Top 10 Tips on finding a professional hairstylist

How do I Find the Right Professional to maintain my hair?

You are not in Atlanta, sad face, (b/c if your were in the “A” you would obviously come to me) and are seeking a professional to care for your tresses.

Searching for the “RIGHT” professional is like hiring someone for the job of S.imply K.eeping Y.our H.air H.ealthy. Don’t just hop in anyone’s chair that claims they do natural hair. That’s a HUUUUGE NO NO. You may come out looking like Ciely from “The Color Purple” or like Coolio. (Yeah, I don’t think either is a good look) LOL Well here are 10 tips on searching for the Best Natural Hairstylist in your area.

1) Write down and ask questions.

Remember this IS an interview; you want to hire the best person for the job. Here are a few questions you can ask (its best to ask these questions in person as you can see with your eyes rather than your ears:

A)   Are you licensed?

B)   Do you regularly go to training classes? If so what was class and when was it?

C)   What products do you use?

D)   Are you familiar with my hair texture?

E)   Do you have a portfolio of YOUR work? May I see it?

F)    Do you have references that I can call?

2) Request to see images of THEIR work.

This way you can get an idea of what your hair will possibly look like. Make sure it’s their work that they are showing you. If you are unsure just ask.

3) Great work is not cheap and cheap work is not great.

Although there may be very few exceptions to the rule, but overall a Great Professional Stylist won’t be cheap. If you are hung up on the price you are doing your hair a huge disservice. When you are searching for a professional, know that their prices should be in line with or slightly higher than others that do the same great work. So don’t be scared because of the price. Invest in yourself and treat your hair like royalty. When you do you will definitely see a difference. Even if you can’t afford to see your professional stylist on a regular basis, they will be able to give you a regiment for you to care for your tresses at home. Budget seeing your stylist on a quarterly or bi annual basis, more regular if your finances allow.

4) Product Knowledge

When you’re asking the potential stylist what products do they use also ask the following questions.

A)   Why they prefer that line?

B)   What are the benefits of that line?

In doing so helps you to understand the stylist level of knowledge and their choosing of products used for hair care. If you get a stylist to tell you “What ever you bring in is fine.” Or they use non-professional products that can be purchased at any beauty supply store. ANND if you see black gel or beeswax. RUUUUUNNNNN Forrest RUUUUUNNN

5) Explain services and techniques they provide.

Many stylists will offer several techniques to styling and nourishing hair. Usually there are different techniques offered for different textures, curl/wave patterns, density, elasticity and porosity. (There is no such thing as a HAIR TYPE.) When a stylist offers certain services inquire about why are they provided and what are the benefits. A knowledgeable stylist will be able to explain and show the benefits of each service provided. As you the client may need those services during visit or in the future.

6) Inquire about recent training.

Stylist that truly have a passion for maintaining healthy and stylish hair will seek classes or extra knowledge to pass on to their clients. The hair industry is constantly changing in trends and techniques. So those that stay in the know will give you more bang for your buck. Because, Its your hair and you should know. Besides a stylist can’t do your hair if there is none there. LOL

7) Request references

Ask if you may contact a client to inquire of a potential stylist work ethic and client services. Remember you are interviewing the best person for the job of caring for your hair.  A great stylist won’t mind you contacting a client, as they know that their clients will give awesome referrals. Call or text this client on the spot while in the salon in front of stylist, this way the stylist doesn’t have chance to coach them into giving a positive referral.

8) Consultations are a must.

If the potential stylist doesn’t require consultations or do one prior to service being rendered then you may be doomed. Consultations helps to give insight into what can be expected of your stylist, level of expertise/knowledge of what they do, and also gives the stylist a better idea of what you the client are expecting/ want. They also give you a feel for personality and to see if the two of you are a personality match. You also get to see the set up in which they provide services. Are they clean and neat or filthy and messy? Is the salon environment suiting to your needs and wants? Is it big, noisy and gossipy or is it small, serene, and intimate?

9) Overbooked and overworked Stylist.

When you go into a salon, are the clients waiting for hours before services are performed?  (Which you may ask the clients seated how long have they been awaiting services? & Is this a regular occurrence?) Do the clients look happy? Does the stylist look tired and exhausted? If so you just may want to reconsider. Stylists who are overworked and overbooked tend to not be very personable. Usually they may be on phone with friends and family having regular conversations, or they act as a drone…Next, sit in chair, shampoo, condition, deep condition under dryer (to buy time), rinse, dry, style or rinse, style, dry…Next repeat cycle again and again, with little to no conversation or showing genuine interest in their clients.  This type of environment can be draining and a all day task. If you don’t mind spending all day in a salon by all means. But for those who have a life and enjoy having inspiring conversations with their stylist this environment may give you a headache. (pulls ibuprofen out, and sips on flasks from purse LMAO).  You want to go somewhere where you feel important as the client and the attention is on you. Although some of you may like being recognized as “NEXT” or  the lack of engaging in conversation, so this may work for you. Lol Good luck with that.  Stylist to regular customer; “I’m sorry what’s your name again?”  Client; “Its ______ and I’ve been your client for 3 years.” Stylist to client;  “Ooooops, my bad, its been a long day.” (Yeeeaaahhh right. SMH)

10) Do you feel, confident, comfortable and assured?

Finally at the end of your search, Are you confident that the stylist you have chosen will take care of all your hair care needs and wants? Are you comfortable with this person doing your hair and in their salon environment? Has the stylist has assured you that they are knowledgeable, well trained and professional in their craft? If the answer is YES, then congratulations you have hired the best person for the job of S.imply  K.eeping  Y.our H.air H.ealthy!

As you can see a lot should be considered when searching for the “RIGHT” professional to entrust your crowning glory. This is not something that should be taken lightly. As the wrong person will leave you bald like Demi Moore in G.I. Jane or looking like Stevie Wonder’ing Where My Hairline Went. Either way, for long luscious, healthy hair, a knowledgeable professional will ensure your hair is and looks at it’s best!