How to choose a new salon

Written by Mona Lazer

I hear all the time from clients about how hard it is to find a new salon. One of my clients told me she feels it’s easier to find a new dentist than it is to find a new salon. So, what should you be looking for when choosing a new salon? When choosing your new salon make sure you do your research. Ask friends and family for referrals. Visit salons near your location and look for cleanliness, the type of customer service you receive, pricing, hours and always look at their website and check the internet for any reviews the salon may have received. If you don’t find a lot of reviews, don’t necessarily write that salon off. Remember, true reviews should be from actual clients like yourself. Just make sure you post a review of your experience for future clients.

Once you locate a potential salon, call them up and schedule a consultation and, not just for your hair. This is your chance to interview the stylist and salon. Pay attention to how this initial phone call is handled, for instance, was the call handled in a professional manner? Were you able to schedule a time that is convenient for you? Do they confirm appointments made in advance? That first phone call is your first clue as to what type of customer service you may receive. When you arrive at your new salon, look at the retail shelves. Are they stocked and clean? How is the atmosphere at the salon? Does your personality ‘fit’ the salons atmosphere? How were you greeted? Is the salon you’ve chosen to visit computerized? How does your future stylist greet you and how is his/her appearance? Paying attention to the little things can certainly be an indication as to how this salon does business. During the initial consultation your future stylist should ask you many questions including:

• When was the last time you had your done professionally?
• What types of products are you currently using?
• What challenges are you having with your hair?

They should also discuss any scalp issues you may have and of course what you should expect from the current service. Don’t be afraid to ask the stylist questions about their experience and types of training they regularly attend. In my opinion, going to a hair show once or twice a year is great but, actual hands-on training, whether in the salon or out, is a BIG plus! Be sure you both have clarity about the desired outcomes and the cost before beginning the actual service.

During the consultation, notice the other stylists. Do they promptly sweep hair and sanitize the shampoo bowls, per Texas State Board rules? Are their stations clean and clutter free?Are the tools clean and in good working condition? How do they store the combs and brushes? If you have any doubts, don’t be afraid to leave and find another salon that meets your standards. As the service is being performed, does your stylist make suggestions on solving your hair challenges? No one likes a hard sell but, your stylist should educate you about the products you need to achieve your customized look and what is needed for you to reproduce this look at home.

Your new stylist should always let you know when you need to return to maintain your look and offer to pre-book your next appointment. Now ask yourself, how did the salon and stylist make you feel? Did your stylist wow you with their technical skill and excellent customer service? You are the “star of the show” and should be treated as one by all members of the salon staff, not just your stylist. If your experience wasn’t all you expected it to be, then you should notify the salon manager or owner. If that doesn’t solve any issues then cancel your next appointment and visit the next salon on your list until you find your match.