Bad Haircuts Can Be Disappointing—Here Are 11 Solutions

Talk to Your Stylist

Open communication with your hairstylist can go a long way. Don't hesitate to be open and honest about how you are feeling. We know it can be intimidating to approach a professional artist and criticize their work, but chances are, they don't want you to leave your appointment unhappy. And know that it is the goal of any good stylist to give their client what they're looking for.

Hernandez encourages having this conversation. “It could have been a simple miscommunication,” she says. Perhaps there are a few minor things that you don’t like. In this case, Seidel says that “your stylist can still make adjustments.” If it goes beyond a few minor changes, it may be time to re-evaluate your choice of stylist. Just know that “most professional hairdressers would love the opportunity to fix it and make sure you’re happy, [perhaps] by comping a service or product," Hernandez says.

Get a Second Opinion

After talking to your stylist, you can decide to get a second opinion from the owner of the salon or a more senior stylist. This can help dispel any missed communication. “If you let your original stylist know that you are getting [your cut] fixed, they may refund you or comp the new service so you’re not paying twice,” Seidel says.

“Most skilled cutters are not only better at their craft, but can better understand your wants and needs more accurately," Hernandez adds. Seidel agrees. The more seasoned a stylist is, the more capable they are of helping you navigate the best choice moving forward. Don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion and invest in your haircut.

Let It Grow Out

Keep in mind that a bad haircut is only temporary as it will grow out. In some instances, patience can be the best option. “Don’t panic," Seidel says. “Not only does hair grow quickly, but more often than not, some adjustments can be made by your hairdresser to help your hair sit better as it’s growing in.” If you mess with a bad haircut too much, you risk the potential of making matters worse.

Refrain from Fixing It Yourself

And no matter how much you don't like your haircut or think, "Oh, if I just cut a little here or a little there, it would fix it...," it's always smarter to leave the cutting to the professionals. “This can often make [your cut] much worse, and the grow-out period could take much longer,” Seidel says.  

Try Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can add length and volume to a bad haircut and help mend the damage while it grows out. And if you're impatient or have a special event that you need your hair fixed for, hair extensions can act as an immediate solution. Clip-in extensions are typically pretty easy to apply on your own and they're only temporary, while tape-ins or bonded extensions are best installed by a professional and provide a longer-term fix.

Here is some general advice on extensions:

• A little backcombing at the root will give your clips enough grip to hold so they won't slip out.
• If you invest in Remy hair (real human hair instead of synthetic), you may heat style your extensions as you would your natural hair.
• For professional service and hair quality, we recommend trying a store or website like The Hair Shop.

Try Hair Accessories

Hair accessories can be an efficient (and fun) way to mask any minor issues with your haircut. “Cute updos with fancy hair clips can make the most out of your hair situation until your hair gets long enough to wear down,” Hernandez says. Seidel points out that hair accessories have been increasingly popular in recent years, including decorative barrettes and oversized clips. Your styling options won’t feel limited. “Also, there are so many great hat options for every season,” Seidel adds. “This could be a good time to find your hat personality.”

Try a Different Hair Style

A bad haircut can be an opportunity to try styling your hair in new ways—especially if you're used to always doing the same routine. Try to keep an open mind when it comes to your usual routine and styling habits. “Maybe switch up your part or flip your hair out,” Seidel suggests. A bad haircut is temporary, “so why not give a new style a try while your cut grows out,” she says. Ponytails, different types of braids, half-up half-downs can be effective ways to conceal a haircut that didn't go as planned.

Go Shorter

While it might seem counterintuitive, getting another haircut may help reduce the damage. It can help fix potential unwanted bangs, chunky layers, or blunt ends. Shorter hair will always grow out and may even blend back into the result you originally wanted. Bonus: your current hair stylist will likely fix it free of charge. But, if you don't feel comfortable, you can always ask another stylist to do so.

Use Your Styling Tools

In the case of a bad hair cut, styling tools such as hair rollers or a curling iron can be an efficient way to change your look. “Using a curling iron to add waves can disguise a bad cut well,” Seidel says. Curls, waves, volume and overall adding movement to your hair can be a good way to disguise inconsistencies in your hair cut.

Add Volume and Body

If you have thin, flat hair or if it falls in a way you don't like, you can also opt for products that add body and volume. Styling tools such as curling irons or crimpers can be combined with texturizing spray, root lifting solutions, and volumizing mousse to better conceal a bad haircut. If you are unsure how to use these products, don't hesitate to ask a hairstylist. They can give you advice tailored to you and your haircut.

Consider Going to a New Stylist

Going to a new hair stylist after a disappointing cut may require a lot of research, but it's always an option. “Realize that not every hairdresser has the same aesthetic style, training, or experience,” Seidel says. “Hairdressers are very specialized nowadays and gravitate towards certain types of hairstyling, similar to tattoo artists.”

How do you know which hair stylist is right for you? “Ask people you know with good haircuts and similar hair as your own where and who they go to,” Hernandez suggests. You may also use an internet search or social media to your advantage. “[Search] best hairdresser in your town or nearby,” she recommends. Hernandez says to check their social media accounts or website. Ask yourself if their work matches your hair type and your personal style. You may also look into the education they've received. “The more education they’ve had, the better,” Hernandez says. “That’s usually a good sign that they put some studying into their craft.”