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How to Choose a Hair Salon

How to Choose a Hair Salon

Anyone who’s ever had a haircut knows that all hair salons are not created equal…but how can you choose the perfect salon for you?

One of the hardest things to do, especially when relocating to a new area, is finding a new hair salon. Certainly, it’s not as high a priority as finding a dentist, a school, or a pediatrician, but it’s pretty close. Whether you’ve just moved, or are simply ready for a change, here are some effective ways for finding the hair salon that’s right for you.

1. See who is advertising.

You might find ads on billboards, in local publications, in coupon mailers, on the exterior of vans or other forms of transportation, or anywhere in town. One of the best places to begin your research is online. Some salons don’t put up a website, and this should raise a red flag in your search. A professional website can be constructed for as little a few hundred dollars, so if a salon chooses not to put up a website, it makes you wonder how serious they are about their business (and about staying in business). Another reason a salon might not have a website is if they’re brand new – another reason they likely wouldn’t be the best choice for you.

2. Go in for a closer look.

Once you’ve reviewed some websites and narrowed your search a bit more, the next step is to drive around, check out the location and wander into the shop. When looking inside the salon, the first person to greet you should ideally be a very warm and friendly receptionist. Everyone likes to feel comfortable with the people around them, especially if you might be a little nervous about a new “hair experience.” This initial contact is key. Consider these factors: how is the decor and the feel of the salon? How clean and tidy is the salon? Ask to be shown around, see how the staff react. Look at the clients in their chairs as you walk around. Ask the front desk if any stylist specializes in the cut or color you are looking for, ask how many years they have been doing hair.

3. Ask for a referral.

Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for people in your area with a great haircut or color. Ladies generally love to be asked about their hair and complemented even if you just bumped into them in the library or at the grocery store. If you see someone with a nicely cut bob for example the chances are their stylist will be able to do any haircut you desire, as a nicely executed bob is probably the hardest haircut to do well.

4. Test the waters.

Once you have narrowed your search down to just one or two locations and asked all the relevant questions, you could book a blow dry and style for yourself to get a feel for that particular stylist. If you have a teenage girl in the family you could also bring them in to have a cut and watch closely how that goes.

Finding a great stylist may take a bit of time, but it’s worth the investment because when you find someone outstanding, you know you’ll always get a great cut and you’ll want to keep coming back year after year.