How to Pick a Hairdresser

Remember the last time you moved and left your stylist behind? It's a little scary starting over, trying to find that right person to do your hair. This article will help you connect with that perfect hairdresser for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be brave. If you see someone with a haircut you like ask them who their hairdresser is and where their salon is located. You might be out of your comfort zone, but you could meet some new people.

2. Ask your friends for a recommendation. If you like their hair style be sure to bring them with you or at least a picture of them to your first appointment.

3. Love window shopping? Then visit salons. While there ask yourself do you like what you see? Are the clients happy with their styles? Do you feel comfortable in the salon?

4. Ask for a consultation. Most salons do them for free, and they may be able to see you immediately. If their busy they can book you a short appointment for another time. During the consultation ask questions, talk about your concerns and look through their styling books.

5. Before you make an appointment ask how much they charge? Be sure you know what is included in the procedure, for instance do they wash, blow dry and style your hair for that price or is it ala carte? Hairstylist base their prices on time, product, and expertise.

6. Communication. Make sure your speaking the same language. The saying "give them an inch and they'll take a mile" is true with some hair cutters. Your idea of trim is 1/4", theirs might be 2", have them show you the length they want to cut before they start.

7. Bring pictures. Pictures of you when you were happy with your hair, pictures out of hairstyles* in magazines you like. Remember " A picture is worth a thousand words." You may want the bangs in one haircut and the back of another. You may want blond hair with snow color highlights, and not highlights the color of baby chickens.

8. A stylist may have to work with your hair more than once* to learn how it moves and responds to the cut. Every stylist comes with their own background training and artistic ability, so duplicating your last hairdresser is rare.

9. A good haircut should have versatility. A good stylist should educate you on ways to take care of your hair at home. They should give you some pointers on drying, curling and product use, before you leave.

10. Be open to trying something new with your hair. Your last hairstylist may have said no to perms, but maybe this one knows of a new solution just right for your hair. You never know when the change you feared will turn into a blessing in disguise and you end up with a look you love and a hair designer you trust.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for pictures of hair like yours. Similar in texture, is it fine and thin, coarse and thick? A good stylist will tell you if they can modify the style to your hair type.
• You will generally know after the second time if this hairdresser is able to work with your hair. If your not communicating cut your losses and move on, the right stylist is out there for you.

[beautyqueen26]

on 9/23/2009 Fantastic article! Very thorough analysis. Can't wait to try out the photo idea you mentioned. Five stars!

[susansboneyard]

on 8/20/2009 I used to have nightmares about hairdressers cutting all my hair off. These tips will help me with my beauty parlor phobia. lol

[littlesassy]

on 8/3/2009 I am personally very picky with my hair, and this article is great! I have my own "hair girl," but I go for convenience and price when it comes to my daughters. This certainly is not always the case, but when I take my daughters into a hair chain, I always appraise the stylists' styles, too. If the stylist is sporting a mullet, I might just leave.

[lee-lee]

on 7/27/2009 Thanks for the tips! Sometimes it's hard to find a hairdresser who will listen to you --- 5*****

[Sondrac]

on 7/24/2009 great ideas. Thanks for sharing.