How long should the hair be left on during a typical haircut consultation?

During a typical haircut consultation, leaving the hair at least 2-3 inches in length is essential for visual assessment. This length allows the stylist to effectively evaluate the client's hair texture, density, and natural fall. It also helps in determining how the hair will behave once cut and styled. A visual assessment from this length enables the barber to provide the best recommendations based on the client’s face shape, desired style, and hair type.

Having hair at this length is particularly beneficial for examining any potential issues with the hair, such as uneven growth or damaged areas, which may influence the haircut or styling options. A longer length facilitates a more accurate estimation by allowing the barber to demonstrate different styles and how the hair may look in each case.

In contrast, leaving the hair too short may hinder the ability to make informed decisions about cuts or styles, as there would not be enough hair to sufficiently gauge these aspects.