Finding The Right Hair Stylist
5 Things You Should Know

Moving to a new city or just tired of the same old thing, finding a new stylist can be a challenge. If you’ve been with your current stylist for any length of time, you know they are more like a therapist and a stylist because you tell them things your own mother doesn’t know! Once you develop that bond, it’s hard to switch to someone else. You feel like you should be loyal to that stylist and continue the relationship. As a stylist, I really appreciate when my clients are loyal to me. I know what’s going on with their hair - i.e. the color that’s been used on them since they first sat in my chair, the cuts we’ve tried and liked or not, how their hair reacts to different products and the weather… That’s a lot of invaluable information that would take quite a while to develop with a new stylist. I also know about what’s going on in their lives from relationships and family events or struggles to who is having a baby or looking for a new job. A good stylist will keep notes on you about your hair and your current events. It helps us know how to better serve you and also reminds us to get an update the next time you come in. When you see more than a hundred people every six months, it can be hard to keep all the stories straight. The point is, your stylist knows more about you than just your hair issues and it can be a real pain to have to start over. For whatever reason, if you have to find a new stylist, here are a few pointers:

1) Don’t see a different stylist in the same salon. This is a huge insult to your current stylist. If you decide you don’t like your current stylist or things just aren’t working out between the two of you, the least messy way to split up is to look at another salon.

2) Make a habit of keeping track of what’s been done to your hair. If you go in for the same color time after time, slip into the conversation somehow that you were always curious about what color they use on your hair. They won’t give you the exact formula they used, but it’s helpful to your next stylist to know what brand it is at least. Sometimes we have access to charts that give us a comparable formula in the color line we are using so we can match what you already have. If you mix things up, try keeping a little notebook of color choices and what you liked or didn’t (like “we tried a red today and it looked like candy apples – hated it!” or “went for the chocolate cherry look today and it’s amazing!”). You can write this info in your checkbook or daytimer or in your Outlook calendar. However you store information, keep track of these little things. That way, when the new stylist asks you what you like and what has worked for you in the past, you will have something to reference. It’s also helpful to know if you have been getting a semi, demi, or permanent color done. If you’ve gotten perms or relaxers, make sure you know exactly what type of product was being used on you. A mixture of the wrong ingredients can mean a lot of frustration for you and the new stylist.

3) Moving? Instead of going into a new salon for the first time and getting the whole treatment, set an appointment for just a shampoo and style. This is the noncommittal way to find out if you like the atmosphere of the salon, see if you vibe with any of the stylists and if it’s the right place for you. You may end up doing this a couple of times, and I suggest you do it on a Friday. You get medium level traffic so you can see how they deal with the customer flow, but enough personal attention that you aren’t being ignored or rushed. Don’t be shy about watching how all the stylists work. You may not get the best one for your shampoo and style, but you will know by watching how the other stylists interact with their clients if they could be right for you.

4) Realize that establishing a relationship with a stylist takes a little time. If you go to one once or twice and aren’t feeling it, don’t be afraid to try someone else in the salon. But if you’ve gone to the same person more than that, be polite and go somewhere else.

5) Stylist not listening to your hair wishes? If you aren’t communicating well with your current stylist, don’t be shy about speaking your mind or going to someone new. Hey, it happens. We all know it and won’t hold it against you. It’s a hard line between this professional and personal relationship. We move on if you do. Just be respectful and things should work out just fine. Never bash your old stylist to your new stylist. It’s a small community and word travels fast – especially the negative ones. It’s just petty to speak poorly of people in general, so instead of bashing, try telling your new stylist about what wasn’t working before and what you are looking forward to. We appreciate your ability to rise above a tough situation and will respect you more for it.

As long as you keep a professional attitude toward switching stylists, it can be relatively painless. Do your homework and ask friends with fabulous hair where they go, or if you’re new and don’t know anyone be brave and ask strangers whose hair you admire. They will be flattered and you will get your info.