You walk into the salon with Pinterest boards, screenshots, and a perfectly clear picture in your head. Then the moment comes—and suddenly you’re saying things like, “Just make it look natural,” or “Maybe take off an inch?” while gesturing somewhere vaguely near your collarbone.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

At Salon Jaylee, our stylists hear these types of requests every day.

And while we’re fluent in hair trends, color science, and cutting technique, we’re not mind readers.

The good news? You don’t need a cosmetology license to communicate what you want.

A few simple shifts in how you prepare and speak during your appointment can make the difference between “It’s okay…” and “This is exactly what I imagined.”

Let’s get into the secret language of hair appointments and how-to explain what you want in the salon (and actually get the outcome you’re looking for!)

Why the Consultation Is Everything

That chat before the cape goes on? It’s not small talk. It’s the foundation of everything that follows.

The most valuable part of any hair appointment is the first five minutes. When guests come prepared with clear references and vocab, stylists can bring their vision to life without the guesswork.

As your hair’s biggest advocate, we rely on the consultation to communicate precisely what you want, ensuring you leave the salon feeling confident and thrilled with your results.

Bring Quality Photos (And Know What You’re Showing)

Pictures serve as the universal language between guests and stylists. They’re probably the most important thing you can bring to your appointment—but only if chosen with intention.

Do bring:

• 3–5 inspiration photos that share a similar vibe
• Images showing the front, sides, and back (all the angles you can find)
• Examples with hair types, textures, and tones like yours
• Photos of looks you don’t like (these are just as helpful)

Don’t bring:

• Heavily filtered or AI photos
• Styles that require drastically different hair density or texture
• Just one perspective of a complex cut or color (i.e. one random screenshot with no context)

Our Salon Jaylee stylists love when guests show them several looks with a common thread, such as soft layers or face-framing highlights. It really helps them pinpoint what the guest is drawn to without making assumptions.

Here’s a pro tip for you: Create a dedicated album on your phone labeled “Hair Goals” or something of the sort so they’re easy to pull up during your consult. Or, create a Pinterest board full of hair inspo!

Speak the Language of Length

Hair length is subjective. Inches mean different things to different people. “A few inches” to you might be five; to your stylist, it might be two.

Instead of guessing, try this:

• Point to where you want your hair to fall when dry and styled
• Describe the feel: Do you want movement? Volume? Clean edges?
• Define your intent: Are you maintaining, reshaping, or transforming?

Try saying:

“I want to clean up the ends but keep the shape. About half an inch, no more.”

“I’d like it to hit just above my shoulders when it’s dry and curled.”

This helps avoid surprises—and ensures you’re on the same page, literally down to the inch.

Remember that curly hair especially will spring up significantly after cutting. Pointing to where you want your hair to fall when styled provides clearer guidance than any inch measurement.

Decode Hair Lingo

Color terms can feel like a foreign language. Here’s your crash course in stylist-speak for a quick translation guide:

Term	What it Means
Highlights	Lighter strands throughout the hair
Lowlights	Darker strands for dimension
Balayage	Hand-painted highlights for a natural, sun-kissed look
Ombré	A fade from dark roots to lighter ends
Root Smudge	Darker roots that blend softly into the rest of the color
Money Piece	Brighter face-framing highlights
Gloss/Toner	Adds shine, corrects tone, or boosts depth

Words like “honey blonde” or “ashy brunette” mean something different to everyone. This is again, why pictures are everything (especially for color.)

Bonus tip: Let your stylist know your hair maintenance goals. Some color services require touch-ups every 4 weeks; others can grow out beautifully for months. It all depends on what you want!

Talk Lifestyle

Cut and color are only half the equation. Your daily habits matter just as much. Clarify your styling routine, lifestyle, and expectations so your stylist can get a better glimpse into what’s best for you.

Ask yourself:

• How often do you really style your hair?
• Are you using heat tools regularly or letting it air dry?
• Do you want wash-and-go ease or high-glam flexibility?
• How often do you visit the salon or want to?

We never fail to ask our guests to walk us through their morning routine. This tells us more about what will actually work for them than just about anything else.

