Photo: Jupiter Images

You’ve probably heard that the key to a great haircut is communication. The more info you can give your stylist about your desired look, the better. Images of favorite looks combined with lots of discussion on your part about your hair type, texture, styling habits and commitment to a style’s upkeep will go a long way in communicating to your stylist what you want.

Then, it’s his/her turn. According to Regis Creative Director, Gordon Nelson, it’s important to have your stylist not only describe what he/she is going to do to your hair, but—as much as possible—show you, too. By pointing to where the shortest layer will fall, where the bangs will skim and where the longest piece will reach, plus arranging your pre-cut locks into some semblance of the final look, the clearer you will be about the finished look—and the happier you will be with the results.