Let’s talk about bringing in photos of celebrities to the hair salon! Photo references are always a great idea, but celebrity photos can be a bit tricky. For one, a lot of people often are more interested in how pretty or attractive they think the celebrity is, and isn’t paying much attention to her hair. The other issue is that most celebrity photos are of a celebrity who has been styled professionally and is not just wearing a wash and go look. Although a lot of magazines are showing more “undone”, natural looks, most celebs still get pretty styled before they out in public. Roller sets, curling irons, extensions, you name it! So try to be realistic when choosing your photos to bring in. If you’re a wash and go gal, don’t bring in a picture of red carpet hair, even if it just looks “casually” wavy. And try to gauge if they have a similar amount of hair and similar texture to you. If you hair is fine and straight, bringing in a picture of Kim Kardashian’s voluminous locks is probably not the best idea. Sure, your stylist can put the same shape in, but it’s just not going to be the same hair when it’s done! Ask your stylist “Is this a realistic goal for my hair type?” If your stylist is worth his or her salt they’ll be honest with you and let you know what will work or won’t or what you will need to do styling-wise to maintain the look from the photo.
My recommendation? Find a photo of you when you loved your hair. Or a candid shot of a friend with similar hair who has had a look you want to go for. (Although don’t copy their current one unless you want a Single White Female sort of moment!) Celebrities are all well and good, but you’re pretty damn great yourself. So take your inspiration from real life as often as possible and embrace what your hair gives you.
