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Get What You want from your hair stylist
“Finding the Best
Hair Stylist” By Victoria Wordinger

A great haircut starts with a stellar hair stylist. However, cutters who are great at short hair cuts may not be ideal for longer looks. What’s more, many women unreasonably expect a hair styist to be able to do everything, or they stick with someone they like just because they think they’re friends. They’re not–hair stylists are simply people who provide you with a service. When you know what you want, start by making a list of hairdressers and their qualifications. Here’s a roundup of places to look:

Among Friends
Recommendations are the best place to start your search. If you know someone who has your hairtype and and a hair cut you love, ask who does her hair, Just be sure the hair stylist is in your price range.

Within Associations
Hair care salons that are members of Intercoiffure are renowned for their artistic training. Members of the Salon Association are more business oriented but they probably have strong training programs. Also, hair care salons and hair stylists who belong to the National Association of Cosmetologists tend to keep up on the latest hair style trends and techniques in their field.

Then, there are special associations for hair colorists. Their members tend to specialize, so don’t look there for a great hair cutter. Most can be found on the Internet.

In Trendy or Sophisticated Areas
Depending on what type of haircut you want, hair care salons that will best deliver it tend to be located in neighborhoods that reflect that particular hair style, i.e., don’t expect to get the coolest new ‘do in the richest part of town. Once you’re in the right place, watch customers coming out the door. If you see lots of fabulous hair cuts, ask the receptionist to recommend a hair stylist for a consultation, or ask a customer who cut her hair.

On Hair Care Product Websites
Wella, Redken, Graham Webb, Paul Mitchell, Matrix–any of the professional hair care product companies offer tons of training. See if any of their educators also work in a hair care salon near you by checking out their websites.

Once you find a great salon or hair stylist, or if you already have ahair stylist you dig, see how many of the following qualifications apply to him or her: Cutting specialist, platform educator, former cosmetology instructor, holder of advanced education certifications, more than 5 years of experience, editorial session hairdressers, in-salon trainer, Vidal Sassoon-trained cutter. The more of these skills and training your hair stylist has, the better.

Now that you have a hair stylist in mind, book an appointment for a hairstyle consultation. If you want to stay with your current hairdresser, let the receptionist know that you need extra appointment time, because you want to talk about making a change.

Photo Finish
Next, collect several pictures of hair styles you like. In addition to the photos in this magazine many internet websites have images of hairstyles you can print. Some even let you upload a photo of yourself so you can give them a virtual test. Before you walk in the door, set some boundaries for what you will and won’t do.

In the salon chair, don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how trivial you think they’ll sound. It’s a good idea to write down your questions beforehand so you won’t forget any of them. Show your photos and discuss how they may work with your hair type, facial shape and lifestyle. Ask if the look will be easy to work with at home.

After talking, ask for suggestions and have the hair stylist show you what he or she has in mind. Make certain you’re listened to. If you get any negative vibes, get up and go.

If you come to an agreement as to what you want and exactly what will be done, book an appointment. Only go ahead the same day if you’re not only certain, but excited. Even then, question anything that doesn’t look right.

Once the hair cut is completed, check your hair from all sides. Don’t leave the salon unhappy; speak up when you are in the chair. If you kept close watch, you should have the look you wanted. Hopefully, there’s time left for you to learn some new hair styling options. If your hair stylist lets you know each hair care product used and how to use them, chances are good you’ll continue to get what you want for years to come.

Article courtesy of Harris Publications

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