FIND THE PERFECT HAIRSTYLIST
Do you check out girls with beautiful hair, and wonder what they've got that you don't? Three little words: The Right Hairstylist. A great hairstylist can transform your look in a major way, giving you a great style that (finally) makes you happy with your hair. But where do you start to find that perfect person? Just follow these practical steps for searching out the best stylist, from Myjellybean.com.
Dream A Little Dream
Take a mo' to imagine your ideal hair salon. Do you want one that's cutting edge and hip? Refined and hoity toity? Comfy and casual? The salon where the environment clicks with you will most likely have a stylist who clicks with you, too.
Talk To Friends
If you've got a friend with great hair, you've got a great clue to where a good stylist is lurking. Talk to your friends - and their friends - about where they get their hair cut. Be sure to find out what they love AND hate about their stylist and the salon. You'll gain valuable inside information, without any risk to your locks - or your wallet.
Assess Your Needs
Depending on your hair type, or the style you know you favor, there's a stylist (or two) out there who's meant just for you. Do you have curly hair? You're going to want a stylist who specializes in curls. Have you got short locks? You should search for a stylist who works well with cropped 'dos.
Do Some Legwork
You can't fully analyze a salon (and its stylists) without stepping through its frosted doors. So don't be afraid to walk into the lobby of several haircutting emporiums that catch your interest. You don't have to make an appointment - just walk into the lobby area, pick up a service/price list and check out the atmosphere. Do the stylists have cute hair? Is the music awesome or annoying? Is this a place where you'd feel comfortable hanging out and getting styled?
Book Consultation
Once you've found a couple of salons that you like the looks of, set up some consultations with different stylists. Salons should be happy to book these for you, and they should be offered for free. Use these meetings to suss out your potential stylist. Show her/him pictures of the hairdo you want; see how they react to the cut and what they have to say about how it could work on you. Also ask them questions about how experienced they are with your hair type, and think about whether you like their personality too. Look for someone with an upbeat attitude who isn't afraid to spend time with you and offer new ideas.
Ask Around
While at the salon for your consultation, ask the stylist you're talking with to point out her other clients. You can check out their hair, and even (discreetly!) ask them about the stylist while they wait for a shampoo.
Stick To Your Budget
Be realistic. It's a waste to find a stylist you adore and then discover you can't afford her rates. Ask about costs up front, before getting too deep into a consultation. There are good stylists at every price point - don't be fooled into thinking you have to pay a fortune, to get a decent haircut.
Take Your Time
When you meet a stylist for a consultation, you don't have to make a decision that day. If you're not 100 percent sure, just thank the stylist for their time and say something like, "I'll probably call later this week." Once you get home, you can reflect on the meeting and think about whether that salon/stylist is right for you.
Trust Your Instincts
Let's be honest, you know if you like someone when you first meet them. If your potential stylist has great things to say, fresh ideas, makes you feel welcome, has okay prices and doesn't pressure you, take the plunge and book an appointment! But if they put your off somehow, are pushy or don't listen to your ideas, or you just don't feel a "click" - it doesn't matter if your BFF loves them. Trust yourself to make the right decision.