A haircut consultation is the most important part of the appointment — and most people skip it entirely. Whether you're booking your first visit or switching salons, knowing what to discuss beforehand leads to better results, fewer surprises, and a cut that actually fits your life.
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1. Face Shape Is a Starting Point, Not a Rule
Face shape is the most commonly referenced guide for haircuts, but it's rarely the deciding factor on its own. Here's a quick breakdown of how it factors in:
- Oval: Most shapes and lengths work well. Focus on texture and personal style.
- Round: Longer lengths, angled shapes, or height at the crown can create balance.
- Square: Soft layers, face-framing, and rounded shapes near the jawline add softness.
- Heart: Volume near the jawline and chin-length shapes can balance a wider forehead.
- Oblong / Rectangle: Width through the sides helps, so avoid cuts that add too much length or height.
Your stylist will factor this in, but the best cut for your face shape also has to work with your hair texture and your daily routine — which is where the real consultation begins.
2. Personal Style Shapes the Cut as Much as Face Shape Does
Two people with the same face shape can wear completely different haircuts and both look great. The difference is personal style.
Think about how you want to present yourself:
- Polished and structured: Precision cuts, sharp lines, and sleek shapes suit a professional or minimal aesthetic.
- Relaxed and effortless: Textured layers, lived-in lengths, and soft movement work well for casual or low-key styles.
- Bold and fashion-forward: Stronger shapes, asymmetry, or statement fringe let the cut do the talking.
Be honest with your stylist about where you land. If you're not sure how to describe your style, bring photos — even ones that show the general vibe, not just the exact hair.
3. Lifestyle and Maintenance Expectations Matter
The most flattering haircut on paper will frustrate you if it doesn't fit your routine. During your consultation, be upfront about:
- How much time you realistically spend styling each morning
- Whether you air-dry, blow-dry, or use heat tools
- How often you want to come back for trims or maintenance
- Whether you're open to professional styling services or prefer DIY at home
A well-cut shape should still look good at 6 to 8 weeks out, even between appointments.
4. Hair Texture Determines What's Actually Possible
Face shape and personal style set the direction — texture determines what's achievable. Here's how to think about it:
Fine hair: Blunt or slightly graduated cuts create the appearance of fullness. Heavy layering can make fine ends look sparse or thin.
Thick hair: Strategic layering removes bulk and adds movement. Without it, thick hair can grow out wide rather than long.
Curly or wavy hair: The cut should work with the natural curl pattern, not fight it. Length and weight placement are critical, since curly hair behaves differently dry versus wet.
Color-treated hair: If your hair has been lightened or chemically processed, the cut should account for any fragility or texture change. A deep conditioning treatment before or after the cut can help restore strength and shine.
5. How Color Ties Into the Consultation
If you color your hair — or are thinking about it — bring that into the consultation as well. Haircut shape and color work together. For example:
- A balayage or highlight sits differently on a bob than on long layers
- Face-framing pieces can be placed to complement the cut and enhance natural light
- Grow-out timing for trims and color should be coordinated so both stay fresh
If you're planning a color change at the same appointment, let your stylist know upfront. The cut and color service can be planned together for a better overall result.
6. What to Bring to Your Consultation
Come prepared to get more out of the appointment:
- Photos of cuts you like — and what specifically draws you to them (the length, the texture, the layers)
- Photos of cuts you've tried that didn't work — and why they fell flat
- Any product or styling notes — what you currently use and how your hair tends to behave
- Your honest timeline — how often you can realistically come in for maintenance
Even if you don't have photos, describing what you want in plain language is a great start. Your stylist will ask follow-up questions to fill in the gaps.
7. What a Good Consultation Actually Looks Like
A thorough consultation takes a few minutes before any cutting starts. Expect your stylist to:
- Ask about your current cut and what you want to change
- Look at your hair texture and natural growth patterns
- Discuss length, shape, and any concerns about your hair health
- Walk you through the plan before picking up the scissors
If a stylist jumps straight into a cut without asking questions, that's worth noting. The consultation is where good results are built.
Book a Haircut Consultation in Lone Tree
Burman & Co is a stylish, color-focused salon offering cuts, highlights, and keratin treatments in Lone Tree, Colorado. Whether you're looking for a simple trim or a full transformation, we'll take the time to understand your face shape, personal style, and lifestyle before we start.
Visit us: 8353 Willow St C1, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Call: (303) 706-9626
Book online: Contact Us
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