give him or her a stronger idea of what you like. Based on
these photos, they can then determine a modification of the style that
will work best on your head.
Of course, after you have an idea of what you want your new haircut to be, you'll have to find a barber or stylist
to do the cut. Of course, the easiest way to do this is to simply ask a
guy with a similar style who did the cut. Men, however, almost never talk about hair with other guys,
so this may not be an option for some. If this is the case, or you
can't find a friend/co-worker with a haircut you like, take a look at
the review sites and check out the high rated shops near you. Changing
your haircut is a good time to change the person who cuts your hair,
too. My feeling is that, if you've had the same haircut for more than
five years and your haircutter hasn't suggested updated options, you
need to find a new barber or stylist.
When you go to in to get your new haircut, make sure you have an appointment
and let the person you book with know you're coming in for something
new. This will give you ample time to talk with your barber or stylist
about the cut. Make sure to ask them to recommend the right products for the style
you choose and to show you how to do the style yourself at home. Going
in as a "walk-in" for a new cut can sometimes be problematic -- if the
shop is busy or if the stylist has a full book of appointments, they may
not be motivated to spend that extra time with you to make sure the
style is just right. As a general rule, when I know someone is coming in
for a change, I adjust my appointment book accordingly -- my goal is to
make sure the client is thrilled with his new cut and to make sure I
retain him as a client. It's not always possible to squeeze in someone
looking to make a big change and devote the proper amount of time to it.
When
getting a new haircut, especially if you're making a bold change, I
recommend going in for the cut on a Friday (or some other time when you
have a day off after). This will give you a day or so to get used to the
new cut.
Now, take a look in the mirror -- have you been working
the same tired cut for a number of years? Yup, it's time for a change. A
new haircut will make you feel fresh and get you noticed!
