How to Choose the Perfect Hair Stylist for You!
Your hair is your crowning glory, and a bad haircut or colour can impact your confidence. To ensure your hair matches your personality and lifestyle, you need to find the right hair stylist. But how do you find a good hair stylist?
Finding a stylist is like searching for the ideal job or the right partner – it’s different for everyone. What works for your friend might not be the best fit for you.
Explore these tips to help you make the right decision so you can find a professional hair stylist who you can rely on for years to come.
Research and Get Recommendations
Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the hair industry. Read reviews online on sites like Yelp or Yellow Pages, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. A good hair stylist often has a trail of happy clients.
Look for reviews that mention stylists by name and detail the client’s experiences. Focus on recent reviews (within the last three months) to ensure the stylist is still employed at the salon. Also, notice how stylists or salons respond to positive and negative reviews. This can indicate their level of professionalism and customer service.
Check Out Their Social Media
Checking out a stylist’s social media, like TikTok or Instagram, is a great way to get a feel for their work and style. It’s like flipping through a digital portfolio – you can see their latest cuts, colours, and styles and even catch a glimpse of their personality.
Their posts often show off their favourite techniques and give you a sense of the hair trends they’re into. It’s also a fun way to see how they interact with clients and their salon vibe, helping you figure out if they’re a good fit for you.
Find Out Which Salons They Have Worked at Previously
Hair salons often have specific niches or areas of expertise, such as innovative styling, classic cuts, natural hair, or colour specialties. Knowing the types of salons a stylist has worked at can give you insight into their training and skills.
Also, check the reputation of the salons they’ve worked in. High-end, well-respected salons usually have rigorous standards for their stylists, indicating a higher level of training and professionalism.
Some salons are known for their ongoing professional development programs. A stylist who has worked in environments like these might be more up-to-date with current trends and techniques.
Investigate Their Reputation at the Salon
When you visit a salon, you’re seeking a comfortable and nurturing environment. It can create an awkward atmosphere if you end up with a stylist who isn’t in sync with their colleagues.
When researching your stylist, you might also try to find out if they have moved frequently between salons. If a stylist has worked at several salons in a short period, it’s worth considering why. While there can be valid reasons for frequent changes, it might also indicate professionalism, skill level, or client retention issues.
Learn Whether They Work With Your Hair Type
Just because a stylist is perfect for your friend’s long, straight hair doesn’t mean they’ll suit your short, wavy locks. Knowing a stylist’s expertise with different hair types can help you find the right hairstylist for your specific needs.
Check out your stylist’s portfolio to see if it showcases a variety of hair types. Look for before-and-after photos that include hair similar to yours – whether it’s curly, straight, fine, thick, short, long, or textured.
When you check their profiles on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, pay attention to the captions and hashtags they use. Many stylists tag specific hair types or styles, making it easier to find relevant examples.
Know What Services They Specialise In
When choosing your hair stylist, consider their specific area of expertise to ensure the best results for your hair goals. Each stylist has a different skill set, whether in colour transformations, precision cuts, or specialised treatments like hair extensions or updos.
The best way to find out if a stylist you are interested in offers the services you want is to call the salon and book a consultation. You can ask the stylist about their experience and skills during your consultation. This way, they can guide you on the appropriate cut or colour that suits your face shape or hair texture.
Pricing and Budget
Understand the pricing structure of the salon and the stylist. While you shouldn’t compromise on quality, choosing a stylist who fits your budget is important.
Most salons have an online price list or can provide one upon request. This will give you an idea of what to expect for various services, from basic cuts to more elaborate colouring or treatments. Keep in mind that higher prices don’t always mean better quality, but they often reflect the stylist’s experience and the salon’s range of services.
If you’re looking for specialised services, like advanced colouring techniques or keratin treatments, these typically come at a higher price point due to the skill required and the quality of the products used.
Some salons also offer new client promotions, package deals, or loyalty discounts, providing a more budget-friendly option.
Consultation is Key
Before booking an appointment, ask for a consultation. The consultation is your chance to communicate your desired hairstyle or colour. Bring photos or examples to clearly convey what you’re looking for. This helps the stylist understand your expectations and determine if they can meet them.
Effective communication is essential to any stylist-client relationship. Notice how well the stylist listens to you and how clearly they respond to your questions. Their ability to communicate effectively may be a determining factor in your decision when choosing a hair stylist.
Find the Right Stylist for You at Intaglio Hair Salon
The right stylist can transform your hair and boost your self-esteem and confidence. At Intaglio Hair Salon in Malvern, our team of stylists has years of industry experience in a range of cutting, colouring, and specialised treatments to help you achieve your dream hair.
Contact us today to book your appointment.