(From extreme left) A hair stylist at work; Sharon Stone’s super short fringe; Amisha Patel’s blonde hair disaster

Sitting still, peering into the mirror, you imagine your new hairstyle. Your hairstylist begins imagining too: but sadly, it’s not really the mirror image of your own vision. Something you only discover many snips later?

A haircut gone wrong, a fringe cut too short, a colour job that doesn’t suit you or a disastrous rebonding attempt. Deal with it right, or better still, avoid such bloopers. GoodLife tells you how.

Shade code

Whether you streak a few strands or colour your tresses entirely, a shade that looked perfect on Preity Zinta isn’t necessarily right for you. But the great news, says hair expert Priscilla Corner, is that any colourist can rectify a job. The problem arises when the hair doesn’t take colour because of previous pigments. “The hairdresser and client relationship is like that of a doctor and a patient. It is important to be honest about previous treatments and henna,” says Priscilla.

Fix it: Experts say that a wrong choice of colour can be corrected right at the wash basin. “You have to deposit the colour of your choice and tone your hair,” says Priscilla.

While coloured hair will require you to first strip the colour and then deposit, virgin hair can be toned by immediate deposit. The time taken for correction, she adds, is anything between eight and 20 minutes.

Hair expert Bridgette Jones suggests the fun use of wigs or switches that are becoming popular.

“The half scalp wigs are awesome. Imagine getting compliments as your real hair is recovering from damage,” she laughs.

Avoid it: Be specific about your chosen shade and discuss the matter with your stylist. Ask for a strand test.

Bond basics

Bonding is not purely cosmetic and should be handled with extra care, consultancy being a major element. If you still land up with a mop of frizzy hair, something has gone amiss. “It could go messy if the neutraliser or straightening lotion is kept on for too long. The time recommendation is important to avoid a disaster,” says Priscilla.

Fix it: Do not parlour-hop. Sort it out at the salon that spoilt your hair. It will also be easier for them because they are familiar with your hair history. Tresses gone frizzy need extra nourishment and care. “The client should be given several sessions of hair spas to deep-condition the hair and bring it back to shape. The hair then should be left alone. Never make the mistake to rebond the hair immediately again,” adds Priscilla.

Bridgette recommends regular snipping to make the hair healthier. “The hair must be trimmed every three weeks. The ends look more stressed out after such treatment,” she says. Using serum can also help.

Avoid it: Being truthful about previous bonding history is important. Also, don’t insist on a treatment that your stylist discourages. She is dissuading you as your hair is not in the condition to take in chemicals.

Fringe fixer

The fringe has never been so haute before. Not since the 60s, when Sadhna sported it. But not everyone can carry the short super sexy Sharon Stone fringe. Cut that short, and your only option is to watch it grow back patiently.

But hair expert Raman Bharadwaj says that a fringe can easily be corrected, depending on how it was cut. “There is ample scope to play around with an asymmetric fringe.” Even the bob or the box fringe can be rectified, he says.

Fix it: If your fringe is cut too short, experts say that it is best to blend it with the rest of your hair. “In cases like this, it is best to flip the fringe and dab some styling product to it, merging it with the rest of the hair. Basically, funkify it,” suggests Priscilla.

Raman feels that a fringe can be reworked effectively. “Try to change the flip and style it asymmetrically.” Bridgette suggests you wear cool hair bands or clips as your fringe grows out. “Let a few strands lie casually on your forehead,” she adds.

Avoid it: Be categorical. If you don’t want the fringe to go above your eyebrow, tell your stylist before he starts snipping, not after.

Cut correct

“A great cut falls amazingly but when it’s not right, you have a bad hair day everyday,” says Bridgette.

Raman says: “There are two situations, either the client is not happy with the result, or the cut has gone haywire. Talk it out. If she’s unhappy, give her a change with some layers, length or work on the front.”

If the haircut is the stylist’s fault, he advises immediate apology.

Fix it: If your hair is not falling well or if one side is too long or too short, Bridgette suggests taking a good look at the haircut again and redoing it. “Balance the cut where it can sit better. Make sure that it is not looking too harsh, close in the gap by blending it well,” she says.

Experts agree that tackling longer hair is easier and shorter hair is a greater problem.

Avoid it: Ask for a visual demonstration to get the right picture.