Secrets Your Hair Stylist Won’t Tell You

#1 You don’t need to have a massive makeover to feel like you’ve made a change.

Lorean Cairns, co-owner and creative director of Fox & Jane Salon, NY suggests changing your part (seriously!), blowing out your hair if it's naturally curly, or getting a gloss or slight change in color for a healthy dose of shine.

#2 Stains are not a problem

Hair stylist Sade Doucette (from La Novita in Randolph, MA) says that she always ends up with stains after coloring (which makes me feel better about my Smurf hands). So, what's her secret to getting all those stains off? Bleach, cigarette ashes, and windex.

Yes, that's right. She says that using these products to wash your hands (and wherever else you've gotten dye) can take the stains right out. You don't necessarily have to use all the products at the same time, but one of the three should work like magic.

#3 I PROBABLY CAN'T GIVE YOU A CELEBRITY'S HAIRSTYLE.

Yes, we'd all love Jennifer Aniston's shiny, sun-kissed locks. But even if your stylist can match a celeb's color and cut, she can't give you access to the team of professionals that the rich and famous have fixing their hair before every appearance. Bringing in pictures is great, but be open to adaptations that take into account your hair texture and bone structure. If you go in expecting a carbon copy of a red carpet style, "you may be very disappointed," says Don Bewley, cofounder of Eufora International Haircare in Carlsbad, California.

#4 Hairdressers can be territorial

Some hairdressers don't like to share their clients the reason for this usually stems from the fact that hairdressers work on commission. This means that the more appointments they have, the more money they make.

#5 TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT "A LITTLE BIT" MEANS—EVEN IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE BEING NITPICKY.

"We're not mind readers!" says Brittany Molina, owner of Brittany's Spa Salon in Jacksonville, Florida. Be prepared to talk specifics with your stylist. Saying, "Just don't go too short" isn't helpful. Show your stylist the exact length you want your hair. And if you request she take off two inches, make sure your definition of "two inches" is the same as hers.

#6 Their dyes are better and they know it

Dyes used in salons have active developers, which allow the color to penetrate the hair. This will also allow the dye to last longer in your hair (because almost all dyes fade). However, at-home dyes like Manic Panic don't have these ingredients. Instead of penetrating the hair, they simply stain it, which is why they fade quicker than salon dyes.

This isn't entirely horrible, except when you expect your hairstylist to revamp the look in a short period of time. Color strippers need active ingredients to easily remove the color, but since at-home dyes don't have these, the process becomes harder.

#7 Thin hair doesn’t have to be worn short

I had a client who wore her super-thin hair short for years because she thought she had to. I finally talked her into growing it out into a stacked bob, and everyone now says she looks incredible.

#8 It’s fine to use Groupon or another social media site to save money on your hairstyling

But be wary of salons that offer deals all the time. That's not a good sign.

#9 PUT DOWN YOUR CELL PHONE. AND YOUR LUNCH.

Turn off your cell phone before the start of your appointment, recommends Molina. "Not only is your conversation distracting to other customers," she says, "your hairstylist can't do her job if you're reaching for your phone or moving your head from side to side." And try not to eat when you're getting your hair done, urges Boychuck. The constant motion isn't doing your stylistor your hairany favors.

#10 A SALON IS NOT A DAYCARE CENTER.

"Kids should not be brought to a salon unless they're getting a service," says Michael Boychuck, the personal haircolorist of Paris Hilton and owner of Las Vegas salons Color, Amp and Primp. Salons do their best to be kid-friendly, but stylists can't focus on their clients and keep hot irons and chemicals out of little hands. Leave your dog at home, too, urges Emily Howard, owner of Moxie Parlour in San Francisco, California. It's against the law to have animals in salons, so don't bring one in unless you're willing to pay a hefty fine on the salon's behalf.

#11 The best appointment times are ...

Early in the week (like a Tuesday or Wednesday) in either late morning or early afternoon. The stylist isn't tired but is settled into their routine, it's less busy so you'll get more time with the stylist, and it's easier to get a last-minute appointment. Try to aim for the second or third appointment of the day, that way the stylist is there and set up but not yet tired.

#12 Figure out your budget before you book your appointment.

Talk to the receptionist about prices to decide on a service. If you go to the salon for a single process of color (i.e. dyeing your hair with one dye all over the entire head) it's going to be less expensive than a full head of highlights (i.e. lightening hair section by section with foils).

#13 When stylists ask you to keep your head a certain way, it’s for good reason.

"We need our guests to sit still. The practice of hair cutting has a lot to do with geometry!" says Cairns.