Photo by Baylee Gramling

Originally Posted On: How to Find a Good Hair Stylist and Salon: 6 Helpful Tips to Consider (spreeberry.com)

How To Find A Salon

You’re all set to get your hair done. You’re thrilled at the idea of having a fresh, hot, new look. You put your faith and money into one person – your hairstylist. An hour later, you’re staring at yourself in the mirror, in horror and shock. Sound familiar? Well, you can say goodbye to those awful flashbacks and have a gander at our best tips on how to find a good hairstylist that packs skill with communication to give you exactly what you want. Here’s an outline of what you need to do!

1. Set a Budget

Before you get started on your search, you have to set a budget. How much are you willing to spend on your hair? What kind of treatments do you want? What kind of hairstyle are you looking for? What’s the average cost for these services? When you set a budget, you’ll immediately be able to narrow down your search to stylists that fit within your budget. Set yourself a minimum to a maximum range of what you’re willing to spend. This will show you the bare minimum standard you’re looking for while setting a monetary limit on how much you can afford to spend.

2. How to Find a Good Hair Stylist on Google

Now a quick online search is going to show you hundreds of results. How do you narrow it down and make sense of all the information in front of you? Well, firstly, you have to narrow down your search. Use keywords relevant to your location and words relevant to what you want. Do you just want a hairstylist? Would a freelance hairstylist be appropriate for what you want? Or are you looking for a quality salon experience? Make a list of what you want out of your appointment, and then browse through the websites in front of you to see what comes closest to your checklist.

3. Talk to the Right People for Recommendation

There’s nothing like getting a solid recommendation from a good friend. Talk to your friends and family about their hairdressers and ask them for their honest opinions. However, you don’t have to go with the very first recommendation you get. Instead, make a list of the suggestions you get and then get started on your own independent research.

Another way to look for solid recommendations is to talk to someone who’s got a fantastic hairdo, or one that is similar to your taste. Odds are, if they’ve got a great haircut, they’ve got a great hairstylist too. Get the information you need from them, and set up a consultation.

4. Explore Social Media

Social media is a fantastic way to find up-and-coming salons and hairstylists around you. Here are a few things you can do to make your search simpler. First, search for hashtags that are consistent with what you want. Be specific with things like the type of service you want, the location, and other similar keywords. Secondly, make sure that the pictures you’re focused on are of people who have similar hair to you. This includes similar texture, similar hair goals, skin tone, facial features, and other relevant factors.

Thirdly, make sure you’re saving any promising pages or pictures that you find. If you spot someone with a great haircut, don’t be afraid to reach out with a genuine compliment and a request for a recommendation.

Finally, get a look at the comments underneath the pictures posted by the salon or hairstylist’s page. People often leave reviews in the comment section and this could give you insight into the way the salon handles criticism and feedback, as well.

5. Master the Art of Finding and Reading Reviews

A lot of people will tell you to read online reviews, but the truth is, it isn’t always as simple as that. Brands are more aware than ever of the value of reviews and testimonials and they often go out of their way to post fake reviews that offer nothing but unabashed praise. These types of reviews offer no value to you.

Pay attention to sites that have multiple reviews written in similar language, and posted within a similar time frame. Make sure that you’re reading reviews on multiple platforms and sites to get the most accurate insight into the hairstylist’s work. Don’t just stick to Google or Yelp, but have a look at their personal website, their social media pages, and anything else you can find.

Finally, make sure that the reviews you’re reading are well thought out and useful. Bad grammar and cuss words probably reflect more on the customer than the brand.

6. Set Up a Few Consultations

After you’ve done your research, and browsed all those online forums, it’s time to set up a few consultations with the hairstylists and salons that look promising. During your consultation make sure to ask a lot of questions and pay attention to the way your stylist responds. Of course, you want to look for skill and knowledge, but comfort and communication are just as important.

A Quality Stylist Goes a Long Way

If you want a quality haircut, you’re going to need a quality salon. The good news is, now you know exactly how to find a good hairstylist. All you have to do is make sure to give what you want some thought, set a realistic budget, talk to the right people for recommendations, browse through Google and social media, and read the right kind of reviews.

Need help on your quest to find a good hairstylist? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Use our portal to find the best hairstylist in your area, right now!