Sure, it’s tempting to not pay attention, close your eyes, zone out while your stylist chats about this and that — but don’t. Best-case scenario, you miss some interesting info about how your hair naturally parts or the cowlick you didn’t know you had. Worst-case scenario, your stylist cuts off way more hair than you wanted or gives you bangs without asking (no joke, this has happened to us).

So keep an eye out while she’s snipping away and speak up if you notice she’s getting scissor-happy — or if you’d rather have it even shorter.

Next: What to do now that you’ve got the cut