As a stylist I’m often brought pictures of what people want their hair to look like. We talk about length, face shape, texture etc. as we make our decisions. What often baffles me is that people think you can get your hair “cut” to look like a “style”.

I’ll explain: A haircut is the foundation of a good style. A haircut is basically shape: length, texture, layers or non layering, bangs or no bangs. A hairstyle is the finishing touches on a haircut that makes it come to life. A haircut involves shears and skill. A hairstyle involves a heat tool and hair product. Learning to communicate effectively with your stylist is the key ingredient to a healthy and long lasting relationship. Understanding the difference between a cut and a style is as well.

A great description of a cut is: “I’d like it shoulder length, long layers, with a face frame and a side swept bang.”
A bad description of a  cut is:” I’d love to have my hair cut so it flows in these beautiful soft waves like Heidi Klums, I love all the volume she has”

This is Heidi Klums Haircut

And this is Heidi Klums Hairstyle