You never get a second chance to make a good first impression and your hair is one of the first things people notice! Which makes finding the right hair stylist and salon really important. So what about when you need a new one? I have lived in 6 states over the past 5 years and know that finding a new stylist after a move can be really tricky!
FINDING A NEW STYLIST
Finding the right stylist is nearly as difficult as finding the right companion! Haha! Maybe that’s a little dramatic but the stylist-client relationship involves trust, communication, loyalty, and, just like dating, finding a stylist can be awkward and expensive - repairing a botched cut or a dye mishap can cost you hundreds of dollars, not to mention your dignity.
With all of our moves I wanted to share my tips that have helped me find great stylists after a relocation.
TIPS
- Ask! The easiest way is to ask people with a style you like where they go, in my experience everyone is more than happy to share those details and their love for their stylist.
- Network Salon: When you love and trust a specific brand it really makes it easier to find a new salon. A network salon is vouched for by the line to be a salon of like-minded hairdressers schooled in a specific philosophy of cutting, color, styling and who carry the full product line. I always look for an Aveda or Bumble & Bumble network salon since I know what rigid standards the entire salon has to meet. Even if one of these salons is more than your regular budget, consider going this route even if it is only for a few visits as you get to know people in the area. That way there is no guessing game about the quality of style you are getting while you wait to find that hidden gem stylist who cuts hair in her basement salon after retiring from the Fekkai team in NYC to raise kids.
- Visit potential salons. You’re going to spending a fair amount of time there. Make sure you like the atmosphere. You can get a sneak peek at what they are creating as well! Have you ever been at a restaurant and looked around at other people’s orders? No? Just me? Well I will tell you, it’s the best way to get an idea of what to order. 😉 Same goes with the salon. I visited with Linzie, the owner of Lordis Loft Salon and I knew she was someone I could spend a lot of time with (if you are in the Charleston Area you must check this salon out).
- Talk with them! Once you have an idea what salon and even hairstylist you are wanting to use, have a little chat with them. Tell them what you are envisioning or needing. Most GOOD hairstylists can tell you if that is something they feel comfortable doing. I was beyond please when my stylist at Lordis Salon requested a few pictures of the hair style I was envisioning. This is HUGE! The ombre melt in my mind might look totally different than the ombre melt in yours. This helps you both be on the same page as well as keeping expectations real and builds trust since it’s a great chance for honesty and communication. The basis of any good relationship. 😉
- Ask about discounts. Complimentary consultations are standard practice, and many local salons offer special events, free treatments on select days, free bang trims and client loyalty programs. Be sure to find out what the salon’s policy is for unhappy clients: Will a stylist fix the problem for free? How long do you have to determine if you love it or loathe it?
- Test. Before you do any platinum dye jobs or a total bob or some completely new look for you, try a “test” run. Get a trim, add some simple highlights, or something less drastic but enough that you will see the difference. That way you can see how well (or not) they did before going full throttle. It will also give you something to compare against. Is it the stylist or the fact you actually hate the bob on your face shape? For example: I was in desperate need of a dye fix (i’ll talk about that embarrassing event at a later date, when I have gotten over it, haha!) when I chose to go with Lordis Salon. I knew my hair needed some repair ASAP after a long hot summer spent almost entirely on the beach so the Aveda line was something I sought out. Instead of going full board with an overhaul for my hair I had them trim and fix my color with a light balyage. It looks gorgeous! I also scheduled my appointment for my next trim and more balyage before I left. But that gave me the freedom to decide if I actually wanted to continue. They had me at free bang trims! 😉
Leaving behind a good stylist is like leaving behind one of the family, needless to say I am looking forward to not moving states again for a while since I am really happy with my new salon “home”!
If you are moving soon, have just moved, or are just looking for a new stylist I hope this helps! I am going to share my before and afters of my hair and the magic that they worked at Lordis Loft Salon in the next few weeks. If you are in the Charleston, SC area you should definitely check them out! They are in a gorgeous newly renovated salon on King Street. Stop in for a Brazilian blow out before you head out on the town or a hydrating treatment after your beach vacation. With summer upon us it is important to remember to take care of our hair as well, so we will have a lot of focus on that over the next few months!
What are your best tips for finding a new salon? What do you look for? If you are a Charleston local have you ever been to Lordis Loft Salon?
XOXO~ M&D
