Are you in need of the perfect revenge haircut?
Do you want to try out every possible pastel color before the trend dies out?
Have you damaged your hair beyond belief with cheap box dye, and are looking for a miracle worker to get you back into shape? Need a low maintenance cut?
If so, then it sounds like you’re already in the market for a new hair salon. But what should you look for to ensure that you’re working with the best salon, and not the one that’s moments away from being shut down by the health department?
Read on to find out.
1. Read the Customer Reviews
Nothing is as honest as an angry reviewer on social media.
While one or two off-the-wall bad reviews shouldn’t be enough to discourage you from working with a salon, if that number starts to climb higher, it’s a serious red flag.
In addition to checking out customer reviews, you might also want to ask a salon if they’re willing to give you client contact information. Speaking with someone directly is a great way to get the whole story.
2. Peep Them on Social Media
While customer reviews are awesome, nothing quite shows off a stylist’s true skill set like pictures on social media.
Spend some serious time scrolling through their Instagram and Facebook accounts. This will help you to get a feel for their talents, as well as the kind of hair they can and can’t make happen.
3. Make Sure They Have the Right Equipment
The best salon will have salon pro equipment.
When you visit the salon for your initial consultation, make sure to take a hard look around you. Are stylists cleaning their combs and brushes? Do the hot tools they’re using look new, or like they’ve been sitting in the salon since 1997?
What about the chairs they expect you to sit in and the dyes they use?
Make sure that you’re asking all the right questions to avoid heartbreak…and a potential infection.
4. Ask About Their Training
Not everyone has what it takes to be a stylist – and far fewer have the training required to hone their skills.
Never feel shy about asking a potential stylist questions about their professional background and training. If they aren’t willing to disclose their certifications, then it’s time to move on.
5. Consider the Overall Salon
Even if you’ve found the stylist of your dreams, keep in mind that you still need to fit in with the overall vibe of the salon.
Can’t deal with the stylist in the next chair constantly chewing gum? Feel depressed by the harsh lighting that seems to highlight all of your flaws?
If so, then it sounds like you still haven’t found the best salon for you – it’s time to keep on looking.
6. Is It Easy to Make an Appointment?
Nobody wants to deal with a salon that they have to call ten times just to make an appointment for a simple cut and color.
The best salon in your town will use state-of-the-art appointment booking equipment, will answer salon phones promptly and return missed calls on time, and will always give you a stylist’s full availability.
Cancellations, getting pushed back, or getting over-charged for an incorrect service aren’t things you should have to put up with.
If you can’t make some kind of appointment on your first call, then it’s time to move on.
7. Don’t Blow Your Budget
The best salon is one that doesn’t make you choose between paying your rent on time and getting a bang trim.
When you’re looking for your next hair salon, be sure you ask exactly how much everything costs.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in tipping too – and there’s a big difference between 20% of $40.00 and 20% of $400.
8. Location, Location, Location
You can find the best salon in the world – but if it’s a two-hour drive from where you live, ask yourself if it’s really worth it.
The right salon will be in the right location, and it will also be in a safe one. The last thing you want to worry about is the creepy guy roaming around the parking lot when you’re just trying to get some fresh highlights put in.
If your dream salon is too far out of your travel radius, then ask them if they have any other suggestions. Hairstylists often refer each other, so don’t worry about creating drama.
9. Make Sure They Can Do What You Want
Obsessed with the galaxy hair trend? Can’t get enough of those Kardashian-esque long bobs? Ready to try a crazy new shade when it comes to ombre?
If you have big dreams when it comes to your hair, make sure you’re hiring a stylist that can actually make them happen. Be as upfront and as detailed as possible with what you want, and always look for a stylist that’s equally honest about managing your expectations.
Also, always check their social media accounts and portfolios to make sure they have the experience creating those crazy colors you crave.
10. Do You Actually like This Person?
It’s no secret that, more often than not, you and your stylist will develop a serious friendship over the course of all those single processes and blowouts.
So, when you’re looking for the best salon and stylist, make sure that you’ve picked someone that you get along and vibe with. After all, having a bad relationship with your stylist is a recipe for disaster.
How to Find the Best Salon for You
Thanks to this post, you have a much better idea of what it takes to find the best salon for you and your precious locks.
But now that you know what to look for, how do you go about actually getting it?
By using our online classified ads.
No matter what kind of texture, color, or ‘do you’re interested in, we can connect you with the professionals that can make it happen.
For more tips on how to be your best self in 2018 (and find the best people to help you) be sure to check out our blog.