Transition to new hairdresser? And solution for my holidays?

I'm moving in February, shortly before my big trip to New Zealand and Australia. I'm dreading the transition to a new hairdresser! The one I go to now has cut my hair short to the pixie cut and he just knows what works with my difficult hair structure. I wonder if you have any ideas what I could do for a smooth transition to a new hairdresser?

Generally I'm thinking of making one last appointment as close as possible to the move. But even if I ask him to go extra short I'm probably going to go spare during the trip because I'm annoyed with my hair. I usually like to go for a cut every four weeks, but with the trip this would mean going more than twice as long without a cut. I wondered if maybe I should try to have some permanent straightening done to have it more manageable if it's slightly grown out. But, I'm not sure I will like it (I never had it done before). Or of course I could have my hair cut in New Zealand or Australia, but who knows if it would turn out all right? What would you do?

The pic is shortly after a cut, pretty much as short as I ever go.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Anonymous

What a lovely photo! Gosh this is a tricky one. I'm always nervous if I have to change hairdressers too. I'm no expert on straightening so can't advise, but maybe you could get a cut while away...just a tiny trim? I suppose if you ask around in the are that you're staying you may get a recommendation. But also what about a sort of decorative hairband to hold it back and in place if you go the extra time without a cut?

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I have to find a new hairdresser every time we move. It's never much fun because I like to stick with the same person. But here's what I do. I get my last appointment one or two days before departure, and ask for it to be cut extra short. That way I have a little more than the usual four weeks so I don't feel quite as pressed right when we get to a new place.

In the new place, I look at other women's hair styles. When I see a good pixie, I ask to be introduced to her stylist. In some places, I don't see what I'm looking for on other women's heads so I just go to the nearest salon that looks reasonable and ask for someone who does short hair. I'm clear about what I want (super short on the neck and around ears, round on top but thin it out) and understand that the first cut may be close, but not perfect. I figure with feedback, they can get it right in the next appointment or two. After that, they just know.

It's very rare that I dislike a stylist, and when I do, it's been because of how they handled my hair (too rough) or how they managed the cut off bits (if they're all over my face, I won't be back).

While on your trip, you could ask a local stylist to just follow your existing cut and trim off a 1/2" or so. They should be able to do that without a problem.

Astrid

Thanks Diane! That was my dad's 50th birthday celebration last January. I guess I could always ask around, that's true. I'll probably need to just go for it. It's just so much easier to enjoy the holiday when you don't have to worry about your hair.

Alexandra, thank you! I'm going to be back in Berlin in April one more time for at least two or three days, I guess I could get another cut then and look for someone new afterwards. It definitely doesn't need to be perfect at first try, but I had pixies cuts that didn't work with my hair during my teens and they were just awful, so I know how bad it can get if I allow the wrong person to cut them. But I guess I could just go when they're not grown out very far so that they see what I had before and can follow the cut. Good tip about just asking for the same but shorter during the trip, I guess there shouldn't be too many problems that way.

Suz

I think Alexandra's given you some great tips, and also, I would imagine that hairdressing has improved some since you were a teen and in a large metropolitan centre it is pretty likely you'll find someone who can manage. In your case you might also ask for someone who is good with short and curly hair. And bring this beautiful photo to show what you want!

Thanks Suz! Not a metropolitain are though, at least for the meantime... I'm definitely going to bring pics, I do have a few others where I think you can see the cut rather well.

Thirkellgirl

Take lots of photos from all angles right after you get your last cut, and ask your stylist to spell out exactly what you need to ask for. I haven't been on the forum much lately so I missed news of your big trip and move! Good for you!

Thanks - and good idea. I don't think I have talked about moving on YLF before, but I did post in Off Topic about my trip. I'm moving back home to my parents until I find a job, it's just less expensive for me and right now there's lots of unused room in the house where I can store my furniture without a problem so it was a good solution. I'm going to look for a new flat once I have a job and know where I will end up (and I'm looking forward to hopefully having a separate bedroom then). And decorating a new place will be fun, I love everything to do with interior design.

gradfashionista

Can you ask your hairdresser to write down his description of your hair, and his cutting techniques and process? Something descriptive that can supplement photos if future hairdressers are flummoxed.

Sisi

Without reading other comments: I would go to an hairdresser there in Australia. It can be interesting.

Thanks GF, I will ask him.

Thanks Sisi, I probably will. A little adventure.

I agree that it is so hard to find a new hairdresser when moving. I just went through that and am still figuring it out. I like the last cut that I got but we will see how it grows out. Take lots of pictures from all angles to show what you want. That seems more helpful than a description except for difficult areas like cow-licks.

Emily K

Ugh...finding a new stylist is the pits. Lots of good advice already given, I'd ask your current stylist to talk thru his/her technique so you are sure you have the terminology right. One of my saddest salon experiences was when I said 'layers" or "layering" when I meant 'texture'.

Jules

I'd see if your current hairdresser thinks it would be helpful to take pictures at key points during the cut. Writing it down isn't a bad idea, but sometimes people who are good at doing things are not good at putting them into words. Or the German and English words may not translate directly.

anne

I agree with everyone on the photo idea!

Sal

Re your holiday - see how you go. I have had my haircut at times on holidays and it has been fine - a nice pick me up. Sometimes you meet travellers who can cut hair for you. Sometimes the water being so different can do strange things to your hair.

Bijou

I have to agree with Sally. Water and humidity play quite a role in hair management. I live in Western Australia, and with the dry heat and low humidity - my hair stays styled all day. Whenever I am in Sydney or Brisbane, the humidity plays havoc with my hair! I invariably wear it tied up.

Thanks everyone! Definitely going to take pictures. And I think I'll just get my regular cut before the move and then I'll see how it goes during the trip. My friend offered to cut my hair for me, but I told her better not.

Elizabeth P

If you tell your stylist about your trip, they may be able to cut it in a slightly different way so that it will "grow out" well. They'll know what sections of your hair grow quicker than others, and may be able to factor that in, knowing you can't get it dealt with in the usual 4 weeks.

harmonica

You've got plenty of good advise. Just wanted to say you look adorable and that haircut is absolutely showing off your beautiful face. Hope you'll find a great hair stylist!

Thanks Elizabeth, that's a great idea. I definitely had some variations that grew out better than others.

Thanks Harmonica.

Category