Choosing a New Hairdresser

Finding a good hairdresser is difficult, and once you find a hairdresser you do not want to replace them. However, eventually you will be in a situation where your hairdresser leaves, retires, or you move to a new location. So, how do you find a hairdresser that makes you as happy as the last one?

First, you need to realize that finding a hairdresser is a process - and it can be a difficult process. Chances are when you are searching for a new hairdresser; the first one you choose will not be the one you finally "settle down" with. The best resource you can use to find a new hairdresser is taking to people you know. Talk with friends, family, and even acquaintances and ask them where they get their hair done. Once you have a name or a couple names of new hairdressers it's time to do the hard work.

Next, call around to different salons, with your list or name in hand. Always ask about price before you make the appointment. This is vital because some salons will charge as much as $60 or more for a haircut alone, and if you want to add color or highlights to your hair the price becomes unaffordable. Some of these more expensive salons have a "discount day" which is usually the slowest day of the week where prices for haircuts drop dramatically. During this phone call, you want to ask to make sure the hairdresser does (or is willing to do) a consultation prior to cutting your hair.

Getting a consultation gives you a "bailout point" prior to getting your haircut. Sometimes when you meet a hairdresser, your instinct tells you that they will not work for you. Either they are unwilling to listen to what you want in a hairstyle, are not paying attention, give signals that they are going to cut your hair the way they want it, or other bad verbal or non-verbal signals. If at any point you are uncomfortable, and feel that you are about to get a bad haircut - walk away! It is only a consultation. They haven't done anything to your hair yet, so you are stopping a bad cut or style before it happens. And you are avoiding a potentially unhappy situation for you and your hairdresser

Also, take a good look at your stylist too. How they care for themselves and their hair is a good indication of how your hair will turn out. If they don't look like they can style their own hair, chances are they can't style yours. Also, the style of their hair is a reflection of styles they are familiar with. For example, if you are looking for a more trendy style, you may not want the hairdresser that has hair that is stuck in the 80's. They will tend to stick with styles and techniques familiar to them, even if they don't mean too.

Once you have gotten a cut and style you like, keep in mind that this person may not be your final selection. I have had hairdressers that started off great, and by the 3rd visit, the price had inflated and I was getting styles that I could not take care of or did not work with my lifestyle. With this being said, always remember to tip appropriately at the end of the visit. If you do not like your hair, let it reflect in your tip and explain to them why you don't like your hair. If you love your hair, let them know that too. Your hairstylist works on feedback, so if you let them know they are doing something wrong or right in regards to you and their clientele.