Choose The Right Hair Stylist
Choose The Right Hair Stylist – The only thing harder than finding the perfect guy? Finding the perfect hairdresser. We’ve all ventured into uncharted hair territory only to walk out with an accidental bob, botched bangs, and probably some tears. Whether you’ve recently moved to a new city or you’re going through a dramatic hair breakup, we spoke to Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, on how to find the right stylist to suit your specific needs. Before you plan your next hair makeover, follow these simple steps:
Ask Around
Sometimes the best way to find a trusted stylist is through word of mouth. If you spot a cut or color you love on a friend or acquaintance (or even a perfect stranger), ask them which salon they go to and who they see there, Toth suggests. “Second, ask the person what their name is so you can tell your future stylist,” he adds. “Knowing who referred you will help the stylist understand what kind of aesthetic you like and who to thank for the reference.”
Book a Blowout
This is the safest way to get a feel for a salon without making any major commitments. “Sometimes you can even get a discount by going through promotional booking services like Groupon, Living Social, and Gilt City,” Toth says.
Know Your Products
Obsessed with Oribe or Kérastase? Jot down your favorite brands and visit their websites, the pro adds. “Manufacturers often have a salon locator that allows you to search your local neighborhood for salons that use their hair styling products, shampoos or even hair coloring products.”
Do Some Research
Once you have a few salons in mind, narrow down the choices even further by searching the web. “Try doing a Google search on the salon and the stylist you have in mind,” Toth tells us. “Look up the salon’s Yelp reviews and see what people say firsthand. I recommend averaging out the reviews of any given salon or individual stylist to get a good idea of their capabilities.”
If all else fails, there’s always Instagram. “There’s no better research than seeing a stylist’s actual work,” says Toth. “Salons often have an Instagram handle or hashtag that can show you day to day images of the salon, the clients, and the finished hairstyles.”
