A Guy's Guide to Good Hair [iTsArticles]

Whether you're paying $25 at the local barber or more than $100 at a swanky salon, a hairstylist is a skilled artisan. His craft is hair design.

That’s certainly how Yuki Sharoni, a stylist who has been cutting hair for over 20 years in Beverly Hills,  

California, feels about his profession. “Your hair is basically a frame to your face," said Sharoni, owner of Yuki Sharoni: Beauty & Lifestyle. "Since your face is a piece of art, you need a good frame. That's where we come in.”

Stylists know that you're a reflection of their talents. They understand that word of mouth can be good -- or bad -- for business.

One of the first things clients notice at Fahimeh Betts Hair Designer's Studio in Santa Monica, California, is a small but prominently placed sign that really says it all: “Let me drop EVERYTHING and work on your problem.”

The joke aside, you may expect a talented hairstylist to bring all her focus and energy on your hair for the time you are at her work station. That focus might produce many questions -- some of which could seem irrelevant at first. However, because so many factors come into play when it comes to a good hairstyle, you must trust that the inquiries will collectively help the stylist achieve the best results possible.

Christi Thomas, who has trained with Vidal Sassoon, worked in New York and Hawaii and is currently based in Santa Monica, talks about the personal nature of hairstyling and the importance of building a rapport with each client.

“I love what I do, even after 17 years," said Thomas, president and CEO of Purrrfect Bangs by ChristiCat.  

"I take it very seriously; it's a personal business. As a stylist, not only am I touching my clients, I am spending a good amount of time in their personal spaces. I affect the way they feel about themselves, and maybe even the way other people view or judge them -- whether they're 20-something or middle-aged. It's very rewarding work.”

By asking questions regarding your lifestyle, wardrobe, profession, time spent outdoors, social calendar and amount and type of product used on your hair, stylists can begin to form a plan to optimize your unique personality and hair.

Fahimeh Betts, whose salon was established in 1987, explained how such questions and the answers they produce help both parties. “One reason why I ask what they do for a living," she said, "is that it gives me an idea about maintenance, like how much time they can spend in the morning with their hair, as well as the possibility of options, giving them versatility within a cut.”

Natalie Bush, a stylist with The Cut Salon in Santa Monica, agrees that because people have such busy, go-go lifestyles it's a priority to know how much time a guy is willing to spend on caring for his hair.

“For many men, it's almost as much about the ongoing grooming requirement of a given style as getting the most flattering look," Bush said. "How much time do you want to put in in the morning to style it to start your day? That and lifestyle are the biggest determinants of what kind of style that is best for you.”

As far as the physical aspect of hairstyling, whether your hair is curly, straight or wavy -- and whether your face is oval, round, square or oblong -- experienced stylists will take whatever you have on your head and focus on certain individual features, such as the eyes, forehead, jaw line and chin, to create your best look.

Naturally, the final decision is up to you, but a good stylist will also pull no punches when it comes to telling you what she feels is your best option. “That's why it is important to have a consultation with a first-time client," said Betts. “I ask what he wants and why I believe his choice is good or bad for him. It's why I sit down with the client, go over his face and explain with hand gestures, while he's looking in the mirror, what he should consider. Clients trust me, and when I finish they say ‘Wow.' " I even take a before and after picture so they can judge for themselves." 

Hair Maintenance between Visits:

With the average haircut lasting four to six weeks, hairstylists have tips to keep your hair looking good until your next cut. “I feel that it’s important to not only fully consult my clients in the salon, but to educate them on what products to use and at-home tricks,” said Santa Monica, California-based stylist Christi Thomas.


While economic conditions understandably come into play, experts say it’s best not to go cheap with hair products.

“(In) these days of tight dollars it’s easy to skimp on quality shampoo, but going cheap can exacerbate problems like oily or dry hair,” said Fahimeh Betts, also a Santa Monica-based stylist.

Natalie Bush, operating from The Cut Salon in Santa Monica, adds that rotating brands is a good habit, as is thinking about your hair like you would food. “Your scalp can get addicted to a certain brand, making it less effective," she said. "I think it’s good to rotate among a few different brands. Like food, a quality product results in better nutrition for your hair. You can tell the difference after dining at a fast food establishment or a gourmet restaurant.”

“Brushing is always good," said Yuki Sharoni, owner of a Beverly Hills, California, salon. "More men need to make it a habit. Do it nightly when you’re sitting at home -- or have your lady friend do it. It actually takes away stress, which is very bad for the hair; it’s like using a rake on your garden, good to stimulate growth.”

If you want to look your best, it's best to turn to the professionals, but expert hairstylists aren't mind readers.  

If you walk away from your stylist with what you feel is a bad hair cut, take another look in the mirror and consider your inability to articulate your desires.

The hair pros will tell you that the art of getting a good hairstyle really is all about communication. It can be as simple as providing a photo of someone sporting a look you like, but perhaps the best method is to open up about yourself. Since your hair is a rather prominent accessory, it's a good idea to help your stylist help you.

If you have trouble finding a hairstylist, when you are out and about and see a person with a style you like, simply approach him and ask who cuts his hair. He'll be flattered and you'll hopefully find someone to give you the look that's right for you.

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