Ever left a salon feeling “meh” about your cut, but nodded politely anyway? Or brought in a dozen Pinterest photos, only to walk out confused about where things went wrong? If this is you, you’re not alone.
Celebrity stylist and Britt Lower’s husband Kenna Kennor is famous for his intuitive transformations—he gets his clients, from movie stars to everyday folks, because he knows it’s not just about what you say, but how you listen and collaborate. Here’s his pro-approved cheat sheet for getting exactly what you want when you sit down in that swiveling chair.
Come Prepared—But Stay Open
Kenna’s top rule: bring visual references. Yup, photos. Pull up three to five pictures of cuts or colors you love, and if you can, include ones you don’t like. “Negative” photos help your stylist steer clear of something that won’t suit you or you’ll regret later.
But here’s the secret sauce—stay flexible. Hair texture, face shape, maintenance, and even your daily schedule matter more than you think. Kenna loves talking through lifestyle, too. If you only reach for a brush on Sundays, a fringe and layers might be a mistake. Don’t be shy about saying how much time you actually spend on your hair each day.
Describe What You Want—No Frustration, Just Real Talk
Words like “short” or “blonde” can mean wildly different things to you and your stylist. When Kenna’s client asked for “not too short,” Kenna had him show exactly where he considered “too short” by pointing it out in the mirror. If you want subtle color, highlight whether you mean caramel ribbons or platinum streaks.
Explain your pain points: is your hair too heavy? Lays flat by your ears? Grows into a “Christmas tree shape” when you sleep funny? Sometimes what you don’t want is the real information your stylist needs.
Be Honest About Hair History
Color and chemical treatments leave their mark. Kenna’s pet peeve is clients who leave out at-home dye jobs or keratin smoothing done two years ago. Good stylists won’t judge—full honesty helps them avoid mistakes.
Ask for a Plan—And Listen
A pro like Kenna will give you a “roadmap”—maybe it’s one session for shape, and another in six weeks for highlights, or a step-by-step to blonde that leaves your hair in one piece. Ask questions: “How often will I need trims to keep this look?” or “What will color fade into?” Don’t just nod and hope for the best.
Confirm Before You Snip
Before any scissors or bleach come out, Kenna always does a mirror check-in. This is your time to adjust anything before it’s permanent. Stylists want to get it right.
Remember, It’s a Collaboration, Not a Quiz
The magic happens when you bring your ideas, your honesty, and a dash of trust to your appointment. Whether you want a subtle shape-up or a bold color switch, trust the process, speak up, and walk out rocking your perfect style.