How to Fix a Bad Haircut – Read This Before Freaking Out

That crushing feeling in the salon chair when you realize you hate your new haircut is something we can all relate to. In those initial moments, panicked thoughts race through your mind as you go through every stage of grief except acceptance: Can I go back in time? It doesn’t look that bad, does it? I knew I shouldn’t have gotten bangs! And now that we’re social distancing and are left up to our own devices, a bad at-home haircut is another fun experience that may be in our futures.

But hair grows back, and in the meantime, there are things you can do to ease your shock and anguish. We talked to celebrity hairstylist Dallin James for the dos and don'ts of how to deal with a bad haircut. 

DO Take a Deep Breath and Relax

Don’t panic. Give yourself some time to get used to your new look and you may find that it not only grows on you, but that you even like it. “What you got from your haircut may not be what you originally had hoped for, but this might be that chance for an impromptu change,” says James. “Play with it, change up your style, buy a new shirt or put on a bold lip color — see what happens.”

DON’T Do Anything Drastic

“If it truly is a disaster, don’t try and over work it,” says James. “A lot of people panic and try to put in extensions or change the color, but what ends up happening is you stress out your hair more than necessary.”

DO Make Micro-Trims Part of the Plan

Making a plan for how you can get your hair from its current state to the hair you want can give you peace of mind — there is a light at the end of the tunnel! “If there is a look you want, make a plan and start growing toward that goal,” says James. “Micro-trims are amazing! Find a stylist you trust and make subtle tweaks here and there to get your hair back into the shape you want.”

DON’T Try Going to Every Stylist Under the Sun

The key to ensuring a good haircut every time is to find a stylist you trust, and stick to them. James reminds us: “We all have a million different ways to get to that same result and one may contradict the other. One stylist’s technique may throw off the others, ending in a bad haircut. If you are looking for a new stylist, book a consultation or a blowout and see if you have the same vision.”