Hair Styling Tips: Finding
The Right Hair Stylist |
| Karen Marie Shelton - Copyright - All
Rights Reserved |
| Revised Date - 10/19/10 |
Introduction
 |
|
Hairdresser
Cutting Hair |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
Finding a hair specialist that will meet your personal hair styling goals is never
easy. A search for the right stylist will definitely require some time and patience.
If you decide to switch stylists, allow yourself plenty of time to do the research to
find a new stylist.
Note: For more information check out:
Consultations: Key To Perfect Hairstyles
Choosing a new hairstylist right before a special event (like a
wedding or formal dance) is usually not a good idea.
Using a brand new stylist right before your
big event could be asking for untold troubles. Since you won't have an established history with
the new stylist, you can't be assured of the outcome of your style.
Ask For Stylist Referrals
The best way to locate a trusted new hair stylist is to ask for referrals. Ask
friends and family for references of stylists that they trust and recommend. If you have a
particular hair style requirement such as long hair, curly hair or problem hair, be sure
and mention that fact when you ask for any referrals. If you have cost or location
constraints, be sure and mention that information as well.
Compile a list of recommended stylists. Don't feel you have to go to the first one that
is suggested. Take your time and get 4-5 names of referrals before you decide to set up an
initial consultation.
Check The Yellow Pages
Check the Yellow Pages and phone directories to see if a stylist with the specialty you
need has a listed advertisement. Many stylists will list their specialties in ads (long
hair consultant, color expert, chemical specialist). If you live in a large city, call a
top
model agency and ask if they have hair stylists they recommend to their models.
Write or call the fashion editor of the daily newspaper and ask who the current names
are in the hair industry. They will often know the hot hair stylists because of their
connection to the fashion and beauty world.
Ask People With Hair You Admire
When you see people out in public with hair styles that you admire or would
like to
try, ask them for the name of their hair stylist. This is a great way to get unbiased
references. Sometimes close family and friends will apply pressure for you to visit their
stylists. Make sure you only select a stylist that is right for you and your needs. Don't
select a stylist just because it may please a friend or relative.
Don't worry about offending a stranger if you ask for the name of their stylist. Most
people will be flattered that you noticed their hair.
Check Out The Recommended Stylist
Once you have compiled a list of 4 of 5 recommended names you need to check out the
stylist and their salon. The best time to get a true feel for a stylist and a salon is on a Saturdays
when they're busiest. Drop in and buy one of their hair care products or
inquire about the services that they provide.
While you're there you can check out the shop and decide if it has a comfortable
atmosphere. Notice how efficient the salon is. Are the stylists relaxed and
focused or rushed and stressed? Take the time to notice how clean and organized the salon
is. Before you drop in, you can make a list of features you value in a shop and then
evaluate those items when you visit. If the shop is busy, you may even be able to hang
around for a short period of time and watch the stylist you are considering while they
work.
Schedule A Consultation Only
Once you've found a salon that you like, make an appointment for a hair consultation
with the stylist you are evaluating. Be firm with your request to schedule a consultation
only. Keep in mind that some stylists may pressure you to let them cut or style your hair on the first
visit. It's important not to be pushed into receiving any services until
you're absolutely sure
that the stylist is right for you and your hair. Some stylists will give you a complimentary
consultation. Others will charge. Make sure you ask at the beginning what the consultation
policy is before you begin. Also make sure that you are not pressured in any
way to accept services you may not be comfortable with.
A good stylist will be happy to meet with prospective clients and schedule a
consultation.
The Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation be sure to check all the prices that the stylist
charges for different hair care services. Find out what products they recommend. Ask them
their policy if you are not satisfied with their service. Check to see if they will do
complimentary touch ups or bang trims.
Be sure to ask the stylist questions about their training and their philosophy on hair
care. Explain any personal history with hair problems (bad perms, color or trims). Explain
any unusual hair care requirements that you may have (limited time for styling, need for a
simple style, desire to grow hair long, etc.)
All of these steps may seem tedious and a waste of time. However, a hair stylist can
make or break your overall appearance. A great hair stylist can do wonders while a bad
stylist can cause pain and heartache over your hair. Take the time to make sure you are
completely comfortable with a new stylist before you trust them with your hair.
A good stylist will be innovative and up-to-date in their area of expertise. It is
important to remember that if you have selected a hair care specialist, they may not be
good at all types of hair care. They may only be an expert in their specialty. Many people
go to a color expert and are disappointed that they are not great at hair styling. Or they
may visit an expert stylist and be disappointed with their color skills. Keep your hair
care goals in mind. If you are looking for a hair professional with a specialty, be
realistic and don't expert them to be an expert at everything. If you are looking for a
hair stylist who is more a generalist, keep this is mind too.
Schedule An Appointment
After you have had your initial consultations and have chosen a stylist schedule an
appointment. The first appointment will be very important. Don't assume that the stylist
will remember what you told them in the initial consultation. While many stylists will
remember, it is your responsibility to remind them of your specific hair goals and needs.
Pay attention to what they do and ask lots of questions.
Be Firm About Your Hair
If at any time your become uncomfortable with what they propose or do to your hair,
feel free to end the appointment and leave. Do not let the stylist talk you into anything
that you are uncomfortable with. Be willing to consider what the stylist suggests, but be
firm about making the final decision on any hair care decisions. Remember, it is your hair
and the stylist is working for you. If the stylist seems pushy or demanding about their
goals for your hair, terminate the appointment immediately.
Cultivate A Long Term Relationship
Finding and cultivating a long term relationship with a great hair stylist is just as
important as finding and bonding with your dentist or doctor or therapist. The best way to
develop great hair is to have a great stylist that can advise you and get to know you,
your hair and your needs. If you do not feel that you can develop a long term beneficial
relationship with your new stylist, be prepared to move on and find someone you can grow
with. Once you feel you have found the right stylist stick with them and let them help you
achieve your long term hair goals.
It's important that you and your stylist treat each other with mutual respect. Always
schedule your appointments well in advance so that your stylist does not feel pressured to
squeeze you into their schedule. Be prompt for all appointments, come prepared to spend
the time necessary for the service you have scheduled. If your stylist treats you well and
does a great job, tip them well to show your appreciation.
Summary
A good stylist is very hard to find. When you do find one, treat them with respect and
appreciation. If they are a good stylist they will do the same for you.
Social Media Network Information
Please follow me on Twitter at:
http://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to
meeting new
people
from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets. Visit us
at Hairboutique.com
located at: http://www.HairBoutique.com, on Facebook, MySpace and
YouTube.
Thank you for visiting us at
The HairBoutique Blog
and for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated. We
apologize in advance but must remove any direct advertisements or
solicitations.
Original Publication Date: 4/13/2006 - Revised Publication
Date: 10/19/10 |