The more we understand your hair’s personality—and your own—the better we can customize your salon experience.

Match With the Right Stylist

Not all stylists specialize in the same techniques, and that’s a good thing. It means you can get someone who’s exceptional at exactly what you need. Finding the right expert for your specific hair goals dramatically increases your satisfaction.

At Salon Jaylee, our team includes specialists in:

• Color correction and creative transformationsNatural and curly hair textures
• Precision short cuts
• Extensions and length goals
• Blonding and dimensional color

When booking, don’t hesitate to ask our reservation specialists which stylist might best match your needs. They’re experts at pairing guests with stylists who align with their vision.

Be Honest

We want your dream hair as much as you do, but we always prioritize your hair’s health, along with the reality of your lifestyle before going through with anything.

Sometimes that means saying no to a platinum transformation in one visit, or suggesting a warmer tone to keep your color low-maintenance.

Our stylists appreciate when guests are honest about their limitations, such as budget, time, or upkeep. This honestly allows them to make suggestions and create a plan that still honors the vibe the guest wants.

Be open to professional recommendations, especially regarding:

• Timeline for major color changes
• Maintenance requirements
• Alternative approaches that might better complement your face shape
• Products needed to maintain your new style

Being upfront helps us help you.

Appointment Day Checklist

Bring this list with you for the best results:

1. 3–5 reference photos showing different angles
2. A clear idea of your hair goals (length, tone, texture)
3. Styling routine (tools, products, time spent)
4. Lifestyle factors (exercise, weather, work)
5. Maintenance preference (how often you’re willing to come in)
6. Previous hair history (coloring, damage, treatments)
7. Specific concerns (grays, thinning)

Real-Life Communication Examples

Need inspiration for clearly expressing what you want? Clear requests > vague requests.

Here’s how to swap uncertain requests for confident clarity:

Instead of: “I want it to look natural.”
Say: “I want soft, blended highlights that look dimensional and won’t show a harsh root line.”

Instead of: “Not too short.”
Say: “I still need to pull it into a ponytail. I’d like the shortest layers to hit just below my chin.”

Instead of: “Something low-maintenance.”
Say: “I want a look that air-dries well and only needs touch-ups every 10–12 weeks.”

Keep the Conversation Going

Your appointment doesn’t end after the consultation, or even when the services begins. Keep speaking up—especially if something feels off during the process. Communicating throughout your appointment can save dissatisfaction and time.

Your voice always matters at Salon Jaylee. It’s much easier for us to pause mid-cut and recheck the plan than make a more difficult adjustment after the fact.

Don’t hesitate to:

• Ask questions about products being used
• Request a check-in before big changes
• Mention if something feels uncomfortable
• Express concerns immediately rather than waiting

Build a Relationship, Not Just a Routine

The better your stylist knows you, your preferences, and your hair history, the better each appointment gets.

Keep notes in your phone about:

• Color formulas (ask your stylist to share!)
• What worked well (or didn’t) from your last visit
• Product recommendations and routines
• When your style started to lose its shape or tone

This builds a hair history that evolves with you, making future visits smoother and more successful. We’ll refine your personalized hair strategy over time.

The Salon Jaylee Difference

The best hair starts with the best conversation.

At Salon Jaylee, consultations are a cornerstone of our exceptional guest communication. They include detailed questions designed to uncover exactly what you want, even if you’re having a hard time explaining it.

Our stylists receive ongoing communication training specifically focused on translating guest wishes into achievable results. We’ll bridge the communication gaps and get down the nitty gritty of what you really want.

When you’re in our chair, we’re not just listening. We’re translating, refining, and collaborating with you every step of the way.

Ready for your next appointment? Experience the difference clear communication makes at Salon Jaylee. Book at any of our three locations in The Villages and discover what it feels like to finally be understood. Get to know our stylists more here.

Southern Trace Plaza Location
3459 Wedgewood Ln,
The Villages, FL 32162
Book now  ⎯

Colony Plaza Location
321 Colony Blvd
The Villages, FL 32162
Book now  ⎯

Magnolia Plaza Location
2121 Everglades Ln.
The Villages, FL 32163
Book now  ⎯