A few weeks ago, Scissorz [1] dropped me a line. She's a cool punk-rock girl living in Florida, where she works as a hair stylist. Fab [2] and I agree that she's got a cool Agyness Deyn look going on—but as you'll soon see, she's got a style and perspective all her own. I talked with her about tipping etiquette, the difference between salon and drugstore shampoos, and more—so much so that I'm going to split this interview into two parts. To start, I asked her about getting the cut you really want at a salon. Read on!

What are the most helpful things a client can do for you so that he or she gets the right cut?
I know that its hard to try to explain what kind of haircut you really want, but if you keep an open mind and bear with it, I know you can.

• Let's start with choosing a length. Be sure to mention if you have any special needs, like getting all of it back into a ponytail, braiding, etc. Otherwise, I'd recommend really taking a look at your profile (most important for past-the-shoulders hair) and see what that length is doing to your back—you can start to look a little like a hunchback if it hits you in the wrong spot. Use your fingers or hands to show the amount you want taken off, because everyone's definition of "an inch" is different!

For more advice,

• Next, pictures! Bring as many as you want to. Never, ever feel weird for bringing in one pic to show the bangs you like, one that has nice face-framing hair—whatever is really important to you. Even bring in pictures that you like but think just wouldn't work for you. Nothing helps me to pin down a new client's desires better than a folder full of magazine cutouts! One side note to the pictures: Please, please, please don't get too attached to how a cut looks in an image. Styling can be very very deceptive. It is quite possible that you actually are in love with the styling of the hair and not the cut. This happens a LOT. That's part of why its so good to bring in multiple pictures.
• Now, time to be honest about your lifestyle. Does it coincide with what will be required for what you want? To look their best, some cuts require color, product, more trims, or just a whole lot of time every morning. Talk to your stylist. Maybe one little tweak on the cut you decided on from the photos will cut your maintenance in half.

Scissorz also had these tips on how to be really happy with your cut. She says they're "kinda random," but I think they're spot-on:

• Learn to embrace your natural texture. Even though flat-ironing or curling is cool sometimes, its nice not to have to do it. Experiment with product and cuts with your stylist. It may not feel right for a little while, but it will!
• if you want to make a BIG change, think about why. Are you really unhappy with your hair, or are you just in a rut? Basically, if you just broke up with your boyfriend, now is probably not the time to lop off all your locks or go from blonde to brunette.

Like what she has to say? Stay tuned for more styling wisdom straight from the salon!