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That 'just a trim' request is never just a trim, here's how I handle it now | Cosmetologists - HW Forums

That 'just a trim' request is never just a trim, here's how I handle it now

Had a new client last Saturday ask for a trim and then got upset when I only took off half an inch. She said she meant like 3 inches. I told her we could do that, but I always start small because once it's off you can't put it back. She actually thanked me after. I used to just do what people said but I've learned to ask them to show me with their fingers exactly how much they want off. Has anyone else had a client get mad about the opposite, where you took too much off when they said trim?

3 comments

3 Comments

uma_reed261mo ago

numbers mean nothing to most folks" is so true, I had a girl last month insist on a trim and I swear she meant like 4 inches off. I did the finger thing too and she showed me like 2 inches, but then when I started cutting she was like "no no, more than that" so I stopped and had her show me again. Turned out she was thinking of it as where it would hit her bra strap, not the actual length. We finally got it right but it took like 10 extra minutes of back and forth. The collarbone trick you mentioned is honestly the only way I get through it now, I just say "ok so this is gonna land right here" and they can actually picture it. People really do want a whole new look but get scared to ask for it, so they say trim and then get all weird when you don't read their mind lol.

craig.parker1mo ago

Tbh the finger trick is smart, but the real issue is people have no idea what lengths look like in real life. Half an inch sounds tiny to them but on straight hair it's basically nothing, while curly hair half an inch can change the whole shape. What works for me is pulling the hair down and showing them on the strand where it'll hit on their collarbone or chin, because numbers mean nothing to most folks. The ones who get really pissed are the ones who wanted a "trim" but actually wanted a full restyle, they just didn't know how to say it.

the_ryan1mo ago

wanted a full restyle but just didn't know how to say it" hit me way harder than it should have. I'm not even a stylist, just a guy who's been burned too many times, and I swear the last time I asked for a trim I walked out looking like I'd joined a cult. My hair was past my shoulders and I wanted maybe an inch off, but the girl took like five inches because I kept saying "yeah just clean it up" and she thought that meant layers and face-framing and all that. I literally had to wear a beanie for three months. The collarbone thing is genius though, I'm gonna use that next time so they point at my actual body instead of playing a guessing game with my hair.