Things to Keep in Mind for Hair Makeup Rehearsals: Understanding Your Inner Image That Others Can't See (Hairstyle Edition)

2021.01.12 published

The Problem of Difficult-to-Communicate Hair Image.

When asking a hairstylist or hair makeup artist to set your hair.

To create a satisfying hairstyle, it's crucial to firmly align and share the image of "I want this!" between yourself and the hairstylist.

@justmarried0906

However, sharing that image is honestly quite difficult.

Even if we look at the same photo, different people have different sensibilities, leading to varied feelings, perceptions, and interpretations.

(That's only natural...! In movies and arts, for example, it’s normal for impressions and focal points to differ based on the audience’s values, life experiences, and preferences.)

@justmarried0906

The same can be said for hair sets, even if it’s a small category.

Even if I express that "I think the fluffiness at the top is cute!" or "I want a neat bun!" the reality is that it's seldom reproduced exactly as I envisioned.

This can depend on my hair type, the hairstylist's experience, skills, and strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, the degree of fluffiness or neatness is open to interpretation, which can easily lead to the feeling of "this isn’t what I imagined!"

Moreover, while having my hair done, I can't check like I would with nails, so I can't ask for adjustments on the spot, and once it's done, it's usually an awkward moment to say "I actually wanted this part done differently."

@justmarried0906

Thus, the initial “sharing of the image” becomes crucial.

By breaking it down into finer points and articulating them more specifically, I believe it's possible to have a hairstyle that's much closer to what you desire.

Detailed Points to Articulate ① Degree of Looseness

“I want it to be loosely fluffy”

“Can you slightly mess it up?”

“I’d like it to be gathered casually and loosely”

These are common phrases used for hair sets.

However, saying just this conveys a sense of wanting somewhat messy, loose hair but doesn’t clarify how much exactly.

What I really want to clearly communicate is the degree of looseness.

By showing an ideal photo while explaining this:

“For the base of the hair, I want large, wave-like curls that create two waves on the head.”

“The pulling at the top should be gentle, about the amount you’d pinch with your fingertips, creating small, soft peaks.”

“The height of the gathered hair should be near the lower part of the back of my neck.”

“I want to mix inward and outward curls at the ends and stray hairs to add a bit of bounce.”

“I’d like to cover about half of my ears with side hair.”

If I can express these kinds of specifics, I think it will be helpful for the hairstylist.

@jewel_flower_antique

Detailed Points to Articulate ② Degree of Sleekness

The recently popular sleek, polished hair look.

It can be stylish and mature, but if done wrong, it might end up looking outdated; on the other hand, without dimension, it can reveal facial contours awkwardly, making it not suit the individual at all.

When placing an order, it's important to consider the degree of sleekness.

“I want the hair to look shiny, as if each strand is perfectly aligned with product.”

“I’d like it tied tightly enough for the hair to stick closely to the shape of my head.”

“I want it to look neat but not have a too-wet glossy finish.”

“My hair is basically straight, but I want to maintain a natural flow without a stiff, sprayed look.”

“I don’t want it too rigid, nor do I want it to look traditionally Japanese or like a formal updo.”

By expressing my preferred styles along with what I dislike, the range of interpretations could be narrowed down, making it closer to the ideal.

@nn.wd2020

Detailed Points to Articulate ③ Degree of the Bun

The degree of the bun is one of the most important points.

Previously, when I showed a hairstylist a picture of a messy round bun, for some reason they created a gorgeous rose-like bun, leaving me shocked.

Since I only lightly showed the image, looking back, I think the hairstylist likely made it based on a vague initial impression... (I regretted my insufficient explanation!)

Therefore, giving precise instructions about the bun is crucial.

① The height should be around this level.

② The shape should resemble this (e.g., seashell-like, floral, Gibson tuck-style, round).

③ The size should be larger or smaller.

④ The width on the sides should be wider or narrower.

⑤ Once complete, I’d like it to be slightly pulled and tousled for a loose feel, or tightened to be more sleek.

Being able to communicate these five points could lead to better results.

@justmarried0906

Detailed Points to Articulate ④ Degree of Stray Hairs’ Curl

When bringing out stray hairs around the face, the curling method should be clearly conveyed.

“I’d like to alternate between inward and outward curls to create waves.”

“I want the ends to all be outward curled, creating a bouncy look.”

“I don’t want really tight vertical curls.”

“I’d like waves around my face, with the ends of the hair at my neck and ears to just have a single curl.”

“I want to create some definition with wax.”

Picking out these specific requests can be helpful.

Moreover, stray hairs can be more prone to falling out because they’re usually fine strands.

If you typically struggle with your curls losing their shape, or if it’s rainy or you're in a setting for a long time, it might be a good idea to ask for them to be curled more strongly from the start.

@justmarried0906

Detailed Points to Articulate ⑤ Degree of Bangs

Lastly, the degree of bangs.

A simple “please make it flow gently to the right” merely creates a straightened bang.

For those who want to pay close attention to their bangs:

“I want them to be divided into thin strands with wax for a see-through effect.”

“Instead of sweeping them diagonally, I prefer the tips to be lightly curled.”

“I’d like the ends of both sides to be slightly curled outward.”

Communicating these detailed requests can lead to satisfactory bangs arrangements in the end.

@justmarried0906

No Abstract Orders!

I've shared points to articulate in detail when asking a hairstylist or hair makeup artist for hair setting.

Many might have experienced going to a salon and feeling that

“The final look is a bit different from what I imagined.”

“But well, I can’t ask for a redo, so I guess it’s fine.”

This may stem from insufficient explanation on my part and not being able to share a clearer image.

From now on, in addition to using abstract terms like “loose,” “polished,” or “soft and fluffy,”

if I can use more specific language to narrow down the interpretations of the receiving party,

I should surely be able to have my ideal hairstyle created.

@misamisa24

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